neanderthal

The retention of ancient hominin DNA in modern human genomes may have helped our ancestors adapt to life in diverse environments. 

Natural selection may be behind the dearth of Neanderthal DNA in modern humans.

Cross-species trysts likely spread human papillomavirus (HPV) to Homo sapiens, according to new research.

Our evolutionary cousin is no longer a blundering caveman. Recent research has painted a picture of a human ancestor with culture, art, and advanced cognitive skills.

Meet some of the people featured in the August 2016 issue of The Scientist.

In Chapter 1, “The Old Man of La Chapelle: The Patriarch of Paleo,” author Lydia Pyne explains the public's evolving conception of the first complete Neanderthal skeleton found and described by scientists.

The ancient human may have lived around 900,000 years ago—much more recently than first estimated.

A new analysis of stalagmites stacked deep within a French cave suggests that the ancient hominin was capable of planning and carrying out construction projects.

In-depth analysis of the Neanderthal Y chromosome offers insights into the ancient hominins’ split with modern humans.

Nuclear DNA from 430,000-year-old specimens indicates that Neanderthals had already diverged from their ancient-human predecessors.

The earliest interbreeding between humans and Neanderthals took place at least 100,000 years ago—millennia earlier than previously thought.
 

Ancient DNA in the genomes of modern humans influences a range of physiological traits.

Neanderthals and Denisovans contributed innate immune genes to modern humans, scientists show.

The ancient genomes of 50,000-year-old Denisovan teeth suggest the extinct species lived alongside Neanderthals and modern humans.

Neanderthal-human hybrid discovered; the neurobiology of fear behavior; and an insulin patch that responds to high glucose levels in mice

DNA from the 40,000-year-old bones of a modern human found in Europe contains Neanderthal genes.

Scientists uncover early evidence of modern man’s movements from Africa into Europe—and of potential human-Neanderthal interbreeding.

The oldest human genome to have been sequenced came from a leg bone preserved in Siberia.

Cave markings thought to have been carved by Neanderthals suggests they were expressing abstract thought.

Analysis of 40 European archaeological sites suggests a gradual extinction of Neanderthals over thousands of years.