Neanderthals living 125,000 years ago in what is now modern-day Germany may have extracted and eaten fat from animal bones through an organized food preparation process that scientists describe as a "fat factory."While excavating the site of a former lake landscape called Neumark-Nord, archaeologists discovered thousands of bones from at least 172 large mammals, along with flint artifacts. The bones, which date back to an interglacial period in which Neanderthals lived, were from animals like red deer and horses, according to a study published on July 2 in Science Advances.While many of the bones that contained less bone marrow were spread out across the archaeological site, researchers observed that many of the marrow-rich bones were located in clusters sites they call "fat factories."RARE CHRISTIAN CROSS AMONG SPECTACULAR 1,000-YEAR-OLD VIKING TREASURES FOUND BY METAL DETECTORISTSResearchers believe our extinct ancestors used tools to smash the bones into small fragments and then boiled them for hours. The grease, which then floated to the surface of the water, could be skimmed off the top and eaten providing a calorie-dense food source for the archaic people.VIKING-ERA BURIAL SITE WITH ELITE FAMILY TREASURES AND GIFTS DISCOVERED, PLUS AN 'UNUSUAL CASKET'Prior to this, evidence of the practice had only dated back to 28,000 years ago, according to the research."Neanderthals were clearly managing resources with precision planning hunts, transporting carcasses, and rendering fat in a task-specific area," Dr. Lutz Kindler, the studys first author, said. "They understood both the nutritional value of fat and how to access it efficiently most likely involving caching carcass parts at places in the landscape for later transport to and use at the grease rendering site.MYSTERIOUS 'DUMPED' BODIES OF WOMAN AND CHILD FOUND BY ARCHAEOLOGISTS IN PICTURESQUE TOWNFat was a "life-sustaining" resource for Neanderthals, especially during the winter and spring seasons when carbohydrates were scarce. Their diets consisted largely of animal protein, and consuming lots of protein without other nutrients could lead to a sometimes deadly condition called protein poisoning, the research noted."The sheer size and extraordinary preservation of the Neumark-Nord site complex gives us a unique chance to study how Neanderthals impacted their environment, both animal and plant life," Dr. Fulco Scherjon, data manager and computer scientist on the project, said. "Thats incredibly rare for a site this oldand it opens exciting new possibilities for future research."In recent years, scientists have also discovered that Neanderthals went diving for seashells that they could chip with stone hammers into thin and sharp cutting edges. Similarly, another study suggested Neanderthals may have buried their dead with flowers.Researchers Lutz Kindler and Wil Roebroeks did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital's request for comment.

Several sharks were spotted in New York City waters on the Fourth of July, prompting the city to close a temporary a stretch of beach in Queens.Video shared on social media shows a sharks swimming close to beachgoers in Far Rockaway, Queens.The beasts were spotted at around 11:30 a.m. near Beach 32nd Street. Another sighting was reported at Beach 144th Street and a third at Beach 30th Street, Kaz Daughtry, the city's deputy mayor for public safety, wrote on X.RIP CURRENT BEACH RESCUES SHOW SWIMMERS FACE DEADLY RISKS: WHAT TO KNOW TO STAY SAFE"These sightings were very close to beachgoers. But thanks to drone tech, lifeguards, and the dedicated professionals at @nycemergencymgt, were keeping everyone safe as they enjoy the holiday,"Daughtry said. "B30 was closed for an hour. But is now back open. We will continue to monitor the beach and keep all updated."Christina Farrell, the first deputy commissioner for NYC Emergency Management, said the agency's drone unit was monitoring shark activity to keep everyone safe.Earlier this week, New York Gov. Kathy Hochul reassured New Yorkers that authorities were taking measures to monitors sharks along the state's beaches, particularly on Long Island, ahead of the holiday weekend.'SHARK WEEK' HOST WARNS BEACHGOERS WHERE AND WHEN PREDATORS ARE MOST LIKELY TO ATTACK"Our Long Island State Park beaches are cherished by New Yorkers and visitors alike perfect places to get offline, get outside and enjoy the outdoors," Gov. Kathy Hochul said in a Wednesday statement."We are continuing to strengthen our shark surveillance capabilities and safety tactics at these beaches to help protect these treasured summertime traditions," she added. "I encourage all beachgoers to stay safe, stay alert and always follow the direction of lifeguards and park staff."New York State Parks Commissioner Pro Tem Randy Simons said his agency was well-prepared to keep beachgoers safe."Our staff is well prepared to safeguard beachgoers this summer season, and were excited to adopt the latest technology to be even more effective," he said. "I encourage beachgoers to follow guidance and directions from parks staff and be shark smart while enjoying their summer fun."

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