All articles tagged with #denisovan
A genetic variant inherited from Denisovans may have helped modern humans adapt and survive in the Americas by expanding the mucin gene MUC19, which could have improved mucus properties for environmental adaptation, indicating complex interbreeding and evolutionary processes.
Researchers confirmed that the nearly complete Harbin skull, dating back at least 146,000 years, belongs to the Denisovan lineage, expanding understanding of their geographic range and morphology through advanced protein and DNA analysis, and linking it directly to Denisovan populations.
Scientists have identified a skull found in China as belonging to a Denisovan, making it the only known complete Denisovan skull and providing new insights into ancient human species and their distribution across East Asia.
Recent research highlights how interbreeding between Homo sapiens and extinct human species like Neanderthals and Denisovans has left a lasting impact on modern humans. This genetic mingling has influenced our physical traits, such as nose and lip shape, and has significantly affected our immune systems. While some inherited genes offer protection against certain diseases, others may increase susceptibility, as seen with COVID-19 and conditions like type II diabetes. The study underscores the complex genetic legacy of our ancestors and its ongoing influence on human health and evolution.