A recent study by the Max Planck Institute for the Science of Human History has revealed the oldest DNA sample found in modern human remains. This 45,000-year-old DNA belongs to a woman discovered in the Czech Republic, shedding light on the early migration of humans from Africa and their subsequent settlement in Eurasia.
The remains, referred to as Zlaty Kun, are believed to be linked to Neanderthals, suggesting interactions between the two species during the early phases of human arrival in Europe. Researchers employed radiocarbon isotopes to date the skeletal remains, confirming their age and establishing a connection to Neanderthals.
The analysis uncovered uninterrupted Neanderthal DNA throughout Zlaty Kun's genome, indicating interbreeding between humans and Neanderthals before the latter's extinction. Kay Prufer, a lead researcher, noted, "The results of our DNA analysis show that Zlaty Kun lived with humans who interacted more with Neanderthals." This finding has generated significant excitement within the scientific community.
Professor Chris Stringer, a human evolution expert at the Natural History Museum, highlighted that Zlaty Kun's skull and skeleton were initially dated to be around 15,000 years old upon their discovery in 1950. However, new analyses have pushed this date back to 45,000 years, positioning Zlaty Kun as one of the earliest known modern humans.
The implications of this discovery are profound, prompting a reevaluation of human evolution research. Zlaty Kun's genetic structure provides crucial insights into the early colonization of Asia and Europe by modern humans and raises questions regarding humanity's origins. As scientists delve deeper into such findings, they aim to enhance our understanding of prehistoric human interactions.
In summary, Zlaty Kun's DNA marks a significant advancement in comprehending human history. The interactions with Neanderthals offer valuable perspectives on ancient human living conditions, paving the way for future research into human evolution.