Our *Homo sapiens* ancestors shared the world with Neanderthals, Denisovans and other types of humans whose DNA lives on in our genes

Ancient DNA helps reveal the tangled branches of the human family tree. Not only did our ancestors live alongside other human species, they mated with them, too.

Joshua Akey, Professor at the Lewis-Sigler Institute for Integrative Genomics, Princeton University • conversation
Oct. 7, 2022 • ~10 min

What’s next for ancient DNA studies after Nobel Prize honors groundbreaking field of paleogenomics

Thousands of ancient genomes have been sequenced to date. A Nobel Prize highlights tremendous opportunities for aDNA, as well as challenges related to rapid growth, equity and misinformation.

Mary Prendergast, Associate Professor of Anthropology, Rice University • conversation
Oct. 4, 2022 • ~8 min

Ancient DNA helps reveal social changes in Africa 50,000 years ago that shaped the human story

A new study doubles the age of ancient DNA in sub-Saharan Africa, revealing how people moved, mingled and had children together over the last 50,000 years.

Mary Prendergast, Associate Professor of Anthropology, Rice University • conversation
Feb. 23, 2022 • ~13 min

Ancient DNA is revealing the genetic landscape of people who first settled East Asia

By studying the DNA of people who lived in East Asia thousands of years ago, scientists are starting to untangle how the region was populated.

Melinda A. Yang, Assistant Professor of Biology, University of Richmond • conversation
Sept. 15, 2020 • ~11 min

Humans domesticated horses – new tech could help archaeologists figure out where and when

Archaeologists have long argued over when and how people first domesticated horses. A decade ago, new techniques appeared to have provided answers – but further discoveries change the story again.

William Taylor, Assistant Professor and Curator of Archaeology, University of Colorado Boulder • conversation
March 2, 2020 • ~10 min

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