Denisovan DNA Adapts Tibetans To High Altitude Living

Human genetic divergence as humans humans spread across the globe was sped up by mating with other related species. Genetic sequencing of extinct human relatives known as Denisovans has enabled comparison of Han, Tibetan and Denisovan DNA. This has led to discovery of DNA in Tibetans from Denisovans that adapts Tibetans to high altitude living, Shenzhen, July 2, 2014---An international team, led by researchers from BGI and University of California, presented their latest significant finding that the altitude adaptation in Tibet might be caused by the introgression of DNA from extinct Denisovans or Denisovan-related individuals into humans. This work published online in Nature sheds new light into understanding human's adaptation to diverse environments including temperature extremes, new pathogens, and high...

Source: FuturePundit - July 5, 2014 Category: Research Authors: Randall Parker Source Type: blogs