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Health & Science3h 36m ago
A new study found that DNA passed down from Denisovans remains active in people today, helping regulate genes linked to immunity and skeletal development, particularly affecting communities in the South Pacific.
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South Pacific, Near Oceania, Papua New Guinea
Who
Serena Tucci, Yale University, Patrick Reilly
What
A new study found that DNA passed down from Denisovans remains active in people today, helping regulate genes linked to immunity and skeletal development, particularly affecting communities in the South Pacific.
When
Tue, 16 Jun 2026 23:15:00 GMT · 3h 36m ago
Where
South Pacific, Near Oceania, Papua New Guinea ·
Why
This inherited ancient DNA is not idle; it actively flips genetic switches inside human cells, with real consequences for health, especially for populations previously underrepresented in genetic research.
The Frontline Impact
How this affects you
The direct evidence that ancient Denisovan DNA actively influences gene expression has practical implications for modern medicine, potentially improving treatments for diseases and aiding in a clearer understanding of how inherited DNA affects survival, especially in communities historically overlooked by genetic studies.
Story chain
7 events in this thread- Health & Science3h 36m agoA new study reveals that ancient Denisovan DNA is still actively regulating genes in modern humans, particularly those related to immunity and skeletal development.Open article
- Health & Science3h 36m agoA new study found that ancient Denisovan DNA passed down to people in the South Pacific actively regulates genes related to immunity and skeletal development, rather than being inert genetic 'leftovers'.Open article
- Currently Reading3h 36m agoA new study found that DNA passed down from Denisovans remains active in people today, helping regulate genes linked to immunity and skeletal development, particularly affecting communities in the South Pacific.
- Health & Science3h 36m agoA new study found that ancient Denisovan DNA remains active in people today, helping regulate genes linked to immunity and skeletal development.Open article
- Health & Science3h 36m agoA new study found that ancient Denisovan DNA is still active in humans today, switching genes on and off with real consequences for health, particularly in immunity and bone development.Open article
- Health & Science3h 36m agoA new study found that ancient Denisovan DNA remains active in people today, regulating genes linked to immunity and skeletal development.Open article
- Health & Science3h 36m agoA new study found that ancient Denisovan DNA continues to actively regulate genes linked to immunity and skeletal development in people today.Open article