ancient dna

Scientists can now extract ancient human DNA directly from cave dirt, revolutionizing archaeology. This breakthrough bypasses the need for rare skeletal remains, allowing researchers to identify who lived in caves thousands of years ago. Even without bones, genetic traces in sediment reveal the presence and species of extinct hominins, proving dirt is a rich historical archive.

Recent discoveries at the Ilsenhöhle cave site in Ranis have definitively attributed the Lincombian-Ranisian-Jerzmanowician (LRJ) stone tool industry to Homo sapiens, dating back approximately 45,000 years. This breakthrough, achieved through ancient dna analysis of fragmented human remains, pushes back the secure timeline for modern humans in northern Europe during the Ice Age, revealing they thrived beyond Neanderthal territories.

A 5,700-year-old chewed birch pitch from Denmark has revealed an entire human genome, dental microbes, and traces of ancient food. This discovery fundamentally alters how scientists view preserved objects, demonstrating that discarded items can act as detailed biological archives. The findings offer unprecedented insights into a prehistoric individual's diet, ancestry, and physical appearance.

A 1960s Queensland discovery, the Kow Swamp fossils, initially sparked debate about archaic human presence in Australia due to unusual skull shapes. Later research, including bone and genetic studies, revealed these features likely stemmed from natural variation and artificial deformation, not an older species. The findings highlight how scientific interpretation evolves.

Global Study Finds Early Humans Reached Sri Lanka Via Indian Ocean Coast Around 57,000 Years Ago

A tiny pinky bone unearthed in Siberia's Denisova Cave revealed a previously unknown human species, the Denisovans. This discovery revolutionised our understanding of human evolution, showing coexistence rather than just replacement. Genetic analysis confirmed Denisovans interbred with migrating modern humans, leaving traces in the DNA of people in Southeast Asia and Oceania today.

Contrary to popular belief, the closest living relative to a hippopotamus is not a pig or rhinoceros, but a whale. Recent DNA studies revealed that hippos and whales share a common ancestor from about 55 million years ago, a deer-like mammal that evolved into both aquatic lineages.

Africa's Gaboon viper is a marvel of evolution. This large snake uses camouflage and patience to survive. Its unique features help control small mammal populations. Recent studies have identified distinct eastern and western species. These vipers are ground dwellers, preferring humid forests. They are mostly nocturnal hunters, lying in wait for prey.

Melting Arctic ice on Baffin Island, Canada, has revealed ancient tundra plants. These well-preserved specimens are over 40,000 years old. Scientists found them in situ, meaning they were buried where they grew. This discovery provides a unique archive of past Arctic ecosystems. It shows how some life survived stable ice cover for millennia.

Scientists have discovered ancient dna, some dating back two million years. This DNA, found in Siberian permafrost and Greenland ice, offers a glimpse into Earth's past. Researchers are reconstructing ancient ecosystems and understanding how creatures like mammoths evolved. These frozen archives are revealing history's secrets, showing that the planet remembers.

In her gripping memoir, actress Hannah Murray—best known for her iconic role in 'Game of Thrones'—shares her unsettling experience with a predatory wellness cult. After being lured into their web, she faced a harrowing psychotic episode that necessitated an extensive 28-day hospitalization.

Miners in Germany's Neander Valley unearthed peculiar bones in 1856, revealing evidence of a distinct human type. This discovery challenged prevailing beliefs about human uniqueness, proving Neanderthals were advanced beings who interbred with modern humans. Their legacy lives on in our DNA, enriching our understanding of human diversity and shared ancestry.