UMMAA curator Raven Garvey and colleagues published a study in Science Advances, exploring potential effects of a geomagnetic excursion on humans living 41,000 years ago. Space weather models presented in the study indicate a significant reconfiguration of our magnetosphere during the so-called Laschamps event, which would have permitted higher-than-present amounts of harmful UV radiation to reach Earth's surface. The team explored the possible roles of behaviors and technologies (e.g., clothing and iron oxide) in avoiding detrimental effects of increased UVR.

Read the UM Press release and article via the links in our bio!

press release: https://news.umich.edu/sunscreen-clothes-and-caves-may-have-helped-homo-sapiens-survive-41000-years-ago/

paper: https://www.science.org/doi/epdf/10.1126/sciadv.adq7275