400,000-Year-Old Proteins Reveal a Surprise Twist in The Human Family Tree

Scientists analyzed proteins from 400,000-year-old Homo erectus teeth found at three Chinese sites.

They identified one enamel variant previously seen in Denisovans, plus a second variant unique to the Chinese fossils.

The result offers rare molecular evidence that could reshape views of extinct human relationships in East Asia.

It may also hint at ancient interbreeding or shared ancestry between Homo erectus and Denisovan-related lineages.