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Health & Science4h 2m ago
Researchers sequenced 177 high-coverage genomes from 12 Near Oceanian populations, revealing the richest catalog yet of Denisovan DNA and evidence of interbreeding with at least three distinct Denisovan-like groups.
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Near Oceania (New Guinea, Bismarck Archipelago, Solomon Islands)
Who
researchers, people of Near Oceania, Denisovans
What
Researchers sequenced 177 high-coverage genomes from 12 Near Oceanian populations, revealing the richest catalog yet of Denisovan DNA and evidence of interbreeding with at least three distinct Denisovan-like groups.
When
Tue, 16 Jun 2026 16:27:00 GMT · 4h 2m ago
Where
Near Oceania (New Guinea, Bismarck Archipelago, Solomon Islands) ·
Why
This ancient genetic legacy in Near Oceanians comes partly from early settlers who reached the Pacific over 42,000 years ago and remained largely isolated, preserving a record of ancient migrations and encounters with extinct human relatives.
The Frontline Impact
How this affects you
The study significantly expands the understanding of human evolution by showing that modern humans interbred with multiple Denisovan groups, not just replacing other human species. It also highlights gaps in medical research, as many Denisovan-derived variants in Oceania are underrepresented in global biobanks, potentially hindering understanding of disease risk and immune function.
Story chain
3 events in this thread- Health & Science4h 2m agoA new study reveals that people in Near Oceania, including New Guinea, the Bismarck Archipelago, and the Solomon Islands, carry some of the oldest human genetics and the richest catalog of Denisovan DNA, indicating interbreeding with at least three distinct Denisovan-like groups.Open article
- Health & Science4h 2m agoA new study in Science revealed that the people of Near Oceania carry a genetic legacy with some of the oldest human genetics and the richest catalog yet of Denisovan DNA.Open article
- Currently Reading4h 2m agoResearchers sequenced 177 high-coverage genomes from 12 Near Oceanian populations, revealing the richest catalog yet of Denisovan DNA and evidence of interbreeding with at least three distinct Denisovan-like groups.