Revised Timeline Reveals Recent Human-Neanderthal Interbreeding

Scientists have recovered the oldest known Homo sapiens DNA from remains in Germany, revealing insights into early human interbreeding with Neanderthals. The genomes, dating back 45,000 years, show evidence of Neanderthal ancestry, suggesting interbreeding occurred around 1,500 years prior. This research, alongside a broader study, refines the timeline of human-Neanderthal gene flow, highlighting a significant period of interaction between 50,500 and 43,500 years ago. The studies also explore how Neanderthal genes influenced traits like immune function and skin pigmentation in modern humans.