"The picture of evolution is becoming more beautiful": anthropologist Stanislav Drobyshevsky on new discoveries

In recent years, the science of human origins has been enriched with many amazing discoveries. This was stated by Stanislav Drobyshevsky, Candidate of Biological Sciences, Associate Professor at Lomonosov Moscow State University, and leader of the public science outreach movement, "Drobyshevsky's Projects", at the National Centre RUSSIA. According to him, no super-global changes in the understanding of evolution have occurred, but so many interesting details and clarifications have accumulated that the picture of the past is becoming increasingly three-dimensional and beautiful.

"We have learned much more about the creative abilities of our ancestors — proto-sapiens and Neanderthals. In 2025, new materials appeared about the ancient rock art of Sulawesi, about the creativity and adornments of Cro-Magnons — for example, about the labrets they wore in their mouths. And, in particular, there was found such a wonderful little 'doodle'," shared the scientist, demonstrating an ancient artistic depiction printed on his T-shirt.

He reminded that in recent years, new species of ancient humans have been discovered: the Denisovan hominins, the "hobbits" from Flores Island, Homo naledi, and Australopithecus deyiremeda. Stanislav Drobyshevsky also stated with certainty that more other human species will undoubtedly be found.

"For example, in palaeogenetics, traces of some other species have been found in Denisovans. We haven't found bones belonging to this species yet, but it is present in the genetics. So we will find it and identify it, or maybe we have already found it but have not recognised it yet. Traces of unknown ancestors are also being discovered in modern inhabitants of Africa," the scientist explained.

The Indonesian islands are of particular interest, according to Stanislav Drobyshevsky. For instance, he is convinced that a new human species will be named on the island of Sulawesi, where very ancient tools have already been discovered. And there are several thousand islands there, the scientist noted.

"So, beauty is being refined all the time, and the picture of human evolution is becoming increasingly clear and beautiful," concluded Stanislav Drobyshevsky.

Stanislav Drobyshevsky, anthropologist, Candidate of Biological Sciences, Associate Professor at Lomonosov Moscow State University, and leader of the public science outreach movement, "Drobyshevsky's Projects", acted as an expert for Russian Science Day at the National Centre RUSSIA. He also took part in filming a new episode of the educational podcast "Russia Speaks" — an original project of the National Centre RUSSIA dedicated to discussing the future of medicine, science, culture, and technology.