Human fossils set European record

The bones are the oldest found in Europe

Fossils picked up in a Romanian bear cave are the oldest specimens yet found of modern humans in Europe, scientists say.

One of the items - a male, adult jawbone - has been dated to be between 34,000 and 36,000 years old.

The other pieces, which include the facial bone of an adolescent, are still being tested but are thought to be of a similar age.

This puts the fossils - from three different individuals - in a period in history when modern humans are believed to have shared the continent with Neanderthals, their now extinct hominid cousins.

Indeed, the researchers reporting the discoveries go so far as to suggest the fossils show some degree of hybridisation - they are possibly the result of interbreeding between modern humans and Neanderthals, they argue.

This is a position that drives a heated debate among scientists, many of whom doubt there was much mixing of the species.

These researchers point to DNA studies that indicate Neanderthals contributed little or nothing to the genes of humans living today.

Man, Woman Rest In Safety After Cave Ordeal In Colorado

A man and a woman are recovering from dehydration after spending nearly five days lost in a cave. John Hadar and Sherry DeCrow were rescued Friday by family and friends, who criticized Garfield County deputies for delaying their search efforts. Sgt. Ray Hensley said investigators followed proper procedures. Hadar, whose age wasn't available, and DeCrow, 49, went into Hubbards Cave in Glenwood Canyon on the afternoon of Aug. 24 with flashlights but no food or water, said DeCrow's daughter, Ramiah DeCrow. Their flashlight batteries died, and the pair couldn't find their way out, the daughter said.

Source: Orlando Sentinel