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Scientists Revive Dire Wolves Using Ancient DNA and Modern Gene Editing
In a landmark scientific achievement, three dire wolf pups have been born using reconstructed DNA from fossils, marking the species’ return after being extinct for over 12,000 years. Dallas-based Colossal Biosciences led the project, using gene editing to implant dire wolf traits into grey wolf embryos, which were then carried by domestic dog sur...
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Ancient Europeans Retained Dark Skin, Hair and Eyes Until the Iron Age, Claims New Study
A genetic study analysing 348 ancient DNA samples reveals that most prehistoric Europeans had dark skin, hair, and eyes well into the Iron Age. Although genes for lighter pigmentation appeared around 14,000 years ago, they remained rare until about 3,000 years ago. Lighter skin may have been advantageous for vitamin D production, while lighter eyes...
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Ancient DNA Sheds Light on the Diverse Genetic Origins of the European Huns
A new study has analysed ancient DNA from 370 individuals buried between the fourth and sixth centuries, revealing that the European Huns were genetically diverse. While some showed direct ties to Xiongnu elites from Mongolia, most carried mixed Northeast Asian ancestry. Researchers found no evidence of a single large-scale migration but instead ob...
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Skull Found in Turkey Identified as 11-Year-Old Boy, Not Cleopatra's Sister Arsinoë IV
The skull discovered in 1929 at the Octagon building in Ephesus has been identified as that of an 11-year-old boy, debunking theories linking it to Cleopatra’s half-sister, Arsinoë IV. Published in Scientific Reports, the findings used DNA analysis and CT scans to confirm the boy’s age and gender, ruling out Arsinoë as a candidate. Anomalies ...
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Ancient Migration Shaped Yemen's Unique Genetic Makeup, Finds New Study
A detailed genetic analysis of Yemen has uncovered the region's complex migration history. By studying 46 Yemeni genomes, the research reveals significant genetic influences from East Africa, the Levant, and Arabia. Maternal DNA shows a marked African presence, with one-third of individuals carrying African-specific mitochondrial haplogroups, parti...
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New DNA Analysis Sheds Light on Post-Roman Migration and Anglo-Saxon Influence in Britain
A groundbreaking DNA technique, known as Twigstats, is helping to unlock new insights into Britain's history. Researchers are studying human remains to understand the migration and interactions of populations after the Romans left. This innovative method is already shedding light on significant periods such as the Anglo-Saxon invasion and Viking ex...
-
Study Reveals Genetic and Linguistic Roots of Indo-European Populations
A comprehensive study involving 91 researchers provides significant insights into the genetic and linguistic origins of Indo-European populations. It identifies two main migrations during the Bronze Age, with steppe ancestry spreading across Europe. The research also links specific populations like the Spanish, French, and Italian to Bell Beaker an...
-
17,000-Year-Old Remains Reveal Ancient Baby Likely Had Blue Eyes And Heart Disease
Scientists have uncovered the remains of a 17,000-year-old baby in southern Italy, revealing that the child likely had blue eyes, dark skin, and heart disease.
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Ancient Egyptians Consumed Psychedelic Cocktails Mixed With Bodily Fluids, Alcohol
The research combined chemical and DNA analyses uncovered the first physical evidence of plants with psychotropic and medicinal properties in an Egyptian mug.
-
Ancient DNA Study Shows How Early Europeans Adapted Over 7,000 Years
A study using ancient DNA has revealed how early Europeans adapted to their environments over 7,000 years. By examining genetic samples from archaeological remains, researchers found evidence of natural selection in traits like vitamin D production and lactose tolerance. Immune gene adaptations were also linked to agricultural shifts and disease ex...
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Pompeii DNA Study Reveals Surprising Ancestry and Uncovers New Insights on Family and Gender Assumptions
Recent DNA findings from Pompeii reveal complex ancestry and social diversity, challenging earlier assumptions about family structures and cultural roles in the ancient city. Analysing skeletal remains has shown that some groups presumed to be family members were not biologically related, while traditional gender roles were also re-evaluated. This ...
-
Skeleton in Found Belgium Contains Bones from Five People Across 2,500 Years of History
A skeleton found in Pommerœul, Belgium, shocked archaeologists when they discovered that it contained bones from at least five people, spanning from the Neolithic era to the Roman period. The bones were carefully arranged, possibly by the Romans who may have disturbed a Neolithic grave. DNA analysis and radiocarbon dating have confirmed the bones...
-
17,000-Year-Old DNA of Ice Age Infant Reveals Dark Skin, Blue Eyes
Analysis of a 17,000-year-old infant’s remains from southern Italy sheds light on Ice Age ancestry and health. The infant, found in a Puglian cave, was likely around a year old at death and had distinctive traits—brown skin, blue eyes, and curly dark hair. His genome links him to Europe’s Villabruna lineage, suggesting their presence in south...
-
Ancient DNA Uncovers The Genetic Background Of Japanese People: Study
This study reveals that the genetic background of the Japanese people is far more complex than previously thought.
-
Ancient DNA Reveals a Distinct Neanderthal Lineage That Evolved Separately for Over 50,000 Years
A recent discovery of Neanderthal DNA from a fossil named Thorin has revealed a previously unknown evolutionary path. Thorin’s lineage reportedly remained isolated from other Neanderthal populations for nearly 50,000 years. The DNA evidence suggests that this group evolved separately in Europe without intermingling with other Neanderthals or earl...
-
Scientists Revive Dire Wolves Using Ancient DNA and Modern Gene Editing
In a landmark scientific achievement, three dire wolf pups have been born using reconstructed DNA from fossils, marking the species’ return after being extinct for over 12,000 years. Dallas-based Colossal Biosciences led the project, using gene editing to implant dire wolf traits into grey wolf embryos, which were then carried by domestic dog sur...
-
Ancient Europeans Retained Dark Skin, Hair and Eyes Until the Iron Age, Claims New Study
A genetic study analysing 348 ancient DNA samples reveals that most prehistoric Europeans had dark skin, hair, and eyes well into the Iron Age. Although genes for lighter pigmentation appeared around 14,000 years ago, they remained rare until about 3,000 years ago. Lighter skin may have been advantageous for vitamin D production, while lighter eyes...
-
Ancient DNA Sheds Light on the Diverse Genetic Origins of the European Huns
A new study has analysed ancient DNA from 370 individuals buried between the fourth and sixth centuries, revealing that the European Huns were genetically diverse. While some showed direct ties to Xiongnu elites from Mongolia, most carried mixed Northeast Asian ancestry. Researchers found no evidence of a single large-scale migration but instead ob...
-
Skull Found in Turkey Identified as 11-Year-Old Boy, Not Cleopatra's Sister Arsinoë IV
The skull discovered in 1929 at the Octagon building in Ephesus has been identified as that of an 11-year-old boy, debunking theories linking it to Cleopatra’s half-sister, Arsinoë IV. Published in Scientific Reports, the findings used DNA analysis and CT scans to confirm the boy’s age and gender, ruling out Arsinoë as a candidate. Anomalies ...
-
Ancient Migration Shaped Yemen's Unique Genetic Makeup, Finds New Study
A detailed genetic analysis of Yemen has uncovered the region's complex migration history. By studying 46 Yemeni genomes, the research reveals significant genetic influences from East Africa, the Levant, and Arabia. Maternal DNA shows a marked African presence, with one-third of individuals carrying African-specific mitochondrial haplogroups, parti...
-
New DNA Analysis Sheds Light on Post-Roman Migration and Anglo-Saxon Influence in Britain
A groundbreaking DNA technique, known as Twigstats, is helping to unlock new insights into Britain's history. Researchers are studying human remains to understand the migration and interactions of populations after the Romans left. This innovative method is already shedding light on significant periods such as the Anglo-Saxon invasion and Viking ex...
-
Study Reveals Genetic and Linguistic Roots of Indo-European Populations
A comprehensive study involving 91 researchers provides significant insights into the genetic and linguistic origins of Indo-European populations. It identifies two main migrations during the Bronze Age, with steppe ancestry spreading across Europe. The research also links specific populations like the Spanish, French, and Italian to Bell Beaker an...
-
17,000-Year-Old Remains Reveal Ancient Baby Likely Had Blue Eyes And Heart Disease
Scientists have uncovered the remains of a 17,000-year-old baby in southern Italy, revealing that the child likely had blue eyes, dark skin, and heart disease.
-
Ancient Egyptians Consumed Psychedelic Cocktails Mixed With Bodily Fluids, Alcohol
The research combined chemical and DNA analyses uncovered the first physical evidence of plants with psychotropic and medicinal properties in an Egyptian mug.
-
Ancient DNA Study Shows How Early Europeans Adapted Over 7,000 Years
A study using ancient DNA has revealed how early Europeans adapted to their environments over 7,000 years. By examining genetic samples from archaeological remains, researchers found evidence of natural selection in traits like vitamin D production and lactose tolerance. Immune gene adaptations were also linked to agricultural shifts and disease ex...
-
Pompeii DNA Study Reveals Surprising Ancestry and Uncovers New Insights on Family and Gender Assumptions
Recent DNA findings from Pompeii reveal complex ancestry and social diversity, challenging earlier assumptions about family structures and cultural roles in the ancient city. Analysing skeletal remains has shown that some groups presumed to be family members were not biologically related, while traditional gender roles were also re-evaluated. This ...
-
Skeleton in Found Belgium Contains Bones from Five People Across 2,500 Years of History
A skeleton found in Pommerœul, Belgium, shocked archaeologists when they discovered that it contained bones from at least five people, spanning from the Neolithic era to the Roman period. The bones were carefully arranged, possibly by the Romans who may have disturbed a Neolithic grave. DNA analysis and radiocarbon dating have confirmed the bones...
-
17,000-Year-Old DNA of Ice Age Infant Reveals Dark Skin, Blue Eyes
Analysis of a 17,000-year-old infant’s remains from southern Italy sheds light on Ice Age ancestry and health. The infant, found in a Puglian cave, was likely around a year old at death and had distinctive traits—brown skin, blue eyes, and curly dark hair. His genome links him to Europe’s Villabruna lineage, suggesting their presence in south...
-
Ancient DNA Uncovers The Genetic Background Of Japanese People: Study
This study reveals that the genetic background of the Japanese people is far more complex than previously thought.
-
Ancient DNA Reveals a Distinct Neanderthal Lineage That Evolved Separately for Over 50,000 Years
A recent discovery of Neanderthal DNA from a fossil named Thorin has revealed a previously unknown evolutionary path. Thorin’s lineage reportedly remained isolated from other Neanderthal populations for nearly 50,000 years. The DNA evidence suggests that this group evolved separately in Europe without intermingling with other Neanderthals or earl...
