New protein analysis identifies Denisovan fossils from northern China
Researchers analyzed ancient proteins from skull and jaw fragments found at the Xujiayao archaeological site in northern China to identify remains of Denisovans.
Protein analysis reveals evolutionary links
Scientists extracted 18 ancient proteins from two fossil fragments excavated between 1976 and 1979. The team compared these sequences with data from other hominins to map their place on the human family tree. A specific collagen variant found in the samples distinguishes these remains from Neanderthals and modern humans.
Fossils date back hundreds of thousands of years
The study suggests this extinct group lived in East Asia for a period spanning at least 300,000 to 45,000 years ago. This new information helps fill significant knowledge gaps regarding the appearance and location of Denisovans.
Reported by one outlet
Only one outlet has published this. Nothing here has been checked against a second report, so read it as that outlet's account and follow the link below for the original.
Reported by
1 independent outlet. Headline as published. Links open the original report.