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Story summary
- Matthias Meyer and Alba Bossoms Mesa recovered ancient human DNA from cave wall surfaces in Spain and Portugal.
- Five samples yielded mitochondrial DNA, including a crust from Escoural Cave (Portugal) and four fragments from Covarón Cave (Spain).
- Two samples lacked animal DNA, implying direct bodily-fluid deposition, DNA dating to at least 2,000 years and nuclear analysis placing the individuals in the Western hunter-gatherer cluster, opening an archaeogenetic avenue without bones.
