Back to today’s briefing

Story perspectives

Study Reveals Dual Ancestry of Modern Humans

3/20/2025

28 4

Summary

Story summary

A groundbreaking study from the University of Cambridge uncovers that modern humans emerged from two separate ancestral groups that split 1.5 million years ago and came together 300,000 years ago. Published in Nature Genetics, this research reveals that one of these populations contributed a staggering 80% of our DNA, reshaping our understanding of human ancestry.

1 of 1

Story summary

A groundbreaking study from the University of Cambridge uncovers that modern humans emerged from two separate ancestral groups that split 1.5 million years ago and came together 300,000 years ago. Published in Nature Genetics, this research reveals that one of these populations contributed a staggering 80% of our DNA, reshaping our understanding of human ancestry.