Biology
The Oldest Neanderthal DNA of Central-Eastern Europe
Around 100,000 years ago, the climate worsened abruptly and the environment of Central-Eastern Europe shifted from forested to open steppe/taiga habitat, promoting the dispersal of wooly mammoth, wooly rhino and other cold adapted species from the Arctic.
Biology
A 400-Year-Old Chamois Serves as Model for Research on Ice Mummies
In mummified specimens, DNA has often degraded and is present only in minimal amounts.
Biology
Lactose Tolerance Spread Throughout Europe in Only a Few Thousand Years
The human ability to digest the milk sugar lactose after infancy spread throughout Central Europe in only a few thousand years.
Biology
Helminth Infections Common in Medieval Europe, Grave Study Finds
Although helminth infections--including tapeworms and roundworms-are among the world's top neglected diseases, they are no longer endemic in Europe.
Biology
Remains of 17th Century Bishop Support Neolithic Emergence of Tuberculosis
When Anthropologist Caroline Arcini and her colleagues at the Swedish Natural Historical Museum discovered small calcifications in the extremely well preserved lungs of Bishop Peder Winstrup, they knew more investigation was needed.
Biology
New Algorithm Suggests That Early Humans and Related Species Interbred Early and Often
A new analysis of ancient genomes suggests that different branches of the human family tree interbred multiple times, and that some humans carry DNA from an archaic, unknown ancestor.
Biology
New Insight Into The Evolution of Complex Life on Earth
A novel connection between primordial organisms and complex life has been discovered, as new evidence sheds light on the evolutionary origins of the cell division process that is fundamental to complex life on Earth.
Biology
People Who Inherited a Special Ion Channel from Neandertals Experience More Pain
As several Neandertal genomes of high quality are now available researchers can identify genetic changes that were present in many or all Neandertals, investigate their physiological effects and look into their consequences when they occur in people today.
Biology
Researchers Find Evidence of Smallpox in the Viking Age
The fatal disease smallpox is older and more widespread than scientists so far have proved.
Archaeology
Breakthrough in Studying Ancient DNA From Doggerland That Separates The UK From Europe
Thousands of years ago the UK was physically joined to the rest of Europe through an area known as Doggerland. However, a marine inundation took place during the mid-holocene, separating the British landmass from the rest of Europe, which is now covered by the North Sea.
Biology
Scientists are studying Neandertal DNA in modern humans using stem cells and organoids
Protocols that allow the transformation of human induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) lines into organoids have changed the way scientists can study developmental processes and enable them to decipher the interplay between genes and tissue formation, particularly for organs where primary tissue is not available.
Biology
Immune properties in ancient DNA found in isolated villages might benefit humanity today
Could remnants of DNA from a now extinct human subspecies known as the Denisovans help boost the immune functions of modern humans?