Ancient DNA Study Reveals Human Evolution Is Happening Faster Than We Thought

A large ancient-DNA study of nearly 16,000 people found that natural selection has shaped human populations more recently and more extensively than previously thought.

Researchers analyzed genetic data from ancient and modern individuals across West Eurasia and identified hundreds of variants influenced by selection over the last 10,000 years.

The findings suggest human evolution has remained active in recent history, revising assumptions about its pace and timing.

The work may help connect ancient genetic changes to modern traits and disease risk, including type 2 diabetes and schizophrenia.