Leprosy DNA extracted from medieval skeletons in Denmark The well-preserved bones contain DNA from multiple strands of one of medieval Europe’s biggest killers.
Scientists map the earliest Icelandic genome Scientists have mapped genetic material from the first generations of Icelanders, whose DNA appears to be more closely matched to present day Norwegians than their Icelandic descendants.
Fossil DNA identifies the first seafarers in the Pacific Ocean Brave seafarers conquered the Pacific Ocean 3,000 years-ago with no chart of compass. Now, DNA is revealing who these sailors were.
New study reignites debate over Viking settlements in England A large DNA study in 2015 concluded there is “no clear genetic evidence” of the Danish Viking occupation of England. But thousands of Vikings moved to England, say archaeologists.
The ‘Godfather’ of bioarchaeology is moving to Denmark Professor Matthew Collins is one of the world’s leading experts in ancient proteins and what they can tell us about the Earth’s past.
Proteins allow archaeologists to look further back in time Scientists have analysed 3.8-million-year-old proteins using a new method to see much further back in time than is currently possible with DNA.
DNA confirms Australian Aboriginals are the oldest civilisation still around on Earth The first large genetic study of Australian Aboriginals gives new insights into one of the planets oldest living civilisations.
Viking sailors took their cats with them The largest genetic study of cats reveals how our furry friends spread out across Europe, Asia, and Africa, and even hitched a ride aboard Viking ships.
Fossil DNA reveals new theory on colonisation of America New theory: The first Americans could not have migrated via the ice-free corridor as most scientists believe.
Wild horses lost their camouflage because of humans Scientists find the genetic mechanism that determines the colour patterns of wild horses.
Mysterious link between people from South America and Australia Two DNA studies show that South Americans have an unexpected link to indigenous people of Australia and Melanesia, but disagree on how and when the Americas were populated
When did Tibetans have sex with prehistoric humans? Sex with ancient humans enabled the Tibetans to adapt to a life at 4,000 metres above sea level and sheds light on our own evolutionary history.
Kennewick Man’s genome suggests Native American ancestry New genetic evidence turns existing theories on their head and settles a fierce debate over the remains of a prehistoric man once and for all.
Did inbreeding and poor health kill the mighty mammoth? Two mammoths, living 40,000 years apart, could hold the secret genetic history of these mighty creatures.
Scandinavians are the earliest Europeans Scientists have sequenced a 37,000-year-old genome. The results show that present-day Scandinavians are the closest living relatives to the first people in Europe.
Oldest human genome reveals a story of sex and migration The world's oldest known human genome has been mapped and provides key dates and insight into human history.
Professor: ‘Focus on the broader issues when you communicate’ How do you get science out of its ivory tower? A Q&A with world-famous evolutionary biologist Eske Willerslev.
