July 2016 PMID 27411595

How China is rewriting the book on human origins.

Jane Qiu

Mentions

230
Peak: 21 in Mar 2024
across 7 sources since Sep 2022

Extended reach

647,502
potential audience

Total likes

244

Video views

428

Mentions per month

Sep 2022 – Oct 2025

Where it's discussed

  • Facebook93 posts
  • X / Twitter84 posts
  • News20 articles
  • Reddit16 posts
  • Blogs15 articles
  • Bluesky1 posts
  • YouTube1 videos

AI synopsis

What people are saying

The discussions reflect a strong interest in how Chinese fossil discoveries and research are reshaping the understanding of human evolution, with some posters emphasizing the significance of Asian contributions, using terms like ' rewriting,' 'challenging,' and 'shifting the center of gravity' to convey the transformative impact of these findings. The tone varies from scientific curiosity to national pride, illustrating both intellectual engagement and cultural implications.

AgreementModerate agreement

Most discussions acknowledge that China's fossil finds and research challenge traditional views of human evolution, supporting the article's premises.

InterestHigh interest

Participants show high curiosity and engagement with new theories, evidence, and implications regarding human origins, especially shifting narratives from Africa to Asia.

EngagementHigh engagement

Many social discussions involve referencing specific scientific findings and debating their significance, indicating deep engagement.

ImpactModerate impact

Some posts suggest these discoveries could influence scientific paradigms and national identities, highlighting moderate to high impact.

Abstract in brief

  • China is making significant discoveries and contributions to the study of human origins, challenging Western-led narratives and reshaping our understanding of human evolution.
  • New fossil finds and archaeological evidence from China suggest that early human species evolved in East Asia, not just Africa, broadening the timeline and geography of human development.
  • China's advancements in technology and research methods are helping scientists uncover more detailed insights into ancient human history, positioning China as a crucial player in the field of paleoanthropology.]

Top posts

Most liked on X and Bluesky
Chris Stringer
@ChrisStringer65 · X

How China Is Rewriting the Book on Human Origins https://t.co/nAKNbkHPI6

Sep 23, 2022 · 56 likes · 14 shares · 29,823 followers View post →
ShanghaiPanda ( Account deactivation)
@thinking_panda · X

But all agree that Asia — the largest continent on Earth — has a lot more to offer in terms of unravelling the human story. “The center of gravity,” says Petraglia, “is shifting eastward.” ... ... For science, no theory is absolute. https://t.co/6WhpHP6tnX https://t.co/W7MrGgg1t6 https://t.co/mRkkBUqzB7

Mar 29, 2024 · 47 likes · 7 shares · 175,507 followers View post →
Joel Atkinson
@Joel_P_Atkinson · X

from H. erectus in Asia interbred with incoming groups from Africa and other parts of Eurasia, and their progeny gave rise to the ancestors of modern east Asians, says Wu" https://t.co/wNqo0CLsPP

Jul 16, 2023 · 44 likes · 6 shares · 7,390 followers View post →
michaelturton
@michaelturton · X

Old but wonderful piece on how the PRC is using anthropology to turn Chinese into a separate form of human. https://t.co/wXCGbdozUm

Mar 30, 2024 · 29 likes · 10 shares · 6,807 followers View post →
ShanghaiPanda ( Account deactivation)
@thinking_panda · X

@Joel_P_Atkinson But all agree that Asia — the largest continent on Earth — has a lot more to offer in terms of unravelling the human story. “The center of gravity,” says Petraglia, “is shifting eastward.” ... ... For science, no theory is absolute. https://t.co/6WhpHP6tnX

Mar 29, 2024 · 15 likes · 175,507 followers View post →
xenodochial
@xenodochial05f6 · X

@ultra_orbs @MungoManic @PrometheusCHT @clairlemon - as others have commented, the controversy is whether or not Aboriginal Australians displaced an earlier population - there are many (myself included) who suspect that many early humans may have emerged from regions in Asia. see the following: https://t.co/FK1zY8ETWQ

Mar 18, 2025 · 5 likes · 731 followers View post →

All mentions

Understanding Human Origins: From Africa to Europe

In this episode of Dry Bones, archaeologist Kathleen explores the debate around human origins and the Out of Africa models. Discover how the spread of Homo sapiens to Europe around 45,000 years ago relates to…

DryBones · Sep 16, 2025 428 views
Danya Guttmann
@SallyWisemann · X

@D12082024 https://t.co/XmosZVEYZo

Oct 17, 2025 · 2,703 followers View post →
Marshmallow Capital
@MarshmallowCap · X

@uscientificu @lereveildatlas Voilà quelques sources de ce que je dis avec certitude https://t.co/GA2Av9zGG5

Sep 29, 2025 · 1 like · 235 followers View post →
Colton Langs
@ColtonLangs35 · X

@KurochanIRL @trumpetadagreat @RealPData https://t.co/r3LldCHqYb you are on the wrong side

Jun 8, 2025 · 14 followers View post →
jorge smith
@jorge95444725 · X

@sugar_d999 @RAISRAEL2 Actually it’s the other way round https://t.co/jtO4rtiKkA

May 12, 2025 · 1 like · 29 followers View post →
GeneralKunta
@GeneralKunta_ · X

@DontUseGentoo @KaiNaildit2 @hambonesrevenge @Soulful1865 https://t.co/ieqauLG2Y4 reading is fundamental

Apr 8, 2025 · 22 followers View post →
xenodochial
@xenodochial05f6 · X

@ultra_orbs @MungoManic @PrometheusCHT @clairlemon - as others have commented, the controversy is whether or not Aboriginal Australians displaced an earlier population - there are many (myself included) who suspect that many early humans may have emerged from regions in Asia. see the following: https://t.co/FK1zY8ETWQ

Mar 18, 2025 · 5 likes · 731 followers View post →
flatline_now
@FlatlineJack · X

@funkhouser88 @BrianSa14662777 @tarheel_texas @RadioGenoa Chinese have been finding 110 000 year old human skeletons for years now (out of africa is 70 000 years) https://t.co/zbI22VfYxQ

Dec 6, 2024 · 1 like · 274 followers View post →
Nihlith
@Nihlith30349 · X

Where did humans come from? https://t.co/xx6jnLjFzC https://t.co/nqH9MVXE4H

Dec 4, 2024 · 89 followers View post →
swarm23
@swarm23war · X

@jenniferzeng97 Want to explain China? The truth. "Studies of Chinese populations show that 97.4% of their genetic make-up is from ancestral modern humans from Africa" https://t.co/nPZxwG054a. https://t.co/GGR1UWpniG

Nov 20, 2024 · 2 likes · 1,287 followers View post →
swarm23
@swarm23war · X

@thinking_panda DON'T INSULT YOUR AFRICAN BROTHERS!!! "Studies of Chinese populations show that 97.4% of their genetic make-up is from ancestral modern humans from Africa https://t.co/nPZxwFZxeC.

Nov 14, 2024 · 1,287 followers View post →
swarm23
@swarm23war · X

@thinking_panda "Studies of Chinese populations show that 97.4% of their genetic make-up is from ancestral modern humans from Africa Tariffs work. China and your close African relatives should fight Trump. https://t.co/nPZxwFZxeC.

Nov 14, 2024 · 1 like · 1,287 followers View post →
Ryan Wagner
@ToastyWag · X

@turtlecoal @Joe__Bassey Honestly, thanks for having me look this up @turtlecoal because this turned out to be extremely in-depth and interesting. I’ve got something for you to check out that I just went over a couple of times. Asia’s ancestry seems to be extremely nuanced. https://t.co/OE3BFOrTZQ

May 18, 2024 · 71 followers View post →
Adolf Xi
@AdolfJinping · X

"“But it's increasingly clear that many Asian materials cannot fit into the traditional narrative of human evolution.”" Think I'm kidding? The PRC is the true cradle of humanity, not Africa. I am the indigenous Aryan race. The world belongs to me. https://t.co/X1VMRmV6EV

May 5, 2024 · 1,216 followers View post →
Reality
@The_Reality_1 · X

@derekzapper1319 @_africanhistory ..or not https://t.co/LtXorvdaoi https://t.co/4Tw5vK4djI

Apr 24, 2024 · 3,954 followers View post →
Razven
@RazvenHK · X

RT @michaelturton: Old but wonderful piece on how the PRC is using anthropology to turn Chinese into a separate form of human. https://t.c…

Mar 31, 2024 · 10 shares · 6,677 followers View post →
Pingu
@pingu_pinguping · X

RT @michaelturton: Old but wonderful piece on how the PRC is using anthropology to turn Chinese into a separate form of human. https://t.c…

Mar 31, 2024 · 10 shares · 1,517 followers View post →
Formosan bhikkhu
@bhikkhu2007 · X

RT @michaelturton: Old but wonderful piece on how the PRC is using anthropology to turn Chinese into a separate form of human. https://t.c…

Mar 31, 2024 · 10 shares · 372 followers View post →
marc hofer
@marchofer · X

RT @michaelturton: Old but wonderful piece on how the PRC is using anthropology to turn Chinese into a separate form of human. https://t.c…

Mar 30, 2024 · 10 shares · 1,788 followers View post →
YY
@FunkaliciousYou · X

RT @michaelturton: Old but wonderful piece on how the PRC is using anthropology to turn Chinese into a separate form of human. https://t.c…

Mar 30, 2024 · 10 shares · 59 followers View post →
Cindy Wan
@CindyWan19 · X

RT @michaelturton: Old but wonderful piece on how the PRC is using anthropology to turn Chinese into a separate form of human. https://t.c…

Mar 30, 2024 · 10 shares · 2,492 followers View post →
Leona Lin
@PSLin6 · X

RT @michaelturton: Old but wonderful piece on how the PRC is using anthropology to turn Chinese into a separate form of human. https://t.c…

Mar 30, 2024 · 10 shares · 144 followers View post →
les
@leslaikatz · X

RT @michaelturton: Old but wonderful piece on how the PRC is using anthropology to turn Chinese into a separate form of human. https://t.c…

Mar 30, 2024 · 10 shares · 877 followers View post →
Morpheus
@Morpheus_1311 · X

RT @thinking_panda: But all agree that Asia — the largest continent on Earth — has a lot more to offer in terms of unravelling the human st…

Mar 30, 2024 · 7 shares · 714 followers View post →
Andrew
@IronicRedpill · X

RT @thinking_panda: But all agree that Asia — the largest continent on Earth — has a lot more to offer in terms of unravelling the human st…

Mar 30, 2024 · 7 shares · 424 followers View post →
michaelturton
@michaelturton · X

Old but wonderful piece on how the PRC is using anthropology to turn Chinese into a separate form of human. https://t.co/wXCGbdozUm

Mar 30, 2024 · 29 likes · 10 shares · 6,807 followers View post →
Patrick Parham
@ParhamPat76704 · X

RT @thinking_panda: But all agree that Asia — the largest continent on Earth — has a lot more to offer in terms of unravelling the human st…

Mar 29, 2024 · 7 shares · 78 followers View post →
sans
@AidanSm02641958 · X

RT @thinking_panda: But all agree that Asia — the largest continent on Earth — has a lot more to offer in terms of unravelling the human st…

Mar 29, 2024 · 7 shares · 370 followers View post →
FMLC
@fmlc22 · X

RT @thinking_panda: But all agree that Asia — the largest continent on Earth — has a lot more to offer in terms of unravelling the human st…

Mar 29, 2024 · 7 shares · 524 followers View post →
Zhihua Chen
@zhihuachen · X

@prchovanec https://t.co/9Zc9CXC43X Found the story described in detail here.

Mar 29, 2024 · 1 like · 1,103 followers View post →
Lightman
@LightmanYL · X

RT @thinking_panda: But all agree that Asia — the largest continent on Earth — has a lot more to offer in terms of unravelling the human st…

Mar 29, 2024 · 7 shares · 664 followers View post →
Abhishek Mazumder
@sky98765432 · X

RT @thinking_panda: But all agree that Asia — the largest continent on Earth — has a lot more to offer in terms of unravelling the human st…

Mar 29, 2024 · 7 shares · 864 followers View post →
ShanghaiPanda ( Account deactivation)
@thinking_panda · X

But all agree that Asia — the largest continent on Earth — has a lot more to offer in terms of unravelling the human story. “The center of gravity,” says Petraglia, “is shifting eastward.” ... ... For science, no theory is absolute. https://t.co/6WhpHP6tnX https://t.co/W7MrGgg1t6 https://t.co/mRkkBUqzB7

Mar 29, 2024 · 47 likes · 7 shares · 175,507 followers View post →
ShanghaiPanda ( Account deactivation)
@thinking_panda · X

@Joel_P_Atkinson But all agree that Asia — the largest continent on Earth — has a lot more to offer in terms of unravelling the human story. “The center of gravity,” says Petraglia, “is shifting eastward.” ... ... For science, no theory is absolute. https://t.co/6WhpHP6tnX

Mar 29, 2024 · 15 likes · 175,507 followers View post →
Guyver II
@Oswald_A_Lisker · X

@GodDreaded @EbsSeven @MightyKeef @RichardHanania unless you're not the progenitors. https://t.co/HF054SNdMT

Mar 7, 2024 · 1,070 followers View post →
Nova
@Nova153 · X

@KATANA31200 https://t.co/1F225ye7T3 yes

Mar 2, 2024 · 15,522 followers View post →
MadamMerk
@madamthemerker · X

@SagittariusN2U They coming back home. They better not have animosity towards us https://t.co/zmdSS5Pq4g

Feb 19, 2024 · 2 likes · 612 followers View post →
MadamMerk
@madamthemerker · X

https://t.co/zmdSS5Pq4g

Feb 19, 2024 · 612 followers View post →
L.A. Reich
@LA_Reich_2 · X

@crossthreader @AsianDawn4 https://t.co/jV6qnfnMGX uh oh…

Feb 3, 2024 · 70 followers View post →
L.A. Reich
@LA_Reich_2 · X

@AsianDawn4 https://t.co/jV6qnfnMGX https://t.co/6OE1diuhw9

Feb 3, 2024 · 70 followers View post →
tchiya amet
@tchiya · X

@kenazberkano @Joe__Bassey https://t.co/Dxsohg3Yh9.

Jan 22, 2024 · 1,094 followers View post →
Based Tartarian
@basedgnostic · X

@pacifistlib How China Is Rewriting the Book on Human Origins Fossil finds in China are challenging ideas about the evolution of modern humans and our closest relatives https://t.co/T8uKzchmX7

Dec 28, 2023 · 2 likes · 2,158 followers View post →
Based Tartarian
@basedgnostic · X

@themegablitz @pacifistlib https://t.co/T8uKzchmX7

Dec 28, 2023 · 2,158 followers View post →
Let’sAskAI
@liampaul93 · X

@ellymelly https://t.co/eqrm0oaoi7

Dec 22, 2023 · 61 followers View post →
Takeshi K
@TakeshiKnsr · X

@AllgoodPhil @PhysInHistory Yeah no Phil, there is plenty of evidence shows that between roughly 900,000 and 125,000 years ago, east Asia was teeming with hominins endowed with features that would place them somewhere between H. erectus and H. sapiens. https://t.co/Gxq0dpXhi6

Dec 6, 2023 · 33 followers View post →
Fifteen Strong Men
@erondave2 · X

RT @swaisat11: @Lucky_reborn @michaelpacific @Letter_to_Jack https://t.co/sXS5SGB7J9 https://t.co/xSOeoj5OFz

Nov 24, 2023 · 2 shares · 1,219 followers View post →
CHIDUBEM of OMAN
@Lucky_reborn · X

RT @swaisat11: @Lucky_reborn @michaelpacific @Letter_to_Jack https://t.co/sXS5SGB7J9 https://t.co/xSOeoj5OFz

Nov 24, 2023 · 2 shares · 9,608 followers View post →
Pan Africanist
@swaisat11 · X

@Lucky_reborn @michaelpacific @Letter_to_Jack https://t.co/sXS5SGB7J9 https://t.co/xSOeoj5OFz

Nov 24, 2023 · 2 likes · 2 shares · 1,039 followers View post →
SanFranciscoMountainBiker
@sfmountainbiker · X

@Perpetualmaniac @ScottAdamsSays Yet here is one…I wonder why this isn’t taught?

Nov 10, 2023 · 461 followers View post →
Citizen Police
@XUserBlancox · X

Oct 19, 2023 · 133 followers View post →
Alvin Lee
@LALeeALvin · X

https://t.co/0AsZ6E9hEF

Oct 2, 2023 · 209 followers View post →
fGFW(蔷薇)
@outrunGFW · X

@EricLiu_USA 算上北京直立人,30万年是可能的 https://t.co/JJ7VEvojg7

Sep 10, 2023 · 2 likes · 405 followers View post →
HTSC Memsphysicist
@linsiejr · X

@AsianDawn4 https://t.co/7mQTfFaARa <- There is some truth to that meme.

Sep 10, 2023 · 749 followers View post →
Mister Marc
@Suppensalz · X

@BerZerKBayern @Echtkunde @GarbageHuman23 Dieses Weltbild schockiert nicht nur die katholische Kirche, sondern auch die Kommunistische Partei Chinas. Der moderne Mensch kommt ursprünglich natürlich aus #Peking, nicht aus #Afrika! Also... sagt die KP #China. https://t.co/I8LNkX4IWK https://t.co/xdwf1SgRmo

Sep 7, 2023 · 1 like · 388 followers View post →
marc verhaegen
@LittoralHomo · X

How China Is Rewriting the Book on Human Origins https://t.co/ekaJnpfYTa via @sciam East-wards, yes, not "out of Africa", also not out of China, but out of Indonesia: new insights in ape & human evolution: https://t.co/lTN5KjyufY

Aug 26, 2023 · 13 followers View post →
Mrs C
@cogitoergo.bsky.social · Bluesky

I’ll just leave this here for reasons https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/how-china-is-rewriting-the-book-on-human-origins/

Aug 5, 2023 View post →
rinrinrin
@littletangcat · X

RT @Joel_P_Atkinson: from H. erectus in Asia interbred with incoming groups from Africa and other parts of Eurasia, and their progeny gave…

Jul 31, 2023 · 6 shares · 36 followers View post →
The Real MLordandGod
@TMlordandg5982 · X

How China is Rewriting the Book on Human Origins! https://t.co/4dHsyt4iRg via @YouTube

Jul 27, 2023 · 27 followers View post →
Άντζελα
@SouthernGemGal · X

RT @Joel_P_Atkinson: from H. erectus in Asia interbred with incoming groups from Africa and other parts of Eurasia, and their progeny gave…

Jul 17, 2023 · 6 shares · 3,160 followers View post →
tao
@taotheking1550 · X

RT @Joel_P_Atkinson: from H. erectus in Asia interbred with incoming groups from Africa and other parts of Eurasia, and their progeny gave…

Jul 16, 2023 · 6 shares · 990 followers View post →
Grav make some gravy!
@__Grav · X

RT @Joel_P_Atkinson: from H. erectus in Asia interbred with incoming groups from Africa and other parts of Eurasia, and their progeny gave…

Jul 16, 2023 · 6 shares · 3,731 followers View post →
Baloney is my first name
@swl96830698 · X

RT @Joel_P_Atkinson: from H. erectus in Asia interbred with incoming groups from Africa and other parts of Eurasia, and their progeny gave…

Jul 16, 2023 · 6 shares · 87 followers View post →
Joel Atkinson
@Joel_P_Atkinson · X

from H. erectus in Asia interbred with incoming groups from Africa and other parts of Eurasia, and their progeny gave rise to the ancestors of modern east Asians, says Wu" https://t.co/wNqo0CLsPP

Jul 16, 2023 · 44 likes · 6 shares · 7,390 followers View post →
Pradheep J. Shanker, M.D.
@neoavatara · X

@Noahpinion @BeijingPalmer I think there has been a lot of confusion about this, and some purposeful misinformation. It appears more modern species did arrive in China earlier than thought, but they still think they originated in Africa. https://t.co/Xd3vFvblZS

Jul 16, 2023 · 2 likes · 76,973 followers View post →
Vic
@Vic18246223 · X

@Dante92110 @tredaay_90 @iamyesyouareno https://t.co/epOxvat53k.

Apr 2, 2023 · 263 followers View post →
NEW ZEALANDの金さん
@qtlmhppp · X

@9527kw https://t.co/BQWWWcH19w

Mar 10, 2023 · 2 likes · 143 followers View post →
Archangel
@Archangel4Peace · X

@JDunlap1974 Chinese kids also learn & understand science: the world is not 6-12K yrs old& that evolution over geologic timescales is a thing. Just because YOU can’t or won’t understand something… doesn’t make it untrue

Feb 18, 2023 · 2 likes · 1,976 followers View post →
Koɗi
@redneurons · X

@BAIZUOPatrol @annisnotmkay @zoraslovechild It’s here on twitter and reddit. Some Chinese scientists also try to disprove the Out-of-Africa theory. https://t.co/uayLmzcpBk

Jan 17, 2023 · 2 likes · 1,778 followers View post →
Bunmi Oyinsan
@BunmiOyinsan · X

How China Is Rewriting the Book on Human Origins https://t.co/ZCrDTjf6dA #china #africa #origin #chinese #africa #sankofa #2023

Jan 1, 2023 · 276 followers View post →
aka Black Frieza
@deenastydotcom · X

@AsianDawn4 https://t.co/SCmrI6aoOz who wants to tell ‘em?

Nov 11, 2022 · 73 followers View post →
the guy who just started paying attention
@Muziekschuur · X

@dufrianord https://t.co/D52S0ptLrm

Nov 5, 2022 · 1 like · 1,232 followers View post →
The News
@TheNews99999 · X

https://t.co/HwEuUxfDwF

Nov 1, 2022 · 6 followers View post →
CaveArtTourSpain
@CaveArtTour · X

RT @ChrisStringer65: How China Is Rewriting the Book on Human Origins https://t.co/nAKNbkHPI6

Sep 25, 2022 · 14 shares · 421 followers View post →
Ian Perkins
@perkins60 · X

RT @ChrisStringer65: How China Is Rewriting the Book on Human Origins https://t.co/nAKNbkHPI6

Sep 24, 2022 · 14 shares · 303 followers View post →
Archy 105: The Human Past
@UWArchy105 · X

RT @ChrisStringer65: How China Is Rewriting the Book on Human Origins https://t.co/nAKNbkHPI6

Sep 23, 2022 · 14 shares · 21 followers View post →
Neurosys
@systems_neuro · X

RT @ChrisStringer65: How China Is Rewriting the Book on Human Origins https://t.co/nAKNbkHPI6

Sep 23, 2022 · 14 shares · 406 followers View post →
Herbert
@herbertslomski2 · X

RT @ChrisStringer65: How China Is Rewriting the Book on Human Origins https://t.co/nAKNbkHPI6

Sep 23, 2022 · 14 shares · 57 followers View post →
Chris Stringer
@ChrisStringer65 · X

RT @ChrisStringer65: How China Is Rewriting the Book on Human Origins https://t.co/nAKNbkHPI6

Sep 23, 2022 · 14 shares · 29,823 followers View post →
anthropotamus
@anthropotamus · X

RT @ChrisStringer65: How China Is Rewriting the Book on Human Origins https://t.co/nAKNbkHPI6

Sep 23, 2022 · 14 shares · 245 followers View post →
jonas afrend
@JonasAfrend · X

RT @ChrisStringer65: How China Is Rewriting the Book on Human Origins https://t.co/nAKNbkHPI6

Sep 23, 2022 · 14 shares · 635 followers View post →
JPretellEsq
@JPretellEsq · X

RT @ChrisStringer65: How China Is Rewriting the Book on Human Origins https://t.co/nAKNbkHPI6

Sep 23, 2022 · 14 shares · 774 followers View post →
Radical Anthropology
@radicalanthro · X

RT @ChrisStringer65: How China Is Rewriting the Book on Human Origins https://t.co/nAKNbkHPI6

Sep 23, 2022 · 14 shares · 7,516 followers View post →
Warren Coppard
@wcoppard · X

RT @ChrisStringer65: How China Is Rewriting the Book on Human Origins https://t.co/nAKNbkHPI6

Sep 23, 2022 · 14 shares · 147 followers View post →
PaleoAnthropology+
@Qafzeh · X

RT @ChrisStringer65: How China Is Rewriting the Book on Human Origins https://t.co/nAKNbkHPI6

Sep 23, 2022 · 14 shares · 50,381 followers View post →
Chris Stringer
@ChrisStringer65 · X

How China Is Rewriting the Book on Human Origins https://t.co/nAKNbkHPI6

Sep 23, 2022 · 56 likes · 14 shares · 29,823 followers View post →
Gail Decker
@GGGGail · X

How China Is Rewriting the Book on Human Origins https://t.co/YgiY3bQbpZ via @sciam

Sep 21, 2022 · 271 followers View post →