Neanderthal Genome Exposes Interbreeding

The Neanderthal toe bone from Siberia that yielded DNA for the study. (Source: HMS/Bence Viola)An international research team has completed the first high-quality genome sequence of a Neanderthal, deepening knowledge about the genetic connections and population histories of ancient and modern humans.

The results of a study published online in Nature indicate that our ancestors commonly interbred with other types of ancient humans after their evolutionary branches diverged. The authors also identify a list of DNA variants that distinguish modern from extinct humans and suggest that our family tree may need to be adjusted to accommodate a mysterious group of genetically distinct humans.

Font: Bioscience Technology