These are exciting times we live in. Who knew that ancient DNA (aDNA) could be retrieved from soils & sediments? (Urine & feces residues?) Who knew that proteins could serve as a proxy in lieu of DNA for species identification of fragmentary bone fossils. (ZOOMS) They're constantly working to push back the timeline limits of aDNA retrieval from ever older fossils. Who knows? They may finally get good quality DNA from Homo Erectus fossils!
https://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases ... 020821.php
The success of direct genetic analyses so far highlights the importance of a wider, ancient genetic record. This will require continued technological improvements in ancient DNA (aDNA) retrieval, biomolecular screening of fragmentary fossils to find unrecognised human material, wider searches for sedimentary aDNA, and improvements in the evolutionary information provided by ancient proteins. Interdisciplinary analysis of the growing genetic, fossil and archaeological records will undoubtedly reveal many new surprises about the roots of modern human ancestry.
On the origin of our species
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circumspice
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On the origin of our species
"Nothing discloses real character like the use of power. It is easy for the weak to be gentle. Most people can bear adversity. But if you wish to know what a man really is, give him power. This is the supreme test." ~ Robert G. Ingersoll
"Damn with faint praise, assent with civil leer, and, without sneering, teach the rest to sneer." ~ Alexander Pope
"Damn with faint praise, assent with civil leer, and, without sneering, teach the rest to sneer." ~ Alexander Pope