A groundbreaking study utilizing ancient DNA has unveiled a significant shift in farming practices within Argentina’s Uspallata Valley. The research indicates that agriculture was initially adopted by indigenous hunter-gatherer communities, rather than being introduced by external groups. Centuries later, a new wave of highly stressed, maize-reliant farmers migrated into the region, battling severe challenges such as climate change, widespread disease, and a dwindling population. Despite these immense pressures that pushed society to the brink, the study found no evidence of conflict or violence. Instead, communities relied on strong, intergenerational kinship networks, highlighting cooperation as the primary strategy for navigating profound societal crises and ensuring survival.
Ancient DNA reveals a farming shift that pushed a society to the brink
By Rupert Blackwood
Investigative journalist based in Sheffield, focusing on technology's impact on society. Rupert specializes in cybercrime's effect on communities, from online fraud targeting elderly residents to cryptocurrency scams. His reporting examines social media manipulation, digital surveillance, and how criminal networks operate in cyberspace. With expertise in computer systems, he connects technical complexity with real-world consequences for ordinary people