Solving mystery at tip of South America

David Reich (left) and Javier Maravall Lopez.
David Reich (left) and Javier Maravall Lopez. Stephanie Mitchell/Harvard Staff Photographer

A new study published in Nature reveals a previously unknown human lineage that persisted in the central Southern Cone of South America for more than 8,000 years. Lead author Javier Maravall López, a Ph.D. student in Human Evolutionary Biology, and senior author David Reich (professor in HEB and of genetics at Harvard Medical School), analyzed ancient DNA from more than 230 individuals and discovered a previously unknown ancient lineage that  gave rise to a surprisingly diverse mix of indigenous cultures.

Read the full article here.

By Kermit Pattison

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