Tag: human past
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Surprising discovery in prehistoric DNA – traced to our kidneys
Latest research results from Mattias Jakobsson and his colleagues at the Human Evolution Program were featured on local TV (18 Apr 2026). By examining DNA from thousands of years-old bone fragments, researchers have found genetic changes that were present in prehistoric humans – and in us today. The researchers also made a surprising discovery: several…
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Genetic relatedness mattered in the co-burial ritual of Neolithic hunter–gatherers
Mattila, T. M., Fraser, M., Koelman, J., Krzewińska, M., Ivarsson-Aalders, M., Götherström, A., Jakobsson, M., Storå, J., Günther, T., Wallin, P. & Malmström, H. (2026). Genetic relatedness mattered in the co-burial ritual of Neolithic hunter–gatherers. Proceedings of the Royal Society B: Biological Sciences, 293(2065). DOI: https://doi.org/10.1098/rspb.2025.0813 Abstract Kin relations among past societies can offer valuable information about…
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Mariam reports from the Philippines fieldwork, Nov-Dec 2025
Marian Omar Gómez travelled to the Philippines again in continuation of her PhD project. This time, she was joined for shorter periods by Armin Rassooli Tilehnovi (another PhD student at Human Evolution Program, Uppsala University), Max Larena, and Mattias Jakobsson. The three primary objectives were academic outreach, establishing a formal collaboration with the National Museum…
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Homo sapiens-specific evolution unveiled by ancient southern African genomes, published in Nature
In southern Africa, a group of people lived in partial isolation for hundreds of thousands of years. This is shown in a new study based on analyses of the genomes of 28 people who lived between 10,200 and 150 years ago in southern Africa. The researchers also found genetic adaptations that likely shaped Homo sapiens…
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Ideas that change the world.
Human Evolution was the focus of the latest episode (Season 6, Ep. 112) in the Nobel Prize Museum’s podcast series, Ideas that change the world, with Mattias Jakobsson. We all carry the entire history of humanity in our genes. When researchers examine the DNA of people living today and compare it with the genetic material…
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New master student in the group
Anna Louise Olsson has joined the group to work on her master’s degree project, Genomic History of Northwestern Africa since the Iron Age, under the mentorship of Luciana Simões. Welcome to the team, Loiuse! Project summary North Africa has long been a crucial crossroads, connecting sub-Saharan Africa, the Mediterranean, and the Near East, facilitating cultural…