Human evolution and history

How research on genes and genomes is shedding light on the evolution of Homo sapiens as a species, and on the migration of humans across the globe.

Meet the ancestors

Tracing human evolution

Early Europeans unable to stomach milk

Five thousand years ago, Europeans did not have the gene that controls our ability to digest milk. 26/02/07

First genetic evidence of long-lived African presence within Britain

Research has identified the first genetic evidence of Africans having lived among 'indigenous' British people for centuries. 24/01/07

Religious following: The Y chromosome in India

Research has revealed that the spread of Islam in southern India was down more to culture than to genes. 01/12/06

Are humans still evolving?

We may have removed many selective pressures, but humans probably are still evolving. 29/09/06

100 000-year-old DNA sequence allows new look at Neandertal's genetic diversity

By recovering sequencing-intact DNA from an especially ancient Neandertal specimen, researchers have found evidence suggesting that the genetic diversity among Neandertals was higher than previously thought. 07/06/06

Most human-chimp differences due to gene regulation

The vast differences between humans and chimpanzees are due more to changes in gene regulation than differences in individual genes themselves, researchers argue. 09/03/06

Manchu Y chromosomes

An unusually frequent lineage of Y chromosomes in northern China and Mongolia has been linked to the Manchu conquest of China and the Qing dynasty. 12/01/06

'Perception' gene tracked humanity's evolution

A gene thought to influence perception and susceptibility to drug dependence is expressed more readily in humans than in other primates, a difference that may coincide with the evolution of our species. 15/11/05

Is size everything? Controlling human brain size

Human genetics, genome sequencing projects and cell biology are providing fascinating insights into the origins of our most important organ - the brain. 04/10/05

A series of fortunate events

Scientists are analysing genetic differences between humans and chimpanzees to shed light on the evolution of the human brain. 01/10/05

Mitochondrial DNA provides a link between Polynesians and indigenous Taiwanese

Mitochondrial DNA from nine Taiwanese tribes reveals a genetic link between aboriginal Taiwanese and Polynesian populations, to the exclusion of mainland Asians. 05/07/05

The cryptic past of Madagascar

Study finds that the human inhabitants of Madagascar are genetically unique. 04/05/05

Gene geography: History's genetic legacy

Three Oxford professors are Investigating how genetic structure varies geographically in the UK. 15/12/04

Chimpanzees shed light on the evolution of human senses

Insights into the evolution of sight, smell and speech are emerging from comparisons of the human genome with the DNA of chimpanzees and other primates. 19/03/04

Clues to the evolution of humans' large brain

A birth defect gene may be key to evolution of humans' large brain. 08/03/04

Mitochondrial DNA and human history

Studies of mDNA can solve genetic and historical riddles, as Bryan Sykes explains. 10/09/03

Lands of our fathers: Y-chromosome diversity and the histories of human populations

Mark Jobling explores the Y chromosome and human history. 24/06/03