Paleogenomics
Articles tagged with Paleogenomics
Past intensive whaling threatens the future of bowhead whales
Researchers analyzed 11,000-year-old bowhead whale fossils to reveal the devastating impact of commercial whaling on the species' genetics. The study found that genetic diversity will continue to decline, severely impacting the species' resilience to climate change.
Life and death in Late Bronze Age Central Europe
A new interdisciplinary study provides detailed insights into the lives of people living in Central Europe during the Late Bronze Age, revealing gradual changes in ancestry, dietary flexibility, and mortuary practices. The research suggests that communities participated in wider networks of interaction and incorporated change into exis...
Ancien DNA pushes back record of treponemal disease-causing bacteria by 3,000 years
Scientists have recovered a genome of Treponema pallidum from 5,500-year-old human remains in Colombia, pushing back the genetic record of this pathogenic species by over 3,000 years. The discovery sheds new light on the evolutionary history of treponemal pathogens and their occurrence in human populations.
Study suggests two unsuspected pathogens struck Napoleon's army during the retreat from Russia in 1812
Scientists from Institut Pasteur identified Salmonella enterica and Borrelia recurrentis in remains of 13 soldiers who retreated from Russia in 1812. The study suggests these two pathogens may have contributed to the high number of deaths in Napoleon's army.
Genomes reveal the Norwegian lemming as one of the youngest mammal species
Researchers at Stockholm University have uncovered the evolutionary history of the Norwegian lemming, revealing it to be one of the most recently evolved mammal species. The study found that the Norwegian and Siberian lemmings diverged approximately 35,000 years ago, with no evidence of interbreeding between them.
When ideas travel further than people
A new study reconciles opposing views on the spread of Neolithic farming by combining archaeology and genetics. The research found that cultural changes occurred through both people migration and the spread of ideas, depending on the region and period.
Scientists complete the most thorough analysis yet of India's genetic diversity
A comprehensive analysis of 2,762 Indian genomes reveals a complex history of genetic mixing, endogamy, and population bottlenecks that shaped the country's genetic variation, health, and disease. The study found that most genetic variation in India can be explained by a single migration out of Africa about 50,000 years ago.
New genes, old job: The cell cycle evolves
Researchers mapped human cell cycle gene activity and found recently evolved transcription factors play a crucial role in regulating the process. Disabling these genes caused cells to struggle with DNA copying and division timing.
Syphilis had its roots in the Americas
Researchers have analyzed ancient DNA from Mexico, Chile, Peru, and Argentina to determine the origin of syphilis. The study found that syphilis-like infections occurred in the Americas for millennia and supports an American origin for the disease.
Becoming human: An ancient genome perspective
The study of ancient genomes has shed light on the evolution of modern humans, revealing genetic changes that distinguish us from Neanderthals and Denisovans. These findings suggest that population-level advantages, such as increased connectivity and access to resources, played a significant role in shaping human migration patterns.
The Grave's Embrace: New research sheds light on Bronze Age family relationships
A new study of early Bronze Age examples from Luxembourg and Britain provides insights into family relationships in prehistoric communities. Genetic evidence reveals that children were buried with their biological mothers, suggesting a patrilineal descent system.
Ötzi: dark skin, bald head, Anatolian ancestry
A new study reveals that Ötzi had a Mediterranean-European skin tone and little to no Eastern European ancestry. His hair was likely sparse, with a predisposition to baldness. The research team used advanced sequencing technology to analyze Ötzi's genome, which has more Anatolian farmer ancestry than any of his European contemporaries.
Traces from the past
A team of researchers has developed a non-destructive method to extract DNA from bones and teeth, allowing for direct attribution of cultural objects to specific individuals. The breakthrough enabled the recovery of ancient human DNA from a 20,000-year-old pendant, providing insights into Paleolithic societies.
Using paleogenomics to elucidate 10,000 years of immune system evolution
Researchers analyzed the genomes of over 2,800 individuals in Europe to study the evolution of immune system genes. They found that mutations advantageous for defending against pathogens increased in frequency after the Bronze Age, while those increasing disease risk fell.
Meet the first Neandertal family
Researchers analyzed DNA from 13 Neandertals, finding evidence of a close-knit community with 10-20 individuals. Genetic data suggests that female migration played a key role in maintaining the group's cohesion, contradicting previous theories about male-dominated movements.
100,000-year-old polar bear genome reveals ancient hybridization with brown bears
A study of ancient DNA from a 100,000-year-old polar bear genome found that extensive hybridization between polar bears and brown bears occurred during the last warm interglacial period. As a result, all living brown bears today have some polar bear ancestry.
Origins of the Black Death identified
Ancient DNA analysis reveals that an epidemic devastated a local community in Kyrgyzstan in 1338 and 1339, linked to the Black Death. The study suggests that the Black Death's ancestor originated in Central Asia, close to Lake Issyk Kul.
Pre-historic Wallacea - a melting pot of human genetic ancestries
Researchers analyzed 16 ancient genomes from Wallacea, revealing striking differences between regions and a previously unknown ancestry contribution from Mainland Southeast Asia. The findings suggest multiple human dispersals into Wallacea and major implications for the understanding of Neolithic dispersals into Island Southeast Asia.
Researchers identify ancient bird behind giant eggs from Down Under
A team of researchers has identified the ancient bird species behind giant prehistoric eggs in Australia, resolving a years-long debate. The study found that the eggs belonged to a unique duck-like line of megafauna known as the 'Demon Ducks of Doom', which was laid by the Genyornis newtoni bird.
Before horses, ass hybrids were bred for warfare
Ancient Mesopotamian societies produced equid hybrids called kungas by crossing domestic donkeys with wild asses, offering a unique combination of strength and control. These animal hybrids were used for warfare and travel before the arrival of domestic horses in the region.
Studying ancestral remains needs to be done respectfully, ethically
Studying ancestral remains requires respect and consideration of indigenous communities. Researchers should engage with living individuals to ensure ethical best practices and robust results.
Paleogenomic analysis sheds light on Easter Island mysteries
A new study by UC Santa Cruz researchers rules out pre-European contact between Easter Island inhabitants and South Americans, leaving many questions unanswered about the island's population dynamics. The analysis of ancient DNA from skeletal remains found no evidence of gene flow between the two groups.