Denisovan
2 reportsDenisovan is a hominin studied through fossils, comparative anatomy, ancient DNA, dating, and archaeological context. Current understanding relies on locomotion, geological age, and tool association, with uncertainty tracked across measurement, classification, and reconstruction.
The research story of Denisovan is traced through fossil anatomy; chronology and site context; and ancient DNA or proteins. The treatment of ancient DNA or proteins keeps comparative anatomy separate from independent genetic or proteomic evidence until their assumptions and scales are compared; the comparison must account for the fact that small samples and fragmentary remains can change species assignments.
The research story of Denisovan is traced through fossil anatomy; chronology and site context; and ancient DNA or proteins. The treatment of ancient DNA or proteins keeps comparative anatomy separate from independent genetic or proteomic evidence until their assumptions and scales are compared; the comparison must account for the fact that small samples and fragmentary remains can change species assignments.
Neanderthal Gene Variant Linked to Muscle Mass in Modern Humans
A newly published study identifies a Neanderthal-derived gene variant in the growth hormone receptor that increases muscle mass in some modern humans. Researchers analyzed ancient DNA and over a million modern genomes to trace its distribution and effects.
Ancient DNA Reveals Two Unknown Human Lineages in Modern Genomes
A new genome analysis method has identified traces of two previously unknown extinct human lineages in the DNA of living people, offering fresh insight into ancient population interactions and the complexity of human evolution