Genomes Across Japan Reveal Traces of Neanderthal and Denisovan DNA — and a Hidden Third Ancestry
A genetic study has revealed a potential third ancestral group in the DNA of modern Japanese populations. This finding challenges the long-standing two-origin model and supports the theory of tripartite origins. The research highlights distinct ancestry patterns across different regions of Japan, including traces of Neanderthal and Denisovan DNA.
- ▪The study analyzed the genomes of over 3,200 people across Japan.
- ▪Okinawa showed the strongest traces of Jomon ancestry, while western Japan had closer ties to mainland East Asia.
- ▪The research identified 44 archaic DNA regions in modern Japanese populations, linked to various health conditions.
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| Original publisher | Discover Magazine |
| Canonical URL | https://www.discovermagazine.com/genomes-across-japan-reveal-traces-of-neanderthal-and-denisovan-dna-and-a-hidden-third-ancestry-49131 |
| Publication time | Wed, 20 May 2026 21:50:00 GMT |
| Retrieval time | 2026-05-20T21:55:03.050Z |
| Last seen | 2026-05-20T21:55:03.050Z |
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| Cluster | l_AOs3tX41uM |
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A third ancestral group may be hiding inside the DNA of modern populations in Japan. A genetic study found the ancestry of people in Japan today may not fit into the long-standing two-origin model as once thought.After analyzing the genomes of more than 3,200 people across Japan, evidence of a third ancestral component linked to northeastern Asia alongside the Indigenous Jomon hunter-gatherers and later East Asian migrants was found.Published in Science Advances, the study used whole-genome sequencing to examine DNA from seven regions stretching from Hokkaido to Okinawa.
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Excerpt limited to ~120 words for fair-use compliance. The full article is at Discover Magazine.
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