Tibet DNA: Ancient ‘Ghost’ Lineage Found
- A new study of ancient DNA (ancient DNA) extracted from a 7,100-year-old skeleton discovered in China has unearthed a previously unknown "ghost" lineage.
- The skeleton, belonging to an Early Neolithic woman named Xingyi_EN, was found at the Xingyi archaeological site in Yunnan province.
- Researchers suggest that the Basal Asian Xingyi lineage, isolated for thousands of years, eventually interbred with other East Asian groups.
Uncover a stunning discovery: a 7,100-year-old skeleton from China has exposed a previously unknown “ghost” lineage, revolutionizing our understanding of the origins of Tibetan peopel. This groundbreaking research, published in Science, analyzed ancient DNA, offering pivotal insights into the genetic diversity that shaped prehistoric East Asia. The study of Xingyi_EN, the Early Neolithic woman whose remains held the key, reveals a engaging link between this “deeply diverged” Asian population and the ancestry observed in modern Tibetans. This finding not only reshapes our understanding of the past but also highlights the complex genetic history of the region. News Directory 3 is on top of these discoveries.What further secrets will ancient DNA from the region reveal? Discover what’s next…
Ancient DNA from China Reveals ”Ghost” Lineage, Tibetan Ancestry
Updated May 30, 2025
A new study of ancient DNA (ancient DNA) extracted from a 7,100-year-old skeleton discovered in China has unearthed a previously unknown “ghost” lineage. This finding offers critical insights into the genetic diversity of prehistoric East Asia and sheds light on the origins of Tibetan people. The research, published in Science, analyzed 127 human genomes from southwestern China, revealing a genetic link between the ancient individual and the “ghost” ancestry observed in modern Tibetans.
The skeleton, belonging to an Early Neolithic woman named Xingyi_EN, was found at the Xingyi archaeological site in Yunnan province. According to paleontologist qiaomei Fu, the woman’s DNA (ancient DNA) showed a closer affinity to a “deeply diverged” Asian population than to East or South Asians. This population contributed to the mysterious “ghost” ancestry seen in present-day Tibetans.”There likely were more of her kind, but they just haven’t been sampled yet,” Fu said.
Researchers suggest that the Basal Asian Xingyi lineage, isolated for thousands of years, eventually interbred with other East Asian groups. This intermingling of DNA (ancient DNA) contributed to the genetic makeup of some tibetans today. The study emphasizes the need for further research to fully understand the relationship between Xingyi_EN and the Tibetan ghost lineage.
What’s next
Further studies involving more samples are needed to solidify the connection between the Basal Asian Xingyi lineage and the ancestry of modern-day Tibetans. These future investigations will help to clarify the complex population history of East Asia and the origins of its diverse ethnic groups.