Not-so-breaking news from the science of anthropology: Another piece of the puzzle that may help to explain why our Neanderthal brethren decided to go the way of the dinosaurs, while "we" (by we I mean the somewhat more highly evolved beings) survived.

It's really an interesting puzzle. The current theory is that the modern human had a more highly developed ability to vocalize [1], as in, was able to produce words, and maintain a vocabulary, while the more primitive neaderthal was relegated to "UURP!"s and "RUMPH!"s. It seems as if the old us just wasn't able to compete or adapt to the "new" society.

This theory is bolstered by the discovery of a gene that appears to be responsible for our ability to speak; it's called the FOXP2 gene. While there's only anecdotal evidence to support this finding, it seems to be quite convincing. How though, can we ascertain whether or not the ancients truly lacked this gene?

Well, one enterprising Candian researcher has decided to cast aside the traditional notion of analyzing neanderthal bones in favor of a more prevelant source of their genetic code: Poop.

Poop "deposited" in caves and then sheilded from the elements through the natural process of sedimentation, is thought to be preserved for thousands of years, Hendrik Poinar hopes, anyway. He plans on anaylzing fossilized fecal material in an attempt to once and for all settle the score with our non-verbal cousins. While his research his highly focused and specialized, I think we should all take a moment, and consider the implications. What if, 10,000 years from now, some up-and-coming archaeobiologist uncovers one of our septic tanks? What secrets will it reveal? How could YOUR poor bathroom habits tarnish the name of our society for all of history?

Think about THAT the next time you decide to flush something that is clearly labeled, "Do Not Flush" (such as last thursday's leftovers).