Early human DNA in cave sediments

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In summary, researchers have discovered a way to extract DNA from cave floor sediments, which has the potential to reveal genetic information from ancient human populations, including Neanderthals and Denisovans. This DNA is often mitochondrial, which can help determine relationships between different groups. This method is different from the recent study on domesticated dog DNA, which analyzed nuclear DNA from 161 breeds. The sediment DNA study has limited samples so far, but has the potential to greatly advance our understanding of the human family tree without the need for skeletal remains. However, questions remain about how to distinguish ancient human DNA from modern human DNA left behind by those who collected the samples.
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science.sciencemag.org/lookup/doi/10.1126/science.aam9695[/PLAIN]

Researchers have found a way to extract DNA from cave floor sediment strata. Mixed in with a lot of other mammalian DNA is DNA from Neandertal and Denisovan people who inhabited the caves many thousands of years ago. The DNA samples are often mitochrondrial DNA, which is used to determine relationships among samples from other groups. If you recall the news stories and academic papers about a human mitochondrial Eve, this is along the same lines.

@BillTre posted a link yesterday about a family tree for domesticated dogs based on analyzing similarities for samples of nuclear DNA. This is somewhat different, it is a distinct, specialized subset of DNA.
http://www.cell.com/cell-reports/fulltext/S2211-1247(17)30456-4
It involved a large number of samples from 161 breeds of dog.

This study on sediment DNA has very few samples so far. It has some potential to be a major advance in enumerating the human family tree more clearly. The major plus is that no skeletal remains are required. So, archeological sites with tool and charcoal pits but no skeletal remains may be able to provide some genetic information.
 
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How can the researchers be sure that the DNA they found is from ancient humans rather than traces of DNA left behind by modern day humans (such as those who collected the samples)?
 

What is "Early human DNA in cave sediments"?

"Early human DNA in cave sediments" refers to the discovery of ancient human DNA in the sediment layers of caves. This DNA can provide valuable information about early human populations and their migration patterns.

How is Early human DNA in cave sediments discovered?

The DNA is typically extracted from sediment samples taken from the cave. These samples are then analyzed using advanced techniques such as DNA sequencing to identify and study the ancient human DNA.

Why is the discovery of Early human DNA in cave sediments important?

The discovery of Early human DNA in cave sediments can provide insight into human evolution, migration patterns, and the genetic makeup of early human populations. This information can help us better understand our history and origins as a species.

What challenges are involved in studying Early human DNA in cave sediments?

One of the main challenges is the preservation of the DNA. Ancient DNA is often degraded and contaminated, making it difficult to extract and study. Additionally, cave sediments can contain DNA from multiple sources, making it challenging to isolate and identify human DNA specifically.

How does the discovery of Early human DNA in cave sediments impact our understanding of human history?

The discovery of Early human DNA in cave sediments can provide new insights and challenge existing theories about human evolution and migration. It can also help fill in gaps in our understanding of ancient human populations and their relationships with one another.

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