45,000-year-old DNA reveals a hidden history of human adaptation- study

Human genomes have undergone hitherto unknown drastic genetic changes in response to environmental pressures, according to a new study.

By JERUSALEM POST STAFF, NOVEMBER 24, 2022

https://www.jpost.com/science/article-723217

DNA, where genetics live. (Illustrative). (photo credit: PIXABAY)

A new study revealed groundbreaking details on human evolution by studying 45,000-year-old human DNA. Human genomes have undergone hitherto unknown drastic genetic changes in response to environmental pressures, it found.

The research, published October 31 in the peer-reviewed journal Nature Ecology & Evolution, led researchers to find that the mode of selection in natural populations previously understood may be inaccurate and brings the potential to help us better understand human evolution and genetics over time.

A DNA double helix is seen in an undated artist's illustration released by the National Human Genome Research Institute to Reuters on May 15, 2012. (credit: REUTERS/NATIONAL HUMAN GENOME RESEARCH INSTITUTE/HANDOUT)

An international team of scientists, led by University of Adelaide in Australia, examined DNA from more than 1,000 ancient genomes, the oldest which was around 45,000 years old, to see if certain types of genetic adaptation had been more common in human history than studies of modern genomes had suggested.

"This discovery consequently challenges the prevailing view of human adaptation, and gives us a new and exciting insight into how humans have adapted to the novel environmental pressures they encountered as we spread across the planet.”
Yassine Souilmi

Dr Yassine Souilmi, who co-led the study explained that: “It was widely believed the genetics of our human ancestors didn’t change due to environmental pressures as much as other animals, due to our enhanced communication skills and ability to make and use tools."

Old genomes reveal the secret history of human adaptation

Challenging the prevailing view of human adaptation

“However, by comparing modern genomes with ancient DNA, we discovered more than 50 cases of an initially rare beneficial genetic variant becoming prevalent across all members of ancient human groups," Souilmi continued.

“In contrast to many other species, evidence for this type of adaptive genetic change has been inconsistent in humans. This discovery consequently challenges the prevailing view of human adaptation, and gives us a new and exciting insight into how humans have adapted to the novel environmental pressures they encountered as we spread across the planet.”