Lee Sandberg writes about a HistoGenes project study that combined ancient DNA with archaeological evidence to show post-Roman Europe was reshaped by complex, sustained population movements rather than simple conquest. Sequencing genomes from over 300 individuals in the Little Hungarian Plain, the team found that after Roman rule, northern European genetic ancestry rose significantly, reflecting the expansion of the Lombard Kingdom into former Roman territories in the early sixth century. The resulting society was not a replacement but a layered, hierarchical formation produced through interaction between incoming northern European groups and local southern European populations.
- The study was published in *Science* in June 2026, led by Yijie Tian (Stony Brook University) and István Koncz (Eötvös Loránd University)
- Roman-period populations in the region showed genetic diversity from Asia and Africa, reflecting the empire's cosmopolitan character
- Material culture and genetic ancestry do not necessarily coincide, complicating how archaeologists interpret artifact assemblages
- The HistoGenes project is funded by the European Research Council
- The study was published in *Science* in June 2026, led by Yijie Tian (Stony Brook University) and István Koncz (Eötvös Loránd University)
- Roman-period populations in the region showed genetic diversity from Asia and Africa, reflecting the empire's cosmopolitan character
- Material culture and genetic ancestry do not necessarily coincide, complicating how archaeologists interpret artifact assemblages
- The HistoGenes project is funded by the European Research Council
This review examines how modern genomics helps explain why the human brain differs from other mammals at molecular and cellular levels. By comparing datasets from various species—including primates and ancient humans—researchers can pinpoint genetic regions shaped by evolution. The authors suggest a "genome-up" framework that links these evolutionary genetic changes to complex human cognitive and social behaviors.
This editorial discusses how genomic studies are being used to understand the origins of language in humans. Researchers are attempting to pinpoint the earliest divergence in modern human populations, specifically between the Khoisan people of southern Africa and the rest, to establish a lower bound for when linguistic capacity developed – at least 135,000 years ago. The article highlights the difficulty in reconstructing very old languages, pointing out that many early languages are "known unknowables," lost to time. It acknowledges the distinction between linguistic capacity and fully formed language, suggesting the former may have predated the latter.
Scientists have discovered a single-celled organism with a fantastically small genome, lacking genes for core metabolic functions, challenging our understanding of what constitutes life.
A new genomic study suggests that the capacity for human language emerged at least 135,000 years ago, coinciding with the initial geographic divergence of Homo sapiens. This capacity likely transitioned into social use around 100,000 years ago, as indicated by symbolic activities in the archaeological record.
Analysis of dozens of ancient genomes reveals that close encounters between Neanderthals and humans took place in a narrow time window. The high-resolution analysis also allowed the authors to track when certain Neanderthal DNA sequences appeared in the H. sapiens genome and determine whether they were retained.
