Washington/Johannesburg/London: As the world woke up to welcome a new member of the human species on Friday, scientists kept working in the wee hours to uncover more about Homo naledi -- a broad-chested fellow who walked upright and had a face with a smile that was probably more human than ape-like years ago.

Apart from a tiny brain, hunched shoulders and thin limbs, it also had powerful hands which means it was also a good climber and built for long-distance walking. Fully grown, it stood about five feet tall and weighed about 45 kg.