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Ancient DNA Reveals 11,000-Year-Old Child's Burial Secrets

2/14/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Researchers identify the oldest human remains in northern England as Ossick Lass, a young girl who lived more than 11,000 years ago in Heaning Wood Bone Cave, Cumbria.
University of Lancashire researchers extracted DNA.
They confirmed she was between 2.5 and 3.5 years old.
Shell beads accompanied the burial, indicating it reflects early Mesolithic burial practices.
The find predates prior discoveries in the region.

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Story summary

Researchers identify the oldest human remains in northern England as Ossick Lass, a young girl who lived more than 11,000 years ago in Heaning Wood Bone Cave, Cumbria.
University of Lancashire researchers extracted DNA.
They confirmed she was between 2.5 and 3.5 years old.
Shell beads accompanied the burial, indicating it reflects early Mesolithic burial practices.
The find predates prior discoveries in the region.