研究チームがホモ・エレクトス（直立人）のものとされる6本の歯から重要なタンパク質を抽出したことで、他の古代人類との関係性を示す新たな分子的な手がかりが得られた。この発見は、約40万年前にアジアでデニソワ人との交配が行われていた可能性を指摘している。
北京にある中国科学院古脊椎動物古人類学研究所の傅巧妹（Qiaomei Fu）率いるチームが、周口店、和県、孫家洞を含む中国国内の遺跡から出土した歯を分析した。歯のエナメル質から抽出されたタンパク質により、2つの主要な変異が明らかになった。1つはホモ・エレクトス固有のものと見られ、もう1つは以前デニソワ人で特定された配列と一致する。
Researchers have found fossil teeth in Ethiopia indicating that early Homo and an unknown Australopithecus species shared the landscape between 2.6 and 2.8 million years ago. The discovery adds to evidence that human evolution involved multiple overlapping lineages rather than a single straight path.
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Researchers have analyzed mitochondrial DNA from eight Neanderthal teeth found in Stajnia Cave in Poland, reconstructing the genetic profile of a small group that lived there around 100,000 years ago. The study, published in Current Biology, marks the first such multi-individual genetic picture from a single site north of the Carpathians. The findings show genetic links to Neanderthals across Europe and the Caucasus.
A large-scale genetic analysis has identified a previously overlooked third ancestral group in Japan, challenging the long-held dual origins theory. Researchers linked the new ancestry to the ancient Emishi people of northeastern Japan. The findings also connect archaic DNA from Neanderthals and Denisovans to modern health conditions.
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Ethiopia's Authority for Research and Conservation of Cultural Heritage announced discovery of Homo sapiens fossils from 100,000 years ago in the Middle Awash area of the Afar region. The study, led by Dr. Yonas Beyene with scientists from 24 countries, fills key gaps in Africa's human origins timeline.
A new analysis of the best-preserved Neanderthal infant skeleton shows that these ancient babies developed bones and brains at a pace matching modern humans aged 12 to 14 months, despite being only about six months old. The findings, based on the Amud 7 infant from Israel, suggest Neanderthals grew rapidly in early childhood as an adaptation to harsh environments. Researchers observed similar patterns in other young Neanderthal remains.
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Scientists have identified a new species of ancient animal, Tanyka amnicola, from fossils unearthed in a dry riverbed in Brazil. Dating back 275 million years, this stem tetrapod featured a highly unusual twisted jaw suggesting it ground plant material. The discovery sheds light on early Permian life in Gondwana.