First Indigenous Americans reached the Americas no earlier than 21,000 years ago, study suggests
Genetic evidence places the ancestors of today’s Indigenous Americans in the Americas no earlier than about 21,000 years…
Plague after the Black Death returned in waves across Europe for centuries, ancient DNA shows
The Black Death did not end plague in Europe. New ancient DNA research shows how Yersinia pestis returned…
Neanderthal gene inherited by modern humans linked to greater muscle mass
A gene inherited from Neanderthals tens of thousands of years ago is linked to greater muscle mass in…
Ancient DNA reveals malaria killed the Medici brothers, not poison
A new DNA study of two Renaissance members of the Medici family has confirmed malaria, not poison, killed…
Europe’s last Neanderthals were genetically diverse and connected, study finds
A new genetic study has changed how researchers view the last Neanderthals in Western Europe. Evidence from 27…
Largest Denisovan DNA study reveals ancient genes still active in Oceanian populations
Ancient DNA inherited from Denisovans, an extinct group of human relatives, still influences the biology of people living…
5,500-year-old plague outbreak killed Siberian hunter-gatherers, ancient DNA reveals
When most people think of plague, they picture medieval Europe, crowded streets, and rats carrying infected fleas. New…
Male Neanderthals and female humans shaped modern DNA through ancient interbreeding, study finds
Most people living outside Africa carry small traces of Neanderthal DNA. These inherited fragments appear across many human…
DNA reveals rare dwarfism in teenager who lived in Italy 12,000 years ago
An international research team has confirmed the earliest known genetic diagnosis in an anatomically modern human, identifying a…
Decade-long mystery of the Beachy Head Woman resolved by DNA study
For over a decade, a Roman-era skeleton uncovered in southern England has been the subject of debate surrounding…