The resulting near - complete mitochondrial genome sequence, detailed in this week's Nature, is now the oldest of its kind for any human species. (seeker.com)
Previous genetic studies suggested a Middle Eastern or East Asian origin, but controversial new research that makes use of complete mitochondrial genomes of ancient canids as well as modern ones indicates that the first dogs come from Europe. (sciencemag.org)
Using novel techniques to extract and study ancient DNA researchers at the Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology in Leipzig, Germany, have determined an almost complete mitochondrial genome sequence of a 400,000 - year - old representative of the genus Homo from Sima de los Huesos, a unique cave site in Northern Spain, and found that it is related to the mitochondrial genome of Denisovans, extinct relatives of Neandertals in Asia. (sciencedaily.com)