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Study Reveals 20% Ancient DNA in Modern Humans

4/1/2025

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Summary

Story summary

A groundbreaking study in Nature uncovers that modern humans carry 20% of their DNA from an ancient population, reshaping our understanding of evolution. Researchers identified a split between two early groups 1.5 million years ago, which later merged 300,000 years ago, boosting cognitive abilities in our species. This revelation deepens the mystery of our origins.

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Story summary

A groundbreaking study in Nature uncovers that modern humans carry 20% of their DNA from an ancient population, reshaping our understanding of evolution. Researchers identified a split between two early groups 1.5 million years ago, which later merged 300,000 years ago, boosting cognitive abilities in our species. This revelation deepens the mystery of our origins.