Scientists have found genetic evidence that modern humans reached New Guinea and Australia around 60,000 years ago, backing the long chronology over more recent estimates. The international team, led by researchers at the University of Huddersfield and the University of Southampton, analyzed nearly 2,500 mitochondrial DNA genomes from Aboriginal Australians, New Guineans, and Southeast Asian populations. Their work suggests early migrants used at least two routes through Southeast Asia.
During the last Ice Age, lower sea levels connected New Guinea and Australia into a landmass known as Sahul. Researchers combined genetics, archaeology, and oceanography to resolve debates on the timing and paths of the first settlers there. The study, published in Science Advances, used a molecular clock to date the oldest maternal lineages unique to Sahul populations to about 60,000 years ago, countering shorter chronologies of 45,000 to 50,000 years proposed by some prior genetic research. Archaeological evidence aligns with these findings, Professor Martin Richards of the University of Huddersfield said. He noted: 'We feel that this is strong support for the long chronology. Still, estimates based on the molecular clock can always be challenged, and the mitochondrial DNA is only one line of descent. We are currently analysing hundreds of whole human genome sequences ... to test our results.' The genetic tree revealed lineages tracing to northern Southeast Asia, including northern Indonesia and the Philippines, as well as southern areas like southern Indonesia, Malaysia, and Indochina. This indicates multiple migration routes occurred simultaneously. Professor Helen Farr of the University of Southampton, whose European Research Council grant funded the project, emphasized the implications for Indigenous heritage. She stated: 'This is a great story that helps refine our understanding of human origins, maritime mobility and early seafaring narratives. It reflects the really deep heritage that Indigenous communities have in this region and the skills and technology of these early voyagers.' A companion study in Scientific Reports validated the molecular clock methods used.