Ancient DNA

Scientists analyzed DNA from 111 medieval Sicilian burials to reveal the island's genetic diversity, showing roots from Europe, the Near East, North Africa, and sub-Saharan Africa. The study, published in PLOS One, confirmed Sicily as a historical melting pot during the Middle Ages, influenced by successive ruling powers including Normans, Arabs, and Byzantines.

Scientists discovered ancient DNA from woolly mammoths and other animals in frozen squirrel faeces in Canada's Yukon territory. The DNA, aged 3,000 to 700,000 years, was found in sealed-off burrows and includes genetic material from wolves. The US company Colossal aims to 'de-extinct' woolly mammoths.

Ancient DNA analysis has uncovered a Neanderthal community in present-day Poland dating back 100,000 years, revealing genetic connections to Neanderthals across Europe and the Caucasus. These findings suggest widespread ancient lineages that later vanished.

A landmark ancient-genome study reveals an unexpected acceleration in human evolution, with ancient DNA analysis showing pervasive directional selection across West Eurasia. The research highlights significant genetic changes over time, challenging previous assumptions about the pace of human evolutionary development.

A study using ancient DNA analysis reveals that directional selection was widespread across West Eurasia, indicating significant evolutionary pressures over time. The research, led by Harvard Medical School, provides insights into genetic adaptation in human populations.