Future: protein analysis to map human evolution

Future: protein analysis to map human evolution. Paleoproteomics can peer into human evolution deeper than ancient DNA For fossils 100,000-300,000 years old, protein preservation is much better Recent Denisovan identifications used protein analysis

Paleoproteomics can go where DNA cannot 🌴 Hot tropical sites like Indonesia have almost no DNA preservation, but proteins survive. This could help identify Homo erectus and Denisovan remains, and clarify relationships between early humans, Paranthropus, and Lucy (Australopithecus). The future of human evolution research! 👤

Key Facts

• Paleoproteomics can peer into human evolution deeper than ancient DNA
• For fossils 100,000-300,000 years old, protein preservation is much better
• Recent Denisovan identifications used protein analysis
• Hot tropical regions like Indonesia have almost no DNA preservation
• This technique could help identify Homo erectus and Denisovan remains in Indonesia
• The method could determine relationships between hominin species like Paranthropus, early Homo, and Australopithecines (Lucy)
• More recent fossils can provide information on sub-populations within species

Source: The hunt for the oldest 'human' genetics by Stefan Milo