Analysis of ancient DNA from 7,000-year-old skeletons discovered in the once-lush Green Sahara reveals a previously unknown human lineage. These individuals, found at the Gobero archaeological site in Niger, possessed distinct genetic ancestry unlike any present-day African populations or other ancient groups analyzed so far. This suggests a complex and diverse human history in the region during the Holocene's wetter period, with this unique lineage thriving before the Sahara became a desert. The research highlights a "missing piece" in our understanding of African population history and prehistoric migrations.
A new genomic study suggests that the human capacity for language originated much earlier than previously thought, at least 135,000 years ago. By analyzing genomic data from diverse human populations, researchers identified specific gene variations linked to language abilities that are shared across these groups. This shared genetic foundation indicates a common ancestor who possessed these language-related genes, pushing back the estimated timeline for language emergence significantly. The study challenges existing theories and offers a deeper understanding of the evolutionary history of human communication.
Hacker News users discussed the study linking genomic changes to language development 135,000 years ago with some skepticism. Several commenters questioned the methodology and conclusions, pointing out the difficulty in definitively connecting genetics to complex behaviors like language. The reliance on correlating genomic changes in modern humans with archaic human genomes was seen as a potential weakness. Some users highlighted the lack of fossil evidence directly supporting language use at that time. Others debated alternative theories of language evolution, including the potential role of FOXP2 variants beyond those mentioned in the study. The overall sentiment was one of cautious interest, with many acknowledging the limitations of current research while appreciating the attempt to explore the origins of language. A few also expressed concern about the potential for misinterpreting or overhyping such preliminary findings.
Scientists have successfully extracted ancient human DNA from a deer tooth pendant found in Denisova Cave, Siberia, dating back to the Upper Palaeolithic period (19,000-25,000 years ago). By using a novel method that extracts DNA from the artifact's pores without damaging it, they recovered DNA from a woman genetically related to ancient North Eurasians. This breakthrough demonstrates the potential of porous materials like bone and teeth artifacts to preserve DNA and opens up new avenues for studying ancient human populations and their interactions with cultural objects. It suggests that handling such artifacts leaves detectable DNA and may help shed light on their creation, use, and ownership within past societies.
Hacker News users discussed the implications of recovering ancient human DNA from a 25,000-year-old pendant, focusing on the potential of this method for future discoveries. Some expressed skepticism about contamination, questioning how the DNA survived so long in a porous material. Others highlighted the significance of retrieving DNA from handled objects, opening possibilities for understanding social structures and individual interactions with artifacts. The innovative technique used to extract the DNA without destroying the pendant was also praised, and several users speculated about the stories this discovery could tell about the pendant's owner and their life. The ethical implications of handling such artifacts were briefly touched upon. Several commenters also compared the methodology and findings to similar research involving ancient chewing gum.
Scientists have extracted ancient DNA from a 20,000-year-old deer-tooth pendant found in Denisova Cave, Siberia. The DNA, primarily from a woman, likely originated from skin cells shed during the pendant's creation or wear. This marks the first successful extraction of ancient human DNA from such an artifact and offers a new method for studying prehistoric populations and the use of personal ornaments without destructive sampling of skeletal remains. Researchers compared the woman's genome to other ancient individuals, determining she was genetically related to a population known as Ancient North Eurasians, who lived in Siberia during the same period. The study reveals valuable information about the pendant's owner and provides a glimpse into the lives of people living during the last Ice Age.
HN commenters were fascinated by the process of extracting DNA from a porous material like the deer tooth pendant. Several expressed amazement at the preservation of the DNA and the ability to link it to a specific individual after 20,000 years. Some discussed the implications for understanding ancient human migration and social structures, while others questioned the potential for contamination and the reliability of the dating methods. A few commenters jokingly speculated about the possibility of Jurassic Park-like scenarios arising from ancient DNA extraction, while others focused on the impressive scientific achievement itself. A compelling comment pointed out the inherent sexism in automatically assuming the pendant maker was female, given that tools and adornments are not gender-specific. Others wondered if the DNA might have been deposited via saliva or sweat, rather than blood, during the creation or wearing of the pendant.
A new study combining ancient DNA analysis with linguistic and archaeological data suggests the Indo-European language family originated with the Yamnaya pastoralists who migrated from the Pontic-Caspian steppe into Europe around 5,000 years ago. These migrations, associated with the spread of wheeled vehicles and early horse domestication, brought the Yamnaya into contact with European hunter-gatherers, resulting in a genetic admixture that ultimately led to the Corded Ware culture. This Corded Ware population is identified as the source of later migrations eastward, spreading Indo-European languages across Europe and Asia.
Hacker News users discussed the methodology and implications of the study. Several commenters questioned the reliability of inferring large-scale migrations and cultural shifts solely from genetic data, emphasizing the complexity of language evolution and its potential disconnect from genetic lineages. Some pointed to known instances of language replacement without significant population change, highlighting the limitations of using genetics as the sole indicator. Others debated the specific migration routes proposed in the study and alternative theories regarding the spread of Indo-European languages. The discussion also touched on the sensitivity surrounding research into ancient populations and the importance of respectful and accurate interpretation of findings. Some users expressed concern about potential misuse of such research to support nationalist narratives.
Analysis of ancient genomes from burials in Germany dating to the Iron Age revealed a surprising social structure. High-status graves consistently contained women who were not biologically related to lower-status individuals buried nearby, suggesting that women married into the community from elsewhere. Conversely, men buried in lower-status graves were genetically related to each other, indicating they remained in their birthplace. This pattern suggests a patrilocal society where social standing and inheritance were passed down through the female line, indicating women held a prominent role in community leadership and power.
HN commenters discuss the methodology and conclusions of the study regarding an Iron Age society seemingly centered on women. Several express skepticism about the claim, questioning whether the burial practices necessarily reflect social power structures, suggesting alternative explanations like differential preservation of remains or ritual significance. Some also point out the small sample size and potential biases. Others highlight the importance of challenging traditional historical narratives and the possibility of diverse social structures in the past, while acknowledging the need for further research to confirm these findings. The discussion touches on matrilineality versus matriarchy and the frequent conflation of the two. Some also note the sensationalized title and urge caution in interpreting the results.
Summary of Comments ( 5 )
https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=43663713
Hacker News users discussed the implications of the discovered lineage and the methodology used in the study. Some debated the meaning of "distinct lineage," questioning if the findings represent a truly separate group or simply variation within a known population. Several commenters highlighted the fascinating history of the Green Sahara period and its impact on human migration and development. Others expressed interest in the DNA analysis techniques, including the challenges of working with ancient DNA and the potential for future research to further illuminate this population's history. A few also touched upon the ethical considerations of studying ancient remains.
The Hacker News post titled "7k-Year-Old Skeletons from the Green Sahara Reveal a Mysterious Human Lineage" has generated several comments discussing the findings and their implications.
Several commenters focused on the surprising genetic diversity revealed by the study. One commenter pointed out the unexpected discovery of a distinct human lineage in the Green Sahara, highlighting the complex history of human migration and evolution in Africa. This commenter also expressed excitement about the potential for future research to further illuminate this lineage and its relationship to other ancient populations. Another emphasized how little we truly understand about early human populations and migrations, particularly within Africa. They saw this discovery as a significant piece of the puzzle, demonstrating that there were likely many more distinct groups than previously recognized.
Another thread of discussion centered around the concept of the "Green Sahara" itself. Some commenters shared additional information about this period, describing the Sahara as a lush and vibrant ecosystem teeming with life, a stark contrast to the arid desert we know today. They highlighted the dramatic climate shifts that have shaped the region and the impact these shifts have had on human populations. This led to a related discussion about the implications of climate change for modern societies, with some commenters drawing parallels between the past transformations of the Sahara and the potential future impacts of global warming.
A few commenters also questioned the use of the word "mysterious" in the title, arguing that while the findings are certainly significant, they don't necessarily point to anything inherently mysterious. They suggested that "previously unknown" or "distinct" would be more accurate descriptors. This spurred a brief discussion about the language used in science journalism and the potential for sensationalizing scientific discoveries.
Finally, several commenters expressed general enthusiasm for the research and appreciation for the opportunity to learn about ancient history and human origins. They praised the researchers for their work and expressed hope for further discoveries in the future. Some also shared links to related resources, allowing readers to delve deeper into the topic.