Here’s what you’ll learn when you read this story:
Rainforests are pulsing hives of life, but scientists had long assumed they were a no-go for some of our most ancient ancestors. For one, many plants that thrive in these dense forests are highly toxic, much-needed calories were often strewn sparsely about the undergrowth, and (simply put) a rainforest is not as easy to navigate as a wide-open savanna or far-stretching coastlines.
As humans left the coasts and savannas of Africa, spreading to every corner of the globe, they eventually also ventured into these inhospitable jungles. While evidence of human habitation in African rainforests—specifically in the modern-day Democratic Republic of the Congo—dates back at least 18,000 years, a 2017 study found even older evidence in the rainforests of Sumatra, pushing back the timeline more than 50,000 years. Now, a new study published in the journal Nature confirms that humans have been living in rainforests for more than double the amount of time we originally believed.
The story begins in the jungles of the coastal West African nation of Côte d'Ivoire, where Yodé Guédé (a professor from the Université Félix Houphouët-Boigny) originally surveyed the Bété I excavation site—located roughly 12 miles north of Abidjan, the country’s capital—in the 1980s. Although the research mission found evidence of human habitation, they had no way of knowing at the time how old that evidence was. Fast-forward 40 years later, and researchers have returned to reanalyze the site with 21st-century tech and Guédé’s assistance in tow.
“With Professor Guédé's help, we relocated the original trench and were able to re-investigate it using state of the art methods that were not available thirty to forty years ago,” James Blinkhorn, a co-author of the study from the University of Liverpool, said in a press statement.
Those state-of-the-art methods included Optically Stimulated Luminescence (OSL)—a technique that measures ionizing radiation—and Electron-Spin Resonance (ESR) to measure quartz grains recovered from surrounding sediments. Because there were no bone-based remains in the deposits, other dating methods (such as uranium series or argon-argon dating) simply weren’t possible. However, using both OSL and ESR, researchers were able to find evidence of human habitation dating much further back than scientists thought was possible.
“Convergent evidence shows beyond doubt that ecological diversity sits at the heart of our species,” Eleanor Scerri, senior author of the study from the University of Cologne, said in a press statement. “This reflects a complex history of population subdivision, in which different populations lived in different regions and habitat types.”
Of course, a lot can change in a landscape over 150,000 years, so scientists also needed to determine that this area was in fact forest at the time early humans were living there. By analyzing residual pollen, phytoliths (tiny silica structures left behind by plants), and other chemical traces, they confirmed that the area was indeed heavily forested at the time.
Pushing back our species’ relationship with the rainforest comes with even more questions than it answers. Considering Homo sapiens’ predilection for changing the ecosystems it inhabits, scientists are now wondering how humans might’ve impacted rainforests—both in West Africa and around the world—over the course of more than 100,000 years.
While our species’ origin story lies in the savannas and woodlands of Africa, the new evidence reveals that rainforests have also long been a part of the human story.
Best Overall
Unlike most sliding saws that use rails to slide the blade forward and backward, this Bosch miter saw uses an axial-arm mechanism that eliminates the need for rear clearance. This unique design (also used by this Bosch model) allows the saw to take up considerably less space on your workbench without compromising overall cut capacity.
We loved the lever locks that secure the arm in place during transport (although we weren’t as much of a fan of the saw’s hefty 65-pound weight), and the smoothness of the arm, combined with the rubber handle grip, made this an especially comfortable saw to operate.
It’s worth noting that while the clear blade guard (compared to the black of the DeWalt models) provides a clearer view of the cutline, this saw lacks a shadow or laser line feature.
Best Value
Now 22% Off
What the Skil 10-inch dual-bevel miter saw lacks in refinement—things like pro-level build quality, multiple bevel detents, and high-end dust collection—it makes up for in capability and cost. At about half the price of most major brands, it delivers consistently clean cuts on a stable, well-constructed turntable.
The motor spins the blade up to 4,800 rpm quickly, so there’s little wait between cuts. In use, cuts were smooth along the rails as I cut through 2x12s, with no tearout or flyaway pieces. The saw is capable of bevels up to 48 degrees left and 45 degrees right—important if you’re making compound miter cuts for things like crown molding. There is a preset detent at 45 degrees left—a common cutting angle—but any bevel angle in between is easily locked down via the rear bevel knob. Even so, it proved accurate across those settings—I had no trouble dialing in compound miters—cuts that employ both miter and bevel cuts—for crown molding that lined up cleanly from both sides.
Ergonomics are a highlight. The trigger sits naturally within the grip, and it’s the only saw I tested that feels equally comfortable left- or right-handed. That might seem minor, but when you’re stretched out on a tricky compound cut, being able to switch hands makes a real difference. Finally, at less than 50 pounds, this saw is no trouble to move around your yard during setup changes or throw in your truck at the end of the day.
Best Budget
This dual-bevel, 10-inch saw packs a lot of power and features into one relatively small and comparatively inexpensive package. With nine positive miter stops and a cutting capacity of 12 inches on the bed, you’ll get up to 500 cuts on a single battery charge.
LED line indicators ensure precision, and a bevel pivot that's as easy to access as it is to operate rounds out this saw's top features. While it's not the most powerful saw, even compared to other cordless options, this one holds its own among the arguably bigger names that populate this list in every other way.
Best Cordless
Now 29% Off
This DeWalt miter saw provides serious power and performance. We found that it maintained speed and power really well during our cut tests, but because it’s cordless, you don’t need to sacrifice mobility when you’re working with it.
The included stabilizer bar ensured that the saw felt sturdy and stable while we cut, and the included LED work light created a convenient, precise shadow line to maximize accuracy. We also appreciated how well the instruction manual walked us through all the different operations, giving us comprehensive instructions on a variety of cuts.
At a little over 50 pounds (without the 20V battery, which you’ll have to buy separately) and with a top-mounted carrying handle, this was one of the easier saws to transport during testing. Plus, this saw’s dust port was located on the side, instead of the rear, which made it easier to fit on a smaller workbench.
With dual-bevel capabilities, smooth gliding rails, and user-friendly controls and adjustment knobs, this cordless powerhouse handles everything from 13.5-inch-wide cuts to 6.5-inch-tall baseboards.
Best Compact
This saw won’t be your go-to if you’re working with large lumber. Nothing bigger than a 2x4 is recommended here, but if that type of work isn’t on your horizon, this saw is as easy to maneuver as it is to operate.
Its small size and extremely accurate blade make it ideal for using indoors to cut trim, flooring, and picture framing. And at just over 14 pounds, it’s a breeze to move from room to room as you work. We also like the gooseneck type of LED built into the blade housing for throwing light on your entire cut. And the 64-tooth blade delivers a clean, precise cut every time.
Best Splurge
If you believe you get what you pay for, this Makita 8-1/2-inch miter saw makes the case. Tools should solve problems—and this one addresses a big one in its category: size versus capability. A 12-inch saw powers through 4x4s but is heavy and space-hungry; a compact 6-inch is portable but limited. This Makita saw lands squarely in between.
This 40V cordless saw delivers corded-level power in a lighter package—roughly 10 to 20 pounds less than larger models—while still handling 12-inch crosscuts. Its forward-facing rails save valuable workspace, letting it sit flush against a wall without the usual rear clearance.
Build quality stands out immediately. The heavy aluminum turntable feels rigid under load, with precise detents that lock in smoothly at common angles—no fighting to find your mark. Preset bevel stops on both sides add convenience, and the front-mounted bevel lock means no awkward reaching over the saw.
Makita also includes dual dust collection options: a standard bag or a ducted port for a dedicated system. Pair it with Makita’s AWS technology and pulling the trigger wirelessly activates a compatible vacuum—an easy, thoughtful upgrade for shop workflow.
Best Battery Life
Now 17% Off
Prior to using this saw, I read that some users had issues with the out-of-the-box accuracy of the table in relation to the blade. This situation is problematic when cutting trim, for instance, because it needs to fit perfectly.
I personally experienced none of that. I cut a variety of woods with this saw—from 2x10s to MDF trim—and the results completely satisfied me. Cuts were clean, splinter-free, and above all, accurate at connection.
The saw is powerful, thanks in part to its brushless motor and impressive battery, which Milwaukee claims makes 330 cuts per charge, but I honestly ran out of wood before that number (and according to the battery indicators, I still had half a charge remaining).
Milwaukee puts a lot of effort into getting its shadow line system clear and precise, and I appreciate that when it comes to eyeing up my cuts. As an added bonus, I find the LED field is the best of any saw I’ve used, cordless or otherwise. My only complaints are that the rear bevel is a little clunky to maneuver and the table extenders have an underwhelming feel to them. If you’re expanding your Milwaukee cordless platform, this saw is a great add.
Darren lives in Portland, has a cat, and writes/edits about sci-fi and how our world works. You can find his previous stuff at Gizmodo and Paste if you look hard enough.
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