Tag

Paleoproteomics

All articles tagged with #paleoproteomics

Ancient tooth proteins reveal Homo erectus left a genetic fingerprint in today’s humans
science10 days ago

Ancient tooth proteins reveal Homo erectus left a genetic fingerprint in today’s humans

Proteomic analysis of 400,000-year-old Homo erectus teeth uncovers a unique amino‑acid variant shared with Denisovans and present in modern SE Asian and Oceanian populations (about 21% in the Philippines, ~1% in India), suggesting interbreeding and a mosaic ancestry rather than a single lineage. The study highlights how paleoproteomics can reveal genetic connections from old hominin lineages and points to a broader pattern of admixture among ancient humans.

Denisovan Jawbone Off Taiwan Expands Our View of Ancient Humans
science3 months ago

Denisovan Jawbone Off Taiwan Expands Our View of Ancient Humans

A Denisovan jawbone found 60–120 meters deep off the coast of Taiwan and identified using paleoproteomics confirms Denisovans’ presence in warmer coastal Asia and suggests they thrived in diverse environments beyond Siberia. Dating is uncertain, estimated between 10,000 and 190,000 years ago, highlighting their adaptability and potential interactions with other hominins.

Ancient Teeth Reveal Long-lasting Pathogen Signals
science-and-health2 years ago

Ancient Teeth Reveal Long-lasting Pathogen Signals

Researchers have successfully extracted intact and biologically active antibodies from 800-year-old teeth, providing a new method to identify pathogens that our ancestors encountered. This breakthrough in paleoproteomics could help understand the development of human antibodies throughout history and shed light on ancient diseases. The antibodies recovered from the teeth were able to recognize the Epstein-Barr virus, demonstrating their potential to study diseases from different time periods. This study sets a precedent for further research into the evolution of diseases and our immune system.