A new genetic study has revealed that ancient Denisovansāan extinct group of human relativesācontinue to influence modern human biology. By analyzing genomes from populations across the Pacific, researchers found that the ancestors of Near Oceanians interbred with at least three distinct Denisovan groups thousands of years ago.
These ancient encounters left behind genetic variants that have been passed down through generations and remain active in people today. Many of these inherited genes are linked to immune system function, suggesting they may have helped early humans adapt to new environments and diseases.
The findings provide fresh insight into human evolution and show how ancient DNA continues to shape health and biology in the modern world.
Read more at ScienceDaily