Scientists have found evidence of two previously unknown ancient human lineages hidden within the DNA of modern people.
Researchers developed a computer-based method called TRACE to work backward from modern human genomes and identify genetic traces left by ancestors whose DNA has never been directly recovered.
These “ghost” populations are distinct from the better-known Neanderthals and Denisovans.
One lineage appears to have interbred with humans in Africa more than 50,000 years ago and contributes roughly 0.5% to 1% of modern human genomes.
The other is far older, potentially dating back about 1.8 million years and representing a “super-archaic” ancestor.
The researchers tested TRACE on more than 500 genomes from populations across Africa, Europe and Asia.
The findings could also help researchers understand human adaptation and the origins of some modern diseases.
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— CTV News (@CTVNews) August 27, 2026
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TIPP Staff
