A new study suggests that Homo sapiens may have outlived Neanderthals due to their ability to respond to increased UV radiation from space. About 41,000 years ago, Earth’s magnetic field weakened significantly, leaving populations vulnerable to harm. However, early human ancestors in Europe and Asia began to adapt by using tailored clothing, dwelling in caves, and applying ochre as body paint.
These practices would have provided significant protection against the increased radiation, giving Homo sapiens a competitive advantage over Neanderthals. Dr. Raven Garvey from the University of Michigan notes that ochre has been shown to possess sunscreen-like properties, making it an effective tool for protecting against UV radiation. The study’s findings support the idea that these early human adaptations played a crucial role in the survival and success of Homo sapiens. In contrast, Neanderthals lacked similar protective measures, leaving them vulnerable to extinction around 40,000 years ago.
Source: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2025/04/16/sunscreen-may-have-helped-homo-sapiens-outlive-neanderthals