Subscribe now

Humans

Genomes of modern Indian people include wide range of Neanderthal DNA

A genetic study of nearly 2700 individuals has revealed the ancestry of Indian people, and gets scientists closer to reconstructing the genomes of ancient Neanderthals

By James Woodford

6 March 2024

People in India have a wide range of Neanderthal DNA in their genomes

Debajyoti Chakraborty/NurPhoto via Getty Images

The largest ever genome study of South Asian people has discovered a wide range of Neanderthal DNA sequences in modern Indian people. The findings raise the possibility of building a full Neanderthal genome from living humans, instead of relying on DNA from ancient remains.

All modern humans except African people retain an average of around 1 to 2 per cent of their genetic ancestry from archaic hominins, including Neanderthals and Denisovans. African people also get about 0.5 per cent of their…

Sign up to our weekly newsletter

Receive a weekly dose of discovery in your inbox! We'll also keep you up to date with New Scientist events and special offers.

Sign up

To continue reading, subscribe today with our introductory offers

Unlock this article

No commitment, cancel anytime*

Offer ends 15 January 2025.

*Cancel anytime within 14 days of payment to receive a refund on unserved issues.

Inclusive of applicable taxes (VAT)

or

Existing subscribers

Sign in to your account