They were able to use the data gathered to test previous hypotheses drawn from archaeological and historical data, and from studies of modern DNA. (sciencedaily.com)
This data produced a plot with a series of curves, each of which tracked how the organism changed in the size and number of units with age, enabling the researchers to produce a computer model to replicate growth in the organism and test previous hypotheses about where and how growth occurred. (sciencedaily.com)
Some of the associations they uncovered, including the effect of Neandertal DNA on cells in the skin related to UV protection, confirm previous hypotheses. (aaas.org)