Top discoveries about ancient people from DNA in 2023
In 2023, advancements in ancient DNA research revealed migration patterns, identified genetic relatives, and showed less variation in olfactory genes among ancient humans, alongside increased disease resistance and autoimmune risks.
Read original article
In 2023, significant advancements in ancient DNA research provided insights into the biology, social dynamics, and evolution of ancient populations. Researchers consolidated previous findings and expanded databases, such as the Allen Ancient DNA Resource, which now includes over 10,000 individuals. Notable discoveries included the identification of ancient relatives through a new statistical method, ancIBD, which effectively analyzed low-coverage ancient datasets. This method revealed kinship connections among early Bronze Age populations, highlighting migration patterns. Additionally, studies on olfactory receptor genes in Neandertals and Denisovans indicated that these ancient groups had less genetic variation in smell-related genes compared to modern humans. Research on immunity genes showed that human susceptibility to pathogens was under selection over the last 10,000 years, with a notable increase in resistance to infectious diseases but also a rise in genetic risk factors for autoimmune diseases. Overall, these findings illustrate the complex interplay of genetics, environment, and social structures in shaping ancient human populations.
- 2023 saw advancements in ancient DNA research, expanding databases and methodologies.
- The ancIBD method identified genetic relatives among ancient populations, revealing migration patterns.
- Studies on olfactory receptors indicated less genetic variation in ancient humans compared to modern counterparts.
- Research on immunity genes showed increased resistance to infectious diseases over time, alongside rising autoimmune disease risks.
- These discoveries enhance understanding of ancient human biology and social dynamics.
Related
Repeated plague infections across six generations of Neolithic Farmers
Researchers found evidence of plague infections in Neolithic Scandinavian farmers over six generations. The study revealed widespread plague affecting 17% of the population, with ancestral genomic variations and insights into social structures and disease transmission.
Neanderthals did not go extinct, we assimilated them
A DNA study in Science reveals Neanderthals were assimilated by Homo sapiens, exchanging genetic contributions. Early encounters occurred 200,000 years ago, leading to Neanderthals' assimilation into sapiens genetics, impacting modern humans.
Neanderthals and humans interbred 47k years ago for 7k years, research suggests
Recent research shows Neanderthals interbred with modern humans around 47,000 years ago, contributing 1-2% Neanderthal DNA in non-African populations, influencing traits and human evolution understanding.
Ancient DNA Revolution
Advancements in archaeogenetics are enhancing our understanding of ancient human history, with over 10,000 genomes sequenced, including Neanderthal and Denisovan, revealing insights into migration and domestication.
Oldest DNA discovered in South Africa rewrites human history
Scientists decoded 10,000-year-old DNA in South Africa, revealing genetic stability in the Oakhurst population, minimal external influences until 1,300 years ago, and connections to modern indigenous groups.
2 commentsI struggle to interpret this (not least because of the mis- prefix: does this mean incorrectly sensing? Does spicy in scent mean something that would map to food spices?) But does it mean that Denisovans would have disliked things we think of as smelling bad, far more than Neanderthals would? Would a Denisovan have bathed more for personal hygiene, or have avoided spicy food, or...? Would a Denisovan today have a strong aversion to some perfumes or colognes (the ones with woody, tobacco, musk scents)?
There is this vague sense of wonder that there were human populations with preferences that were _different_ to our own.
Related
Repeated plague infections across six generations of Neolithic Farmers
Researchers found evidence of plague infections in Neolithic Scandinavian farmers over six generations. The study revealed widespread plague affecting 17% of the population, with ancestral genomic variations and insights into social structures and disease transmission.
Neanderthals did not go extinct, we assimilated them
A DNA study in Science reveals Neanderthals were assimilated by Homo sapiens, exchanging genetic contributions. Early encounters occurred 200,000 years ago, leading to Neanderthals' assimilation into sapiens genetics, impacting modern humans.
Neanderthals and humans interbred 47k years ago for 7k years, research suggests
Recent research shows Neanderthals interbred with modern humans around 47,000 years ago, contributing 1-2% Neanderthal DNA in non-African populations, influencing traits and human evolution understanding.
Ancient DNA Revolution
Advancements in archaeogenetics are enhancing our understanding of ancient human history, with over 10,000 genomes sequenced, including Neanderthal and Denisovan, revealing insights into migration and domestication.
Oldest DNA discovered in South Africa rewrites human history
Scientists decoded 10,000-year-old DNA in South Africa, revealing genetic stability in the Oakhurst population, minimal external influences until 1,300 years ago, and connections to modern indigenous groups.