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Researchers find ancient DNA preserved in modern-day humans

Researchers have discovered substantial amounts of Neandertal and Denisovan DNA in the genomes of modern-day Melanesians, providing new insights into human evolutionary history. The study suggests that these archaic lineages may soon be cataloged due to accumulating genome-scale data from worldwide populations.

SourceBinghamton University·JournalScience·DateMar 17, 2016
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Ancient Denisovan DNA excavated in modern Pacific Islanders

Researchers have excavated substantial genomic remnants of the extinct Denisovans in Oceania populations, shedding light on early human history. The study identified genes inherited from Neanderthals and Denisovans that conferred advantages to the ancestors of modern Island Melanesians.

SourceUniversity of Washington School of Medicine/UW Medicine·JournalScience·DateMar 17, 2016

Modern Melanesians have retained Denisovan DNA

A recent study reveals that modern Melanesians harbor significant Denisovan genetic ancestry, representing between 1.9% and 3.4% of their genome. This discovery sheds light on the characteristics of Denisovan DNA that persist in humans today, providing new insights into human evolution and gene flow.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateMar 17, 2016

Researchers show how our sense of smell evolved, including in cave men

A team of scientists studied the genetic basis of human olfaction and reconstructed the sensory world of our distant ancestors. They found that different populations have varying abilities to detect specific smells, with some populations being more sensitive than others.

SourceUniversity of Manchester·JournalChemical Senses·DateJul 2, 2015

Extinct human cousin gave Tibetans advantage at high elevation

Scientists have discovered that Tibetans inherited a gene from their extinct human cousin, the Denisovans, which helps them adapt to high-altitude plateaus with low oxygen levels. This variant of the EPAS1 gene allows Tibetans to survive at elevations above 15,000 feet without cardiovascular problems.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalNature·DateJul 2, 2014
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What gave us the advantage over extinct types of humans?

Researchers identified genes whose activity changed uniquely in modern humans during evolution, including those linked to Alzheimer's disease, autism, and schizophrenia. Epigenetic changes in the brain and immune systems distinguished us from Neanderthals and Denisovans.

SourceThe Hebrew University of Jerusalem·JournalScience·DateApr 22, 2014

Neanderthal genome shows early human interbreeding, inbreeding

The Neanderthal genome shows a long history of interbreeding among early humans in Europe and Asia, with an estimated 1.5-2.1% of modern non-African genomes tracing back to Neanderthals. The study also reveals Denisovan genes in modern human populations, particularly in Oceanic and Asian groups.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalNature·DateDec 18, 2013

Oldest hominin DNA sequenced

Researchers have successfully extracted and sequenced the oldest hominin DNA to date from a 400,000-year-old fossil from Sima de los Huesos in Northern Spain. The mitochondrial genome sequence reveals that the ancient hominins are related to Denisovans and share a common ancestor with them about 700,000 years ago.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalNature·DateDec 4, 2013

Mysterious ancient human crossed Wallace's Line

Researchers suggest that Denisovans, an ancient human relative, successfully crossed Wallace's Line, a powerful marine current, to interbreed with modern humans. This finding opens up questions about the behaviors and capabilities of this group and how far they could have spread.

SourceUniversity of Adelaide·JournalScience·DateOct 17, 2013
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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Scientists sequence the genome of Neandertal relatives, the Denisovans

The Denisovan genome was completely sequenced, revealing its genetic connections to modern humans and Neandertals. The study found that the Denisovans shared more genes with populations from southeastern Asia than with those in other parts of Asia.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateAug 30, 2012

Ancient genome reveals its secrets

A study led by Svante Pääbo describes the Denisovan genome, revealing genetic variation was extremely low, suggesting a small population that grew quickly. The research documents genetic changes between modern humans and their archaic relatives, including genes associated with brain function and nervous system development.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalScience·DateAug 30, 2012

Shared genes with Neanderthal relatives not unusual

A recent study published in PNAS reveals that people in East Asia carry genetic material from Denisovans, a previously unknown archaic human relative. This finding suggests that gene flow between humans and Denisovans occurred on the Asian mainland, contradicting previous theories about hybridization events.

SourceUppsala University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 31, 2011

Many roads lead to Asia

Scientists discovered that Denisova hominins interbred with modern humans at least 44,000 years ago, contributing genetic material to populations in Southeast Asia and Oceania. The study suggests that there were at least two migration waves, contradicting previous assumptions about human settlement in the region.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalAmerican Journal of Human Genetics·DateSep 26, 2011
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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DNA study suggests Asia was settled in multiple waves of migration

A recent DNA study suggests that humans settled in Asia in multiple waves of migration, contrary to previous genetic studies. The research found that Denisovans, an archaic human group, contributed DNA to modern populations in Southeast Asia and Oceania, including New Guineans, Australian aborigines, and Philippine populations.

SourceHarvard Medical School·JournalAmerican Journal of Human Genetics·DateSep 22, 2011

Fossil finger bone yields genome of a previously unknown human relative

A 30,000-year-old finger bone found in Siberia yielded a complete Denisovan genome sequence, showing the extinct group was a sister group to Neanderthals and had interbred with ancestors of modern Melanesians. The discovery provides new insights into human evolution and migration out of Africa.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Cruz·JournalNature·DateDec 22, 2010
Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars

Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars deliver bright, sharp views for wildlife surveys, eclipse chases, and quick star-field scans at dark sites.

Genome of extinct Siberian cave-dweller linked to modern-day humans

A recent study has discovered evidence of a distinct group of 'archaic' humans existing outside Africa over 30,000 years ago. The Denisovans, as they are known, interbred with the ancestors of some modern humans and contributed 4-6% of their genetic material to present-day New Guineans.

SourceU.S. National Science Foundation·JournalNature·DateDec 22, 2010