Evolution

Why are humans still drawn to fire after thousands of years?

Humans have long been drawn to fire; our ancient ancestors used it for warmth, protection and cooking.

In fact, fire was critical for our evolution.

But thousands of years later, with all our modern electric lighting and cooking facilities, fire has become a comfort rather than a necessity in the developed world.

So why then are humans still fascinated by fire?

One suggestion is that humans are born with an instinct to learn how to build and control fire, and if we don't get the chance to master it, we remain attracted to it as adults.

Goosebumps may hold key for skin cancer, baldness and burns treatment

But new research shows that we may have been underestimating the role of the humble goosebump.

Professor Rod Sinclair, dermatologist at the University of Melbourne, explained he had been "following a hunch" that goosebumps were not just an evolutionary by-product.

It turns out that Professor Sinclair's hunch may have been on track, as his new research shows the "goosebump muscle" could hold the key for skin cancer, baldness and burns treatment.

"As we do more research we find that nothing is for nothing. It's almost as though there's a grand design to the body.

Hip pain may be 'hangover from evolution'

And if current trends continue they predict the humans of the future could be at even greater risk.

They studied 300 specimens from different species spanning 400 million years to see how bones changed subtly over millennia.

The changes came as man began standing up straight on two legs.

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