@article {pmid33454959,
year = {2021},
author = {Towle, I and Loch, C},
title = {Tooth chipping prevalence and patterns in extant primates.},
journal = {American journal of physical anthropology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1002/ajpa.24232},
pmid = {33454959},
issn = {1096-8644},
support = {//University of Otago/ ; },
abstract = {OBJECTIVES: A tooth chip occurs when a hard object forcefully contacts the surface of the tooth, typically removing enamel from the occlusal edge. In this study, chipping patterns in extant primates were compared, and hard-object-feeding assessed alongside other factors (e.g., grit mastication and dental properties), to elucidate dietary and behavioral inferences in archeological and paleontological samples.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirteen species of extant primates were studied, including eight species within the Cercopithecidae, two within the Ceboidea, and three within the Hominoidea. Four additional species were also incorporated from the literature for some of the analyses. The severity (Grade 1-3), position (buccal, lingual, mesial, and distal) and number of tooth fractures were recorded for each specimen.

RESULTS: Species considered hard-object-feeding specialists presented higher rates of chipping, with sakis, mandrills, sooty mangabeys and Raffles' banded langurs having high chipping rates (28.3%, 36.7%, 48.4%, and 34.7% of teeth, respectively). Species that seasonally eat harder foods had intermediate chipping frequencies (e.g., brown woolly monkeys: 18.5%), and those that less commonly consume hard food items had the lowest chipping frequencies (e.g., Kloss gibbon: 7.3%; chimpanzees: 4.4%).

DISCUSSION: The results suggest hard food mastication influences differences in chipping prevalence among the species studied. Although Homo fossil samples show high rates of chipping comparable to hard-object-feeding extant primates, they display a different pattern of chipping, supporting the hypothesis that these fractures are mostly non-food related (e.g., grit mastication in Homo naledi; non-masticatory tooth use in Neanderthals).},
}

@article {pmid33459351,
year = {2020},
author = {VanSickle, C and Cofran, Z and Hunt, D},
title = {Did Neandertals have large brains? Factors affecting endocranial volume comparisons.},
journal = {American journal of physical anthropology},
volume = {173},
number = {4},
pages = {768-775},
doi = {10.1002/ajpa.24124},
pmid = {33459351},
issn = {1096-8644},
abstract = {OBJECTIVES: Common wisdom in paleoanthropology is that Neandertals had bigger brains than recent humans. Here we tested the hypothesis that there is no difference in brain size between Neandertals and recent humans while accounting for methodological variation and the makeup of both the Neandertal and recent human samples.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: We examined endocranial volume (ECV) derived from virtually reconstructed endocasts of 11 Neandertals, six of which had associated femoral head diameters (FHD). Our recent human comparative dataset consisted of virtually measured ECV and associated FHD from 94 recent humans from the Robert J. Terry Anatomical Collection (63 male, 31 female). ECV of Neandertals and recent humans was compared using bootstrap resampling, repeating the analysis for two groupings of Neandertals (all and classic) and for three groupings of recent humans (all, males, and females). To examine brain size scaling, we completed an ordinary least squares regression of log (ECV) against log (FHD) for Neandertals and recent humans.

RESULTS: The results of the bootstrap resampling analyses indicated that Neandertals only had significantly larger ECV when compared with recent human females. The regression between ECV and FHD suggested that Neandertals fall within the range of variation for larger humans.

DISCUSSION: Our results demonstrate that Neandertals do not have uniquely large brains when compared with recent humans. Their brain size falls in the large end of the recent human range of variation, but does not exceed it. These results have implications for future research on Neandertal encephalization.},
}

@article {pmid33446842,
year = {2021},
author = {Pederzani, S and Aldeias, V and Dibble, HL and Goldberg, P and Hublin, JJ and Madelaine, S and McPherron, SP and Sandgathe, D and Steele, TE and Turq, A and Britton, K},
title = {Reconstructing Late Pleistocene paleoclimate at the scale of human behavior: an example from the Neandertal occupation of La Ferrassie (France).},
journal = {Scientific reports},
volume = {11},
number = {1},
pages = {1419},
pmid = {33446842},
issn = {2045-2322},
support = {RPG-2017-410//Leverhulme Trust/ ; },
abstract = {Exploring the role of changing climates in human evolution is currently impeded by a scarcity of climatic information at the same temporal scale as the human behaviors documented in archaeological sites. This is mainly caused by high uncertainties in the chronometric dates used to correlate long-term climatic records with archaeological deposits. One solution is to generate climatic data directly from archaeological materials representing human behavior. Here we use oxygen isotope measurements of Bos/Bison tooth enamel to reconstruct summer and winter temperatures in the Late Pleistocene when Neandertals were using the site of La Ferrassie. Our results indicate that, despite the generally cold conditions of the broader period and despite direct evidence for cold features in certain sediments at the site, Neandertals used the site predominantly when climatic conditions were mild, similar to conditions in modern day France. We suggest that due to millennial scale climate variability, the periods of human activity and their climatic characteristics may not be representative of average conditions inferred from chronological correlations with long-term climatic records. These results highlight the importance of using direct routes, such as the high-resolution archives in tooth enamel from anthropogenically accumulated faunal assemblages, to establish climatic conditions at a human scale.},
}

@article {pmid33441416,
year = {2021},
author = {Dumas, G and Malesys, S and Bourgeron, T},
title = {Systematic detection of brain protein-coding genes under positive selection during primate evolution and their roles in cognition.},
journal = {Genome research},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1101/gr.262113.120},
pmid = {33441416},
issn = {1549-5469},
abstract = {The human brain differs from that of other primates, but the genetic basis of these differences remains unclear. We investigated the evolutionary pressures acting on almost all human protein-coding genes (N=11,667; 1:1 orthologs in primates) based on their divergence from those of early hominins, such as Neanderthals, and non-human primates. We confirm that genes encoding brain-related proteins are among the most strongly conserved protein-coding genes in the human genome. Combining our evolutionary pressure metrics for the protein-coding genome with recent datasets, we found that this conservation applied to genes functionally associated with the synapse and expressed in brain structures such as the prefrontal cortex and the cerebellum. Conversely, several genes presenting signatures commonly associated with positive selection appear as causing brain diseases or conditions, such as micro/macrocephaly, Joubert syndrome, dyslexia, and autism. Among those, a number of DNA damage response genes associated with microcephaly in humans such as BRCA1, NHEJ1, TOP3A, and RNF168 show strong signs of positive selection and might have played a role in human brain size expansion during primate evolution. We also showed that cerebellum granule neurons express a set of genes also presenting signatures of positive selection and that may have contributed to the emergence of fine motor skills and social cognition in humans. This resource is available online and can be used to estimate evolutionary constraints acting on a set of genes and to explore their relative contributions to human traits.},
}

@article {pmid33436796,
year = {2021},
author = {McGrath, K and Limmer, LS and Lockey, AL and Guatelli-Steinberg, D and Reid, DJ and Witzel, C and Bocaege, E and McFarlin, SC and El Zaatari, S},
title = {3D enamel profilometry reveals faster growth but similar stress severity in Neanderthal versus Homo sapiens teeth.},
journal = {Scientific reports},
volume = {11},
number = {1},
pages = {522},
pmid = {33436796},
issn = {2045-2322},
support = {798117//H2020 Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions/ ; EB Fellowship//British Academy/ ; 353106138//Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft/ ; },
abstract = {Early life stress disrupts growth and creates horizontal grooves on the tooth surface in humans and other mammals, yet there is no consensus for their quantitative analysis. Linear defects are considered to be nonspecific stress indicators, but evidence suggests that intermittent, severe stressors create deeper defects than chronic, low-level stressors. However, species-specific growth patterns also influence defect morphology, with faster-growing teeth having shallower defects at the population level. Here we describe a method to measure the depth of linear enamel defects and normal growth increments (i.e., perikymata) from high-resolution 3D topographies using confocal profilometry and apply it to a diverse sample of Homo neanderthalensis and H. sapiens anterior teeth. Debate surrounds whether Neanderthals exhibited modern human-like growth patterns in their teeth and other systems, with some researchers suggesting that they experienced more severe childhood stress. Our results suggest that Neanderthals have shallower features than H. sapiens from the Upper Paleolithic, Neolithic, and medieval eras, mirroring the faster growth rates in Neanderthal anterior teeth. However, when defect depth is scaled by perikymata depth to assess their severity, Neolithic humans have less severe defects, while Neanderthals and the other H. sapiens groups show evidence of more severe early life growth disruptions.},
}

@article {pmid33429259,
year = {2021},
author = {Heydari, M and Guérin, G and Zeidi, M and Conard, NJ},
title = {Bayesian luminescence dating at Ghār-e Boof, Iran, provides a new chronology for Middle and Upper Paleolithic in the southern Zagros.},
journal = {Journal of human evolution},
volume = {151},
number = {},
pages = {102926},
doi = {10.1016/j.jhevol.2020.102926},
pmid = {33429259},
issn = {1095-8606},
abstract = {Ghār-e Boof is a Paleolithic cave site in Iran well known for its rich early Upper Paleolithic Rostamian assemblages. The site is located on the edge of the Dasht-e Rostam plain in the southern Zagros. Recent excavations by the members of the Tübingen-Iranian Stone Age Research Project at Ghār-e Boof also recovered well-stratified Middle Paleolithic assemblages. Here, we provide the first detailed luminescence chronology for the Middle and Upper Paleolithic of the site. More generally, our work is the first luminescence chronology for a Middle and Upper Paleolithic site in the Zagros Mountains region in Iran. The luminescence ages for the Upper Paleolithic of Ghār-e Boof agree with published 14C dates. We applied Bayesian models specifically designed for luminescence dating using the R package 'BayLum' to incorporate the well-established stratigraphic constraints, as well as the published 14C ages with our optically stimulated luminescence (OSL) ages to improve the precision of the chronological framework. The Bayesian chronology shows a significantly improved precision of the OSL ages in particular for the upper part of the sequence where 14C ages were available. The Bayesian OSL ages for the Rostamian horizons, archaeologicalhorizon (AH) III (a-b-c), and AH IV, fall in the range of 37-42 ka (68% credible interval [CI]). Moreover, we determined a series of dates between 45 and 81 ka (68% CI) for the Middle Paleolithic strata from AH IVd to AH VI. Our results point to a demographic shift in the populations responsible for the Middle Paleolithic and the Rostamian within three millennia. This major technological change accompanied by the rise of symbolic artifacts such as personal ornaments, may or may not reflect a replacement of Neanderthals by modern humans. While we are confident that the Rostamian was made by modern humans, available information does not allow us to be sure who made the local Middle Paleolithic.},
}

@article {pmid33418451,
year = {2021},
author = {Nowaczewska, W and Binkowski, M and Benazzi, S and Vazzana, A and Nadachowski, A and Stefaniak, K and Żarski, M and Talamo, S and Compton, T and Stringer, CB and Hajdinjak, M and Hublin, JJ},
title = {New hominin teeth from Stajnia Cave, Poland.},
journal = {Journal of human evolution},
volume = {151},
number = {},
pages = {102929},
doi = {10.1016/j.jhevol.2020.102929},
pmid = {33418451},
issn = {1095-8606},
}

@article {pmid33417716,
year = {2021},
author = {Greer, C and Bhakta, H and Ghanem, L and Refai, F and Linn, E and Avella, M},
title = {Deleterious variants in genes regulating mammalian reproduction in Neanderthals, Denisovans and extant humans.},
journal = {Human reproduction (Oxford, England)},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1093/humrep/deaa347},
pmid = {33417716},
issn = {1460-2350},
abstract = {STUDY QUESTION: Were Neanderthals and Denisovans (referred here also as extinct hominidae) carrying deleterious variants in genes regulating reproduction?

SUMMARY ANSWER: The majority of extinct hominidae analyzed here, presented a considerable number of deleterious variants per individual in proteins regulating different aspects of reproduction, including gonad and uterine function, and gametogenesis.

WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY: Neanderthals, Denisovans and extant humans were interfertile and hybridized while occupying geographically overlapping areas in Europe and Asia. This is evidenced by the small archaic genome component (average ∼2%) present in non-African extant humans.

STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION: The genome of eight extinct hominidae, together with five human genome databases, plus 44 mothers and 48 fathers (fertile controls), were screened to look for deleterious variants in 1734 protein-coding genes regulating reproduction.

Ancient DNA from six Neanderthals and two Denisovans dated between ∼82 000 and 43 000 calibrated years was retrieved from the public European Nucleotide Archive. The hominins analyzed include Altai, Vindija 33.15, 33.19, 33.25 and 33.26, El Sidron 1253, Denisova 3 and 11. Their DNA was analyzed using the CLC Genomics Workbench 12, by mapping overlapping paired-end reads (Illumina, FASTQ files) to the human genome assembly GRCh37 (hg19) (Vindija 33.19, 33.25, 33.26, Denisova 3 and Denisova 11) or by analyzing BAM files (Altai, El Sidron 1253 and Vindija 33.15) (human genome reference, GRCh37 (hg19)). Non-synonymous reproductive variants were classified as deleterious or tolerated (PolyPhen-2 and SIFT analyses) and were compared to deleterious variants obtained from extant human genome databases (Genome Aggregation Database (GnomAD), 1000 Genomes, the Haplotype Map (HapMap), Single Nucleotide Polymorphism Database (dbSNPs)) across different populations. A genetic intersection between extant or extinct DNA variants and other genetic disorders was evaluated by annotating the obtained variants with the Clinical Variant (ClinVar) database.

Among the eight extinct hominidae analyzed, a total of 9650 non-synonymous variants (only coverage ≥20 reads included; frameshift mutations were excluded) in 1734 reproductive protein-coding genes were found, 24% of which were classified as deleterious. The majority (73%) of the deleterious alleles present in extant humans that are shared between extant humans and extinct hominidae were found to be rare (<1%) in extant human populations. A set of 8044 variants were found uniquely in extinct hominidae. At the single-gene level, no extinct individual was found to be homozygous for deleterious variants in genes necessary for gamete recognition and fusion, and no higher chance of embryo-lethality (calculated by Mendelian Genetics) was found upon simulated mating between extant human and extinct hominidae compared to extant human-extant human. However, three of the eight extinct hominidae were found to be homozygous for 48-69 deleterious variants in 55 genes controlling ovarian and uterine functions, or oogenesis (AKAP1, BUB1B, CCDC141, CDC73, DUSP6, ESR1, ESR2, PATL2, PSMC3IP, SEMA3A, WT1 and WNT4). Moreover, we report the distribution of nine Neanderthal variants in genes associated with a human fertility phenotype found in extant human populations, one of which has been associated with polycystic ovarian syndrome and primary congenital glaucoma.

While analyzing archaic DNA, stringent filtering criteria were adopted to screen for deleterious variants in Neanderthals and Denisovans, which could result in missing a number of variants. Such restraints preserve the potential for detection of additional deleterious variants in reproductive proteins in extinct hominidae.

This study provides a comprehensive overview of putatively deleterious variants in extant human populations and extinct individuals occurring in 1734 protein-coding genes controlling reproduction and provides the fundaments for future functional studies of extinct variants in human reproduction.

This study was supported by the Department of Biological Science and by the Office of Research and Sponsored Programs at the University of Tulsa (Faculty Research Grant and Faculty Research Summer Fellowship) to M.A. and the University of Tulsa, Tulsa Undergraduate Research Challenge (TURC) program to E.L.; no conflict of interest to declare.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: N/A.},
}

@article {pmid33412555,
year = {2021},
author = {Kliesch, S and Schmidt, S and Wilborn, D and Aigner, C and Albrecht, W and Bedke, J and Beintker, M and Beyersdorff, D and Bokemeyer, C and Busch, J and Classen, J and de Wit, M and Dieckmann, KP and Diemer, T and Dieing, A and Gockel, M and Göckel-Beining, B and Hakenberg, OW and Heidenreich, A and Heinzelbecker, J and Herkommer, K and Hermanns, T and Kaufmann, S and Kornmann, M and Kotzerke, J and Krege, S and Kristiansen, G and Lorch, A and Müller, AC and Oechsle, K and Ohloff, T and Oing, C and Otto, U and Pfister, D and Pichler, R and Recken, H and Rick, O and Rudolph, Y and Ruf, C and Schirren, J and Schmelz, H and Schmidberger, H and Schrader, M and Schweyer, S and Seeling, S and Souchon, R and Winter, C and Wittekind, C and Zengerling, F and Zermann, DH and Zillmann, R and Albers, P},
title = {Management of Germ Cell Tumours of the Testis in Adult Patients. German Clinical Practice Guideline Part I: Epidemiology, Classification, Diagnosis, Prognosis, Fertility Preservation, and Treatment Recommendations for Localized Stages.},
journal = {Urologia internationalis},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {1-12},
doi = {10.1159/000510407},
pmid = {33412555},
issn = {1423-0399},
abstract = {INTRODUCTION: This is the first German evidence- and consensus-based clinical guideline on diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up on germ cell tumours (GCTs) of the testis in adult patients. We present the guideline content in two publications. Part I covers the topic's background, methods, epidemiology, classification systems, diagnostics, prognosis, and treatment recommendations for the localized stages.

METHODS: An interdisciplinary panel of 42 experts including 1 patient representative developed the guideline content. Clinical recommendations and statements were based on scientific evidence and expert consensus. For this purpose, evidence tables for several review questions, which were based on systematic literature searches (last search was in March 2018) were provided. Thirty-one experts entitled to vote, rated the final clinical recommendations and statements.

RESULTS: We provide 161 clinical recommendations and statements. We present information on the quality of cancer care and epidemiology and give recommendations for staging and classification as well as for diagnostic procedures. The diagnostic recommendations encompass measures for assessing the primary tumour as well as procedures for the detection of metastases. One chapter addresses prognostic factors. In part I, we separately present the treatment recommendations for germ cell neoplasia in situ, and the organ-confined stages (clinical stage I) of both seminoma and nonseminoma.

CONCLUSION: Although GCT is a rare tumour entity with excellent survival rates for the localized stages, its management requires an interdisciplinary approach, including several clinical experts. Quality of care is highly related to institutional expertise and can be reassured by established online-based second-opinion boards. There are very few studies on diagnostics with good level of evidence. Treatment of metastatic GCTs must be tailored to the risk according to the International Germ Cell Cancer Collaboration Group classification after careful diagnostic evaluation. An interdisciplinary approach as well as the referral of selected patients to centres with proven experience can help achieve favourable clinical outcomes.},
}

@article {pmid33412453,
year = {2021},
author = {Dodat, PJ and Tacail, T and Albalat, E and Gómez-Olivencia, A and Couture-Veschambre, C and Holliday, T and Madelaine, S and Martin, JE and Rmoutilova, R and Maureille, B and Balter, V},
title = {Isotopic calcium biogeochemistry of MIS 5 fossil vertebrate bones: application to the study of the dietary reconstruction of Regourdou 1 Neandertal fossil.},
journal = {Journal of human evolution},
volume = {151},
number = {},
pages = {102925},
doi = {10.1016/j.jhevol.2020.102925},
pmid = {33412453},
issn = {1095-8606},
abstract = {The calcium isotopic composition (δ44/42Ca) of bone and tooth enamel can be used for dietary reconstructions of extant and extinct mammals. In natural conditions, the δ44/42Ca value of bone and teeth varies according to dietary intake with a constant isotopic offset of about -0.6‰. Owing to the poor conservation of collagen, carbon (C), and nitrogen (N) isotopic compositions of the Regourdou Mousterian site (MIS 5, Dordogne, France) previously failed to provide any paleodietary information. Therefore, to reconstruct the trophic chain, we have measured calcium (Ca) isotopes from fossil bone samples of the fauna from the Regourdou site, as well as from three bone samples of the Regourdou 1 Neandertal specimen. The results show a taxon-dependent patterning of the Ca isotopic compositions: herbivores generally have higher δ44/42Ca values than carnivores. All the δ44/42Ca values of Regourdou 1 are low (<-1.6‰), placing this specimen amid carnivores. Using a bone-muscle Ca isotopic offset determined on extant animals, we further show that the δ44/42Ca value of the Regourdou 1 diet, and that of most carnivores, cannot be accounted for by the consumption of meat only, as plants and meat have indistinguishable δ44/42Ca values. Mass balance calculations indicate that the low δ44/42Ca values of the Neandertal's carnivorous diet are explained by the ingestion of bone marrow containing as little as 1% trabecular bone. Our results show that the Regourdou 1 Neanderthal consumed a mixture of various herbivorous prey, as well as trabecular bone, which probably occurred when marrow was ingested, by accident or intentionally.},
}

@article {pmid33360685,
year = {2020},
author = {Adegboyega, MT and Stamos, PA and Hublin, JJ and Weaver, TD},
title = {Virtual reconstruction of the Kebara 2 Neanderthal pelvis.},
journal = {Journal of human evolution},
volume = {151},
number = {},
pages = {102922},
doi = {10.1016/j.jhevol.2020.102922},
pmid = {33360685},
issn = {1095-8606},
abstract = {The paucity of well-preserved pelvises in the hominin fossil record has hindered robust analyses of shifts in critical biological processes throughout human evolution. The Kebara 2 pelvis remains one of the best preserved hominin pelvises, providing a rare opportunity to assess Neanderthal pelvic morphology and function. Here, we present two new reconstructions of the Kebara 2 pelvis created from CT scans of the right hip bone and sacrum. For both reconstructions, we proceeded as follows. First, we virtually reconstructed the right hip bone and the sacrum by repositioning the fragments of the hip bone and sacrum. Then, we created a mirrored copy of the right hip bone to act as the left hip bone. Next, we 3D printed the three bones and physically articulated them. Finally, we used fiducial points collected from the physically articulated models to articulate the hip bones and sacrum in virtual space. Our objectives were to (1) reposition misaligned fragments, particularly the ischiopubic ramus; (2) create a 3D model of a complete pelvis; and (3) assess interobserver reconstruction variation. These new reconstructions show that, in comparison with previous measurements, Kebara 2 possessed a higher shape index (maximum anteroposterior length/maximum mediolateral width) for the pelvic inlet and perhaps the outlet and a more anteriorly positioned sacral promontory and pubic symphysis relative to the acetabula. The latter differences result in a lower ratio between the distances anterior and posterior to the anterior margins of the acetabula. Generally, the new reconstructions tend to accentuate features of the Kebara 2 pelvis--the long superior pubic ramus and anteriorly positioned pelvic inlet--that have already been discussed for Kebara 2 and other Neanderthals.},
}

@article {pmid33356949,
year = {2020},
author = {Higgitt, R},
title = {Neanderthal and the fossilization of the Third World.},
journal = {Social studies of science},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {306312720983460},
doi = {10.1177/0306312720983460},
pmid = {33356949},
issn = {1460-3659},
abstract = {Neanderthal is the quintessential scientific Other. In the late nineteenth century gentlemen-scientists, including business magnates, investment bankers and lawmakers with interest in questions of human and human societal development, framed Europe's Neanderthal and South Asia's indigenous Negritos as close evolutionary kin. Simultaneously, they explained Neanderthal's extinction as the consequence of an inherent backwardness in the face of fair-skinned, steadily-progressing newcomers to ancient Europe who behaved in ways associated with capitalism. This racialization and economization of Neanderthal helped bring meaning and actual legal reality to Negritos via the British Raj's official 'schedules of backward castes and tribes'. It also helped justify the Raj's initiation of market-oriented reforms in order to break a developmental equilibrium deemed created when fair-skinned newcomers to ancient South Asia enslaved Negritos in an enduring caste system. Neanderthal was integral to the scientism behind the British construction of caste, and contributed to India's becoming a principal 'Third World' target of Western structural adjustment policies as continuation of South Asia's 'evolution assistance'.},
}

@article {pmid33343925,
year = {2020},
author = {Kist, NC and Lambert, B and Campbell, S and Katzourakis, A and Lunn, D and Lemey, P and Iversen, AKN},
title = {HIV-1 p24Gag adaptation to modern and archaic HLA-allele frequency differences in ethnic groups contributes to viral subtype diversification.},
journal = {Virus evolution},
volume = {6},
number = {2},
pages = {veaa085},
doi = {10.1093/ve/veaa085},
pmid = {33343925},
issn = {2057-1577},
abstract = {Pathogen-driven selection and past interbreeding with archaic human lineages have resulted in differences in human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-allele frequencies between modern human populations. Whether or not this variation affects pathogen subtype diversification is unknown. Here we show a strong positive correlation between ethnic diversity in African countries and both human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-1 p24gag and subtype diversity. We demonstrate that ethnic HLA-allele differences between populations have influenced HIV-1 subtype diversification as the virus adapted to escape common antiviral immune responses. The evolution of HIV Subtype B (HIV-B), which does not appear to be indigenous to Africa, is strongly affected by immune responses associated with Eurasian HLA variants acquired through adaptive introgression from Neanderthals and Denisovans. Furthermore, we show that the increasing and disproportionate number of HIV-infections among African Americans in the USA drive HIV-B evolution towards an Africa-centric HIV-1 state. Similar adaptation of other pathogens to HLA variants common in affected populations is likely.},
}

@article {pmid33341120,
year = {2020},
author = {Árnason, Ú and Hallström, B},
title = {The reversal of human phylogeny: Homo left Africa as erectus, came back as sapiens sapiens.},
journal = {Hereditas},
volume = {157},
number = {1},
pages = {51},
pmid = {33341120},
issn = {1601-5223},
support = {2018//Kungliga Fysiografiska Sällskapet i Lund (SE)/ ; 2018//Erik Philip Sörensens Foundation (SE)/ ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: The molecular out of Africa hypothesis, OOAH, has been considered as an established fact amid population geneticists for some 25-30 years despite the early concern with it among phylogeneticists with experience beyond that of Homo. The palaeontological support for the hypothesis is also questionable, a circumstance that in the light of expanding Eurasian palaeontological knowledge has become accentuated through the last decades.

RESULTS: The direction of evolution in the phylogenetic tree of modern humans (Homo sapiens sapiens, Hss) was established inter alia by applying progressive phylogenetic analysis to an mtDNA sampling that included a Eurasian, Lund, and the African Mbuti, San and Yoruba. The examination identified the African populations as paraphyletic, thereby compromising the OOAH. The finding, which was consistent with the out of Eurasia hypothesis, OOEH, was corroborated by the mtDNA introgression from Hss into Hsnn (Neanderthals) that demonstrated the temporal and physical Eurasian coexistence of the two lineages. The results are consistent with the palaeontologically established presence of H. erectus in Eurasia, a Eurasian divergence between H. sapiens and H. antecessor ≈ 850,000 YBP, an Hs divergence between Hss and Hsn (Neanderthals + Denisovans) ≈ 800,000 YBP, an mtDNA introgression from Hss into Hsnn* ≈ 500,000 YBP and an Eurasian divergence among the ancestors of extant Hss ≈ 250,000 YBP at the exodus of Mbuti/San into Africa.

CONCLUSIONS: The present study showed that Eurasia was not the receiver but the donor in Hss evolution. The findings that Homo left Africa as erectus and returned as sapiens sapiens constitute a change in the understanding of Hs evolution to one that conforms to the extensive Eurasian record of Hs palaeontology and archaeology.},
}

@article {pmid32385291,
year = {2020},
author = {Martisius, NL and Welker, F and Dogandžić, T and Grote, MN and Rendu, W and Sinet-Mathiot, V and Wilcke, A and McPherron, SJP and Soressi, M and Steele, TE},
title = {Non-destructive ZooMS identification reveals strategic bone tool raw material selection by Neandertals.},
journal = {Scientific reports},
volume = {10},
number = {1},
pages = {7746},
pmid = {32385291},
issn = {2045-2322},
mesh = {Animals ; Archaeology ; *Bone and Bones ; *Neanderthals ; *Tool Use Behavior ; },
abstract = {Five nearly identical fragments of specialized bone tools, interpreted as lissoirs (French for "smoothers"), have been found at two Middle Paleolithic sites in southwest France. The finds span three separate archaeological deposits, suggesting continuity in the behavior of late Neandertals. Using standard morphological assessments, we determined that the lissoirs were produced on ribs of medium-sized ungulates. However, since these bones are highly fragmented and anthropogenically modified, species determinations were challenging. Also, conservative curation policy recommends minimizing destructive sampling of rare, fragile, or small artifacts for molecular identification methods. To better understand raw material selection for these five lissoirs, we reassess their taxonomy using a non-destructive ZooMS methodology based on triboelectric capture of collagen. We sampled four storage containers and obtained identifiable MALDI-TOF MS collagen fingerprints, all indicative of the same taxonomic clade, which includes aurochs and bison (Bos sp. and Bison sp.). The fifth specimen, which was stored in a plastic bag, provided no useful MALDI-TOF MS spectra. We show that the choice of large bovid ribs in an archaeological layer dominated by reindeer (Rangifer tarandus) demonstrates strategic selection by these Neandertals. Furthermore, our results highlight the value of a promising technique for the non-destructive analysis of bone artifacts.},
}

Animals
Archaeology
*Bone and Bones
*Neanderthals
*Tool Use Behavior

@article {pmid33299013,
year = {2020},
author = {Balzeau, A and Turq, A and Talamo, S and Daujeard, C and Guérin, G and Welker, F and Crevecoeur, I and Fewlass, H and Hublin, JJ and Lahaye, C and Maureille, B and Meyer, M and Schwab, C and Gómez-Olivencia, A},
title = {Pluridisciplinary evidence for burial for the La Ferrassie 8 Neandertal child.},
journal = {Scientific reports},
volume = {10},
number = {1},
pages = {21230},
pmid = {33299013},
issn = {2045-2322},
abstract = {The origin of funerary practices has important implications for the emergence of so-called modern cognitive capacities and behaviour. We provide new multidisciplinary information on the archaeological context of the La Ferrassie 8 Neandertal skeleton (grand abri of La Ferrassie, Dordogne, France), including geochronological data -14C and OSL-, ZooMS and ancient DNA data, geological and stratigraphic information from the surrounding context, complete taphonomic study of the skeleton and associated remains, spatial information from the 1968-1973 excavations, and new (2014) fieldwork data. Our results show that a pit was dug in a sterile sediment layer and the corpse of a two-year-old child was laid there. A hominin bone from this context, identified through Zooarchaeology by Mass Spectrometry (ZooMS) and associated with Neandertal based on its mitochondrial DNA, yielded a direct 14C age of 41.7-40.8 ka cal BP (95%), younger than the 14C dates of the overlying archaeopaleontological layers and the OSL age of the surrounding sediment. This age makes the bone one of the most recent directly dated Neandertals. It is consistent with the age range for the Châtelperronian in the site and in this region and represents the third association of Neandertal taxa to Initial Upper Palaeolithic lithic technocomplex in Western Europe. A detailed multidisciplinary approach, as presented here, is essential to advance understanding of Neandertal behavior, including funerary practices.},
}

@article {pmid33296644,
year = {2020},
author = {Jordan, B},
title = {[A poisoned gift].},
journal = {Medecine sciences : M/S},
volume = {36},
number = {12},
pages = {1233-1236},
doi = {10.1051/medsci/2020240},
pmid = {33296644},
issn = {1958-5381},
abstract = {GWAS analysis of severe Covid patients implicates a major locus on chromosome 3. The corresponding 50 kb segment appears to originate from Neanderthal/Sapiens crossings, raising interesting evolutionary questions.},
}

@article {pmid33290582,
year = {2020},
author = {Brophy, JK and Moggi-Cecchi, J and Matthews, GJ and Bailey, SE},
title = {Comparative morphometric analyses of the deciduous molars of Homo naledi from the Dinaledi Chamber, South Africa.},
journal = {American journal of physical anthropology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1002/ajpa.24190},
pmid = {33290582},
issn = {1096-8644},
support = {//College of Humanities and Social Sciences, Louisiana State University/ ; //Leakey Foundation/ ; //Max-Planck-Institut für Evolutionäre Anthropologie/ ; //National Geographic Society/ ; //Wenner-Gren Foundation/ ; //Tanzania Commission for Science and Technology/ ; },
abstract = {OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study is to help elucidate the taxonomic relationship between Homo naledi and other hominins.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: Homo naledi deciduous maxillary and mandibular molars from the Dinaledi Chamber, South Africa were compared to those of Australopithecus africanus, Australopithecus afarensis, Paranthropus robustus, Paranthropus boisei, early Homo sp., Homo erectus, early Homo sapiens, Upper Paleolithic H. sapiens, recent southern African H. sapiens, and Neanderthals by means of morphometric analyses of crown outlines and relative cusp areas. The crown shapes were analyzed using elliptical Fourier analyses followed by principal component analyses (PCA). The absolute and relative cusp areas were obtained in ImageJ and compared using PCA and cluster analyses.

RESULTS: PCA suggests that the crown shapes and relative cusp areas of mandibular molars are more diagnostic than the maxillary molars. The H. naledi deciduous mandibular first and second molar (dm1 and dm2) do not have a strong affinity to any taxon in the comparative sample in all analyses. While the H. naledi dm2 plots as an outlier in the relative cusp analysis, the H. naledi specimen fall closest to Australopithecus due to their relatively large metaconid, a primitive trait for the genus Homo. Although useful for differentiating Neanderthals from recent southern African H. sapiens and UP H. sapiens, the PCA of the relative cusp areas suggests that the deciduous maxillary second molars (dm2) do not differentiate other groups. The three H. naledi dm2 cuspal areas are variable and fall within the ranges of other Homo, as well as Australopithecus, and Paranthropus suggesting weak diagnostic utility.

DISCUSSION: This research provides another perspective on the morphology of, and variation within, H. naledi. The H. naledi deciduous molars do not consistently align with any genus or species in the comparative sample in either the crown shape or relative cusp analyses. This line of inquiry is consistent with other cranial and postcranial studies suggesting that H. naledi is unique.},
}

@article {pmid33278486,
year = {2020},
author = {Wendt, FR and Pathak, GA and Overstreet, C and Tylee, DS and Gelernter, J and Atkinson, EG and Polimanti, R},
title = {Characterizing the effect of background selection on the polygenicity of brain-related traits.},
journal = {Genomics},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1016/j.ygeno.2020.11.032},
pmid = {33278486},
issn = {1089-8646},
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) have demonstrated that psychopathology phenotypes are affected by many risk alleles with small effect (polygenicity). It is unclear how ubiquitously evolutionary pressures influence the genetic architecture of these traits.

METHODS: We partitioned SNP heritability to assess the contribution of background (BGS) and positive selection, Neanderthal local ancestry, functional significance, and genotype networks in 75 brain-related traits (8411 ≤ N ≤ 1,131,181, mean N = 205,289). We applied binary annotations by dichotomizing each measure based on top 2%, 1%, and 0.5% of all scores genome-wide. Effect size distribution features were calculated using GENESIS. We tested the relationship between effect size distribution descriptive statistics and natural selection. In a subset of traits, we explore the inclusion of diagnostic heterogeneity (e.g., number of diagnostic combinations and total symptoms) in the tested relationship.

RESULTS: SNP-heritability was enriched (false discovery rate q < 0.05) for loci with elevated BGS (7 phenotypes) and in genic (34 phenotypes) and loss-of-function (LoF)-intolerant regions (67 phenotypes). These effects were strongest in GWAS of schizophrenia (1.90-fold BGS, 1.16-fold genic, and 1.92-fold LoF), educational attainment (1.86-fold BGS, 1.12-fold genic, and 1.79-fold LoF), and cognitive performance (2.29-fold BGS, 1.12-fold genic, and 1.79-fold LoF). BGS (top 2%) significantly predicted effect size variance for trait-associated loci (σ2 parameter) in 75 brain-related traits (β = 4.39 × 10-5, p = 1.43 × 10-5, model r2 = 0.548). Considering the number of DSM-5 diagnostic combinations per psychiatric disorder improved model fit (σ2 ~ BTop2% × Genic × diagnostic combinations; model r2 = 0.661).

CONCLUSIONS: Brain-related phenotypes with larger variance in risk locus effect sizes are associated with loci under BGS. We show exploratory results suggesting that diagnostic complexity may also contribute to increase the polygenicity of psychiatric disorders.},
}

@article {pmid33264306,
year = {2020},
author = {Riga, A and Boggioni, M and Papini, A and Buzi, C and Profico, A and Di Vincenzo, F and Marchi, D and Moggi-Cecchi, J and Manzi, G},
title = {In situ observations on the dentition and oral cavity of the Neanderthal skeleton from Altamura (Italy).},
journal = {PloS one},
volume = {15},
number = {12},
pages = {e0241713},
doi = {10.1371/journal.pone.0241713},
pmid = {33264306},
issn = {1932-6203},
abstract = {The Neanderthal specimen from Lamalunga Cave, near Altamura (Apulia, Italy), was discovered during a speleological survey in 1993. The specimen is one of the most complete fossil hominins in Europe and its state of preservation is exceptional, although it is stuck in calcareous concretions and the bones are mostly covered by calcite depositions. Nevertheless, it is possible to carry out some observations on craniodental features that have not previously been described. In this work, we present an account of the oral cavity, made possible by the use of a videoscope, which allowed us to reach some hidden parts of the mandible and palate. This is the first detailed overview of the teeth and maxillary bones of the Neanderthal skeleton from Altamura. The dentition is almost complete. However, two teeth (upper right P3 and upper left M1) were lost ante mortem and four teeth (lower right I1 and P3 and lower left I1 and I2) were lost most probably post mortem. Dental wear is marked. The erupted M3s and the inversion of the compensating curve of Wilson in the M1s and M2s but not in the M3s suggest that the individual is fully adult, but not old. Although most of the teeth have their roots exposed for several millimeters, the periodontal bone appears to be in good condition overall, except in correspondence of the two ante-mortem tooth losses. X-rays of the anterior teeth show a periapical lesion, probably linked to the advanced dental wear. We also observed a weak expression of taurodontism in the posterior dentition and the presence of a retromolar space, features consistent with an attribution to the Neanderthal hypodigm; this attribution is also supported by aspects of the cranial morphology, the morphometric analysis of the scapula and preliminary mtDNA data. There is also a well-developed palatine torus, to the best of our knowledge a feature not previously described in Neanderthals.},
}

@article {pmid33247712,
year = {2020},
author = {Dannemann, M},
title = {The population-specific impact of Neandertal introgression on human disease.},
journal = {Genome biology and evolution},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1093/gbe/evaa250},
pmid = {33247712},
issn = {1759-6653},
abstract = {Since the discovery of admixture between modern humans and Neandertals, multiple studies investigated the effect of Neandertal-derived DNA on human disease and non-disease phenotypes. These studies have linked Neandertal ancestry to skin and hair related phenotypes, immunity, neurological and behavioral traits. However, these inferences have so far been limited to cohorts with participants of European ancestry. Here, I analyze summary statistics from 40 disease GWAS cohorts of ∼212,000 individuals provided by the Biobank Japan Project for phenotypic effects of Neandertal DNA. I show that Neandertal DNA is associated with autoimmune diseases, prostate cancer and type 2 diabetes. Many of these disease associations are linked to population-specific Neandertal DNA, highlighting the importance of studying a wider range of ancestries to characterize the phenotypic legacy of Neandertals in people today.},
}

@article {pmid33245148,
year = {2020},
author = {Mineta, K and Goto, K and Gojobori, T and Alkuraya, FS},
title = {Indigenous Arabs have an intermediate frequency of a Neanderthal-derived COVID-19 risk haplotype compared with other world populations.},
journal = {Clinical genetics},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1111/cge.13885},
pmid = {33245148},
issn = {1399-0004},
}

@article {pmid33244047,
year = {2020},
author = {Bardo, A and Moncel, MH and Dunmore, CJ and Kivell, TL and Pouydebat, E and Cornette, R},
title = {The implications of thumb movements for Neanderthal and modern human manipulation.},
journal = {Scientific reports},
volume = {10},
number = {1},
pages = {19323},
doi = {10.1038/s41598-020-75694-2},
pmid = {33244047},
issn = {2045-2322},
support = {819960//H2020 European Research Council/ ; 19SB207U7179//SU Emergence/ ; },
abstract = {Much research has debated the technological abilities of Neanderthals relative to those of early modern humans, with a particular focus on subtle differences in thumb morphology and how this may reflect differences in manipulative behaviors in these two species. Here, we provide a novel perspective on this debate through a 3D geometric morphometric analysis of shape covariation between the trapezial and proximal first metacarpal articular surfaces of Neanderthals (Homo neanderthalensis) in comparison to early and recent humans (Homo sapiens). Results show a distinct pattern of shape covariation in Neanderthals, consistent with more extended and adducted thumb postures that may reflect habitual use of grips commonly used for hafted tools. Both Neanderthals and recent humans demonstrate high intraspecific variation in shape covariation. This intraspecific variation is likely the result of genetic and/or developmental differences, but may also reflect, in part, differing functional requirements imposed by the use of varied tool-kits. These results underscore the importance of holistic joint shape analysis for understanding the functional capabilities and evolution of the modern human thumb.},
}

@article {pmid33230523,
year = {2020},
author = {Aarts, JMMJG and Alink, GM and Franssen, HJ and Roebroeks, W},
title = {Evolution of Hominin Detoxification: Neanderthal and Modern Human Ah Receptor Respond Similarly to TCDD.},
journal = {Molecular biology and evolution},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1093/molbev/msaa287},
pmid = {33230523},
issn = {1537-1719},
abstract = {In studies of hominin adaptations to fire use, the role of the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) in the evolution of detoxification has been highlighted, including statements that the modern human AHR confers a significantly better capacity to deal with toxic smoke components than the Neanderthal AHR. To evaluate this, we compared the AHR-controlled induction of cytochrome P4501A1 (CYP1A1) mRNA in HeLa human cervix epithelial adenocarcinoma cells transfected with an Altai-Neanderthal or a modern human reference AHR expression construct, and exposed to 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD). We compared the complete AHR mRNA sequences including the untranslated regions (UTRs), maintaining the original codon usage. We observe no significant difference in CYP1A1 induction by TCDD between Neanderthal and modern human AHR, whereas a 150-1000 times difference was previously reported in a study of the AHR coding region optimized for mammalian codon usage and expressed in rat cells. Our study exemplifies that expression in a homologous cellular background is of major importance to determine (ancient) protein activity. The Neanderthal and modern human dose-response curves almost coincide, except for a slightly higher extrapolated maximum for the Neanderthal AHR, possibly caused by a 5'-UTR G-variant known from modern humans (rs7796976). Our results are strongly at odds with a major role of the modern human AHR in the evolution of hominin detoxification of smoke components and consistent with our previous study based on 18 relevant genes in addition to AHR, which concluded that efficient detoxification alleles are more dominant in ancient hominins, chimpanzees and gorillas than in modern humans.},
}

@article {pmid33226710,
year = {2020},
author = {Weyrich, LS},
title = {The evolutionary history of the human oral microbiota and its implications for modern health.},
journal = {Periodontology 2000},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1111/prd.12353},
pmid = {33226710},
issn = {1600-0757},
abstract = {Numerous biological and cultural factors influence the microbial communities (microbiota) that inhabit the human mouth, including diet, environment, hygiene, physiology, health status, genetics, and lifestyle. As oral microbiota can underpin oral and systemic diseases, tracing the evolutionary history of oral microbiota and the factors that shape its origins will unlock information to mitigate disease today. Despite this, the origins of many oral microbes remain unknown, and the key factors in the past that shaped our oral microbiota are only now emerging. High throughput DNA sequencing of oral microbiota using ancient DNA and comparative anthropological methodologies has been employed to investigate oral microbiota origins, revealing a complex, rich history. Here, I review the current literature on the factors that shaped and guided oral microbiota evolution, both in Europe and globally. In Europe, oral microbiota evolution was shaped by interactions with Neandertals, the adaptation of farming, widespread integration of industrialization, and postindustrial lifestyles that emerged after World War II. Globally, evidence for a multitude of different oral microbiota histories is emerging, likely supporting dissimilarities in modern oral health across discrete human populations. I highlight how these evolutionary changes are linked to the development of modern oral diseases and discuss the remaining factors that need to be addressed to improve this embryonic field of research. I argue that understanding the evolutionary history of our oral microbiota is necessary to identify new treatment and prevention options to improve oral and systemic health in the future.},
}

@article {pmid33218283,
year = {2020},
author = {Gregory, MD and Kippenhan, JS and Kohn, P and Eisenberg, DP and Callicott, JH and Kolachana, B and Berman, KF},
title = {Neanderthal-derived genetic variation is associated with functional connectivity in the brains of living humans.},
journal = {Brain connectivity},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1089/brain.2020.0809},
pmid = {33218283},
issn = {2158-0022},
abstract = {Aim: To determine whether Neanderthal-derived genetic variation relates to functional connectivity patterns in the brains of living modern humans. Introduction: Nearly 50,000 years ago, Neanderthals interbred with ancestors of modern humans, imparting a genetic legacy that lives on today. The vestiges of this Neanderthal-derived genetic variation have been previously shown to be enriched in genes coding for neurogenesis and myelination and to alter skull shape and brain structure in living people. Methods: Using two independent cohorts totaling 553 healthy individuals, we employed multivariate distance matrix regression (MDMR) to determine whether any brain areas exhibited whole-brain functional connectivity patterns that significantly related to the degree of Neanderthal introgression. Identified clusters were then used as regions-of-interest in follow-up seed-based functional connectivity analyses to determine the connectivity patterns driving the relationships. Results: The MDMR analysis revealed that the percentage of Neanderthal-originating polymorphisms was significantly associated with the functional connectivity patterns of an area of the intraparietal sulcus (IPS) that was nearly identical in both cohorts. Using these IPS clusters as regions-of-interest in seed-based connectivity analyses, we found, again in both cohorts, that individuals with a higher proportion of Neanderthal-derived genetic variation showed increased IPS functional connectivity with visual processing regions, but decreased IPS connectivity with regions underlying social cognition. Conclusions: These findings demonstrate that the remnants of Neanderthal admixture continue to influence human brain function today, in ways that are consistent with anthropological conceptualizations of Neanderthal phenotypes, including the possibility that Neanderthals may have depended upon visual processing capabilities at the expense of social cognition and this may have contributed to the extinction of this species via reduced cultural maintenance and inability to cope with fluctuating resources. This and other work capitalizing on the emerging science surrounding ancient DNA provides a window through which to view an ancient lineage long past.},
}

@article {pmid33170414,
year = {2020},
author = {Madison, P},
title = {Characterized by Darkness: Reconsidering the Origins of the Brutish Neanderthal.},
journal = {Journal of the history of biology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1007/s10739-020-09623-4},
pmid = {33170414},
issn = {1573-0387},
support = {60669//John Templeton Foundation/ ; Center for Biology//School of Life Sciences, Arizona State University/ ; Society//School of Life Sciences, Arizona State University/ ; },
abstract = {The extinct human relatives known as Neanderthals (Homo neanderthalensis) have long been described as brutish and dumb. This conception is often traced to paleontologist Marcellin Boule (1861-1942), who published a detailed analysis on a Neanderthal skeleton in the early twentieth century. The conventional historical narrative claims that Boule made an error in his analysis, causing the Neanderthals to be considered brutish. This essay challenges the narrative of "Boule's error," arguing instead that the brutish Neanderthal concept originated much earlier in the history of Neanderthal research and was, in fact, an invention of the earliest analyses of the first specimen recognized as a Neanderthal in the mid-nineteenth century. I argue that temporally relocating this conception of Neanderthals allows for a better understanding of the interconnected nature of the study of fossil humans and the science of living human races during the nineteenth century. This new view of the brutish Neanderthal sheds light on the earliest phases of the science that became paleoanthropology, while examining the racial, cultural, and political attitudes about race and extinction that accompanied the science at that time. By inspecting the ways in which the Neanderthals' image was a product of a particular time and place, we gain a perspective that provides a new basis for thinking about the conceptions of hominin fossil species.},
}

@article {pmid33139541,
year = {2020},
author = {Nava, A and Lugli, F and Romandini, M and Badino, F and Evans, D and Helbling, AH and Oxilia, G and Arrighi, S and Bortolini, E and Delpiano, D and Duches, R and Figus, C and Livraghi, A and Marciani, G and Silvestrini, S and Cipriani, A and Giovanardi, T and Pini, R and Tuniz, C and Bernardini, F and Dori, I and Coppa, A and Cristiani, E and Dean, C and Bondioli, L and Peresani, M and Müller, W and Benazzi, S},
title = {Early life of Neanderthals.},
journal = {Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1073/pnas.2011765117},
pmid = {33139541},
issn = {1091-6490},
abstract = {The early onset of weaning in modern humans has been linked to the high nutritional demand of brain development that is intimately connected with infant physiology and growth rate. In Neanderthals, ontogenetic patterns in early life are still debated, with some studies suggesting an accelerated development and others indicating only subtle differences vs. modern humans. Here we report the onset of weaning and rates of enamel growth using an unprecedented sample set of three late (∼70 to 50 ka) Neanderthals and one Upper Paleolithic modern human from northeastern Italy via spatially resolved chemical/isotopic analyses and histomorphometry of deciduous teeth. Our results reveal that the modern human nursing strategy, with onset of weaning at 5 to 6 mo, was present among these Neanderthals. This evidence, combined with dental development akin to modern humans, highlights their similar metabolic constraints during early life and excludes late weaning as a factor contributing to Neanderthals' demise.},
}

@article {pmid33137550,
year = {2020},
author = {Palancar, CA and Torres-Tamayo, N and García-Martínez, D and García-Tabernero, A and Rosas, A and Bastir, M},
title = {Comparative anatomy and 3D geometric morphometrics of the El Sidrón atlases (C1).},
journal = {Journal of human evolution},
volume = {149},
number = {},
pages = {102897},
doi = {10.1016/j.jhevol.2020.102897},
pmid = {33137550},
issn = {1095-8606},
abstract = {The first cervical vertebra (atlas, C1) is an important element of the vertebral column because it connects the cranial base with the cervical column, thus helping to maintain head posture and contributing to neck mobility. However, few atlases are preserved in the fossil record because of the fragility of this vertebra. Consequently, only eight well-preserved atlases from adult Neandertals have been recovered and described. Here, we present nine new atlas remains from the El Sidrón Neandertal site (Asturias, Spain), two of which (SD-1643 and SD-1605/1595) are sufficiently well preserved to allow for a detailed comparative and three-dimensional geometric morphometric analysis. We compared standard linear measurements of SD-1643 and SD-1605/1595 with those of other Neandertal atlases and carried out three-dimensional geometric morphometric analyses to compare size and shape of SD-1643 and SD-1605/1595 with those of 28 Pan (Pan troglodytes and Pan paniscus), a broad comparative sample of 55 anatomically modern humans from African and European populations, and other fossil hominins (Neandertals, Homo antecessor, Paranthropus boisei). The El Sidrón atlas fossils show typical features of the Neandertal atlas morphology, such as caudal projection of the anterior tubercle, gracility of both the posterior tubercle and the tuberosity for the insertion of the transverse ligament, and an anteroposteriorly elongated neural canal. Furthermore, when compared with atlases from the other taxa, Neandertals exhibit species-specific features of atlas morphology including a relatively lower lateral mass height, relatively narrower transverse foramina, and flatter and more horizontally oriented articular facets. Some of these features fit with previous suggestions of shorter overall length of the cervical spine and potential differences in craniocervical posture and mobility. Our results may support a different spinopelvic alignment in this species, as the atlas morphology suggests reduced cervical lordosis.},
}

@article {pmid33122381,
year = {2020},
author = {Zhang, D and Xia, H and Chen, F and Li, B and Slon, V and Cheng, T and Yang, R and Jacobs, Z and Dai, Q and Massilani, D and Shen, X and Wang, J and Feng, X and Cao, P and Yang, MA and Yao, J and Yang, J and Madsen, DB and Han, Y and Ping, W and Liu, F and Perreault, C and Chen, X and Meyer, M and Kelso, J and Pääbo, S and Fu, Q},
title = {Denisovan DNA in Late Pleistocene sediments from Baishiya Karst Cave on the Tibetan Plateau.},
journal = {Science (New York, N.Y.)},
volume = {370},
number = {6516},
pages = {584-587},
doi = {10.1126/science.abb6320},
pmid = {33122381},
issn = {1095-9203},
abstract = {A late Middle Pleistocene mandible from Baishiya Karst Cave (BKC) on the Tibetan Plateau has been inferred to be from a Denisovan, an Asian hominin related to Neanderthals, on the basis of an amino acid substitution in its collagen. Here we describe the stratigraphy, chronology, and mitochondrial DNA extracted from the sediments in BKC. We recover Denisovan mitochondrial DNA from sediments deposited ~100 thousand and ~60 thousand years ago (ka) and possibly as recently as ~45 ka. The long-term occupation of BKC by Denisovans suggests that they may have adapted to life at high altitudes and may have contributed such adaptations to modern humans on the Tibetan Plateau.},
}

@article {pmid33111974,
year = {2020},
author = {Cofran, Z and Boone, M and Petticord, M},
title = {Virtually estimated endocranial volumes of the Krapina Neandertals.},
journal = {American journal of physical anthropology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1002/ajpa.24165},
pmid = {33111974},
issn = {1096-8644},
support = {Emily Floyd Fund//Vassar College/ ; },
abstract = {OBJECTIVES: The Krapina rock shelter has yielded a large assemblage of early Neandertals. Although endocranial volume (ECV) has been estimated for four individuals from the site, several published values that appear in the literature warrant revisiting.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: We used virtual methods, including high-resolution surface models of fossils and 3D geometric morphometrics, to reconstruct endocasts and estimate ECV for five Krapina crania. We generated 10 reconstructions of each endocast to quantify missing data uncertainty. To assess the method and our ECV estimates, we applied these techniques to the Spy II Neandertal, and estimated ECV of a human reference endocast simulating the missing data of the Krapina fossils.

RESULTS: We obtained an average ECV estimate of 1,526 cm3 for Spy II, consistent with previous research. Estimated ECV of juveniles Krapina 1 and 2 average 1,419 and 1,286 cm3 , respectively. Estimates for the relatively complete adults Krapina 3 and 6 range from 1,247 to 1,310 cm3 and 1,135 to 1,207 cm3 , respectively, while the more fragmentary Krapina 5 averaged 1,397 cm3 . The missing data simulation suggests more fragmentary crania yield more uncertain and possibly overestimated ECVs.

CONCLUSIONS: We have provided new estimates of brain size of the Krapina Neandertals, including the first estimates for Krapina 2. Brain size at Krapina was similar to other pre-Würm Neandertals, within the range of but lower than the average of later Neandertals. Although the virtual approach overcomes many challenges of fossil preservation, our results are nevertheless subject to future revision.},
}

@article {pmid33106620,
year = {2020},
author = {Luo, Y},
title = {Neanderthal DNA highlights complexity of COVID risk factors.},
journal = {Nature},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1038/d41586-020-02957-3},
pmid = {33106620},
issn = {1476-4687},
}

@article {pmid33077870,
year = {2020},
author = {Yang, S and Varghese, AM and Sood, N and Chiattone, C and Akinola, NO and Huang, X and Gale, RP},
title = {Ethnic and geographic diversity of chronic lymphocytic leukaemia.},
journal = {Leukemia},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1038/s41375-020-01057-5},
pmid = {33077870},
issn = {1476-5551},
abstract = {East Asians, Asian Indians and Amerindians have a five to ten-fold lower age-adjusted incidence rate (AAIR) of chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL) compared with persons of predominately European descent. The data we review suggest a genetic rather than environmental basis for this discordance. All these populations arose from a common African Black ancestor but different clades have different admixture with archaic hominins including Neanderthals, Denisovans and Homo erectus, which may explain different CLL incidences. There are also some differences in clinical laboratory and molecular co-variates of CLL between these populations. Because the true age-adjusted incidence rate in African Blacks is unknown it is not possible to determine whether modern Europeans acquired susceptibility to CLL or the other populations lost susceptibility and/or developed resistance to developing CLL. We also found other B-cell lymphomas and T- and NK-cell cancers had different incidences in the populations we studied. These data provide clues to determining the cause(s) of CLL.},
}

@article {pmid31386798,
year = {2020},
author = {Mikaeeli, S and Susan-Resiga, D and Girard, E and Ben Djoudi Ouadda, A and Day, R and Prost, S and Seidah, NG},
title = {Functional analysis of natural PCSK9 mutants in modern and archaic humans.},
journal = {The FEBS journal},
volume = {287},
number = {3},
pages = {515-528},
doi = {10.1111/febs.15036},
pmid = {31386798},
issn = {1742-4658},
support = {148363//CIHR/Canada ; },
mesh = {Animals ; Binding Sites ; DNA Methylation ; Humans ; *Loss of Function Mutation ; Neanderthals/*genetics ; Proprotein Convertase 9/chemistry/*genetics/metabolism ; Protein Binding ; Receptors, LDL/metabolism ; },
abstract = {PCSK9 is the last member of the proprotein convertases (PCs) family and its gene is mutated in ~ 2% to 3% of individuals with familial hypercholesterolemia (FH). This protein enhances the degradation of the low-density lipoprotein receptor (LDLR) and hence increases the levels of circulating LDL-cholesterol (LDLc). Studies of the underlying mechanism(s) regulating the activity of different mutations in the PCSK9 gene are ongoing as they enhance our understanding of the biology and clinical relevance of PCSK9 and its partners. In an attempt to unravel the regulation of PCSK9 transcription and possibly identify mutation 'hot spot' regions with alterations in CpG methylation, we present for the first time the complete methylome profile of the PCSK9 gene in modern and archaic humanoids. Our data showed that the genomes of modern humans and archaic PCSK9 exhibit a similar methylation pattern. Next, we defined the mechanistic consequences of three PCSK9 natural mutations (PCSK9-R96L, -R105W, and -P174S) and one archaic Denisovan mutation (PCSK9-H449L) using various complementary cellular and in vitro binding assays. Our results showed that the PCSK9-H449L is a loss-of-function (LOF) mutation, likely due to its lower binding affinity to the LDLR. Similarly, PCSK9-R96L and -R105W are LOF mutations, even though they have been identified in FH patients. The PCSK9-R105W mutation leads to a significantly lower autocatalytic processing of proPCSK9. PCSK9-P174S resulted in a LOF in both extracellular and intracellular pathways. In conclusion, our extensive analyses revealed that all studied mutations result in PCSK9 LOF, via various mechanisms, leading to lower levels of LDLc.},
}

Animals
Binding Sites
DNA Methylation
Humans
*Loss of Function Mutation
Neanderthals/*genetics
Proprotein Convertase 9/chemistry/*genetics/metabolism
Protein Binding
Receptors, LDL/metabolism

@article {pmid33043635,
year = {2020},
author = {},
title = {Risk Variant for Severe COVID-19 Inherited from Neanderthals.},
journal = {American journal of medical genetics. Part A},
volume = {182},
number = {10},
pages = {2203-2204},
doi = {10.1002/ajmg.a.61247},
pmid = {33043635},
issn = {1552-4833},
}

@article {pmid33039881,
year = {2020},
author = {Pan, L and Dumoncel, J and Mazurier, A and Zanolli, C},
title = {Hominin diversity in East Asia during the Middle Pleistocene: A premolar endostructural perspective.},
journal = {Journal of human evolution},
volume = {148},
number = {},
pages = {102888},
doi = {10.1016/j.jhevol.2020.102888},
pmid = {33039881},
issn = {1095-8606},
abstract = {Following the recent studies of East Asian mid-Middle to early Late Pleistocene hominin material, a large spectrum of morphological diversity has been recognized and the coexistence of archaic ('Homo erectus-like') and derived ('modern-like') dental morphological patterns has been highlighted. In fact, for most of these Chinese fossils, generally categorized as 'archaic Homo sapiens' or 'post-H. erectus Homo', the taxonomic attribution is a matter of contention. With the help of μCT techniques and a deformation-based 3D geometric morphometric approach, we focused on the morphological variation in the enamel-dentine junction (EDJ) of 18 upper and lower premolars from Chinese Middle Pleistocene hominins. We then compared our results with a number of fossil and modern human groups, including Early Pleistocene H. erectus from Sangiran; late Early Pleistocene hominins from Tighenif, Algeria; classic Neanderthals; and modern humans. Our results highlight an evolutionary/chronological trend of crown base reduction, elevation of EDJ topography, and EDJ surface simplification in the hominin groups studied here. Moreover, this study brings insights to the taxonomy/phylogeny of 6 late Middle Pleistocene specimens whose evolutionary placement has been debated for decades. Among these specimens, Changyang premolars show features that can be aligned with the Asian H. erectus hypodigm, whereas Panxian Dadong and Tongzi premolars are more similar to Late Pleistocene Homo. Compared with early to mid-Middle Pleistocene hominins in East Asia, late Middle Pleistocene hominins evince an enlarged morphological variation. A persistence of archaic morphotypes and possible admixture among populations during the late Middle Pleistocene are discussed.},
}

@article {pmid33028520,
year = {2020},
author = {García-Martínez, D and Bastir, M and Gómez-Olivencia, A and Maureille, B and Golovanova, L and Doronichev, V and Akazawa, T and Kondo, O and Ishida, H and Gascho, D and Zollikofer, CPE and de León, MP and Heuzé, Y},
title = {Early development of the Neanderthal ribcage reveals a different body shape at birth compared to modern humans.},
journal = {Science advances},
volume = {6},
number = {41},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1126/sciadv.abb4377},
pmid = {33028520},
issn = {2375-2548},
abstract = {Ontogenetic studies provide clues for understanding important paleobiological aspects of extinct species. When compared to that of modern humans, the adult Neanderthal thorax was shorter, deeper, and wider. This is related to the wide Neanderthal body and is consistent with their hypothetical large requirements for energy and oxygen. Whether these differences were already established at birth or appeared later during development is unknown. To delve into this question, we use virtual reconstruction tools and geometric morphometrics to recover the 3D morphology of the ribcages of four Neanderthal individuals from birth to around 3 years old: Mezmaiskaya 1, Le Moustier 2, Dederiyeh 1, and Roc de Marsal. Our results indicate that the comparatively deep and short ribcage of the Neanderthals was already present at birth, as were other skeletal species-specific traits. This morphology possibly represents the plesiomorphic condition shared with Homo erectus, and it is likely linked to large energetic requirements.},
}

@article {pmid32998156,
year = {2020},
author = {Zeberg, H and Pääbo, S},
title = {The major genetic risk factor for severe COVID-19 is inherited from Neanderthals.},
journal = {Nature},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1038/s41586-020-2818-3},
pmid = {32998156},
issn = {1476-4687},
abstract = {A recent genetic association study1 identified a gene cluster on chromosome 3 as a risk locus for respiratory failure after infection with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). A separate study (COVID-19 Host Genetics Initiative)2 comprising 3,199 hospitalized patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and control individuals showed that this cluster is the major genetic risk factor for severe symptoms after SARS-CoV-2 infection and hospitalization. Here we show that the risk is conferred by a genomic segment of around 50 kilobases in size that is inherited from Neanderthals and is carried by around 50% of people in south Asia and around 16% of people in Europe.},
}

@article {pmid32989161,
year = {2020},
author = {Haws, JA and Benedetti, MM and Talamo, S and Bicho, N and Cascalheira, J and Ellis, MG and Carvalho, MM and Friedl, L and Pereira, T and Zinsious, BK},
title = {The early Aurignacian dispersal of modern humans into westernmost Eurasia.},
journal = {Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1073/pnas.2016062117},
pmid = {32989161},
issn = {1091-6490},
abstract = {Documenting the first appearance of modern humans in a given region is key to understanding the dispersal process and the replacement or assimilation of indigenous human populations such as the Neanderthals. The Iberian Peninsula was the last refuge of Neanderthal populations as modern humans advanced across Eurasia. Here we present evidence of an early Aurignacian occupation at Lapa do Picareiro in central Portugal. Diagnostic artifacts were found in a sealed stratigraphic layer dated 41.1 to 38.1 ka cal BP, documenting a modern human presence on the western margin of Iberia ∼5,000 years earlier than previously known. The data indicate a rapid modern human dispersal across southern Europe, reaching the westernmost edge where Neanderthals were thought to persist. The results support the notion of a mosaic process of modern human dispersal and replacement of indigenous Neanderthal populations.},
}

@article {pmid32975051,
year = {2020},
author = {Chirchir, H},
title = {Trabecular bone in domestic dogs and wolves: Implications for understanding human self-domestication.},
journal = {Anatomical record (Hoboken, N.J. : 2007)},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1002/ar.24510},
pmid = {32975051},
issn = {1932-8494},
support = {//NASA WV Space Grant Consortium Research Seed Grant/ ; },
abstract = {The process of domestication is complex and results in significant morphological, cognitive, and physiological changes. In canids, some of the traits indicative of domestication of domestic dogs compared to their wild counterparts the wolves are prosociality toward humans, reduced stress hormone levels, and reduced cranial capacity. Research suggests that selection for prosociality among dogs resulted in morphological changes such as reduction in cranial capacity, juvenilization of the face, and overall gracile morphology. Interestingly, similar features have been described in modern humans compared to extinct species of Homo, for example, Neanderthals. Therefore, the human self-domestication hypothesis has been proposed to partially explain the gracile modern human skeleton. Specifically, that as modern humans settled in communities, there was increased selection for prosociality (intergroup cooperation); and one of the by-products of this selection was the evolution of a gracile skeleton, including a slight reduction in cranial capacity, reduced brow ridge and tooth size, and low trabecular bone fraction (TBF). However, TBF variation has not been tested between domestic dogs and wolves, who underwent self-domestication. Thus, this study tests the hypothesis that dogs have low TBF as a consequence of domestication compared to their wild counterparts, the wolves, by comparing TBF in the hindlimbs-proximal femur and distal tibia- of the two species. Wilcoxon rank sum tests show that dogs have lower TBF values than wolves in both elements. These preliminary results add to the literature documenting changes in self-domesticated species and provide a potential analog to further the understanding of self-domestication.},
}

@article {pmid32973032,
year = {2020},
author = {Petr, M and Hajdinjak, M and Fu, Q and Essel, E and Rougier, H and Crevecoeur, I and Semal, P and Golovanova, LV and Doronichev, VB and Lalueza-Fox, C and de la Rasilla, M and Rosas, A and Shunkov, MV and Kozlikin, MB and Derevianko, AP and Vernot, B and Meyer, M and Kelso, J},
title = {The evolutionary history of Neanderthal and Denisovan Y chromosomes.},
journal = {Science (New York, N.Y.)},
volume = {369},
number = {6511},
pages = {1653-1656},
doi = {10.1126/science.abb6460},
pmid = {32973032},
issn = {1095-9203},
support = {/ERC_/European Research Council/International ; },
abstract = {Ancient DNA has provided new insights into many aspects of human history. However, we lack comprehensive studies of the Y chromosomes of Denisovans and Neanderthals because the majority of specimens that have been sequenced to sufficient coverage are female. Sequencing Y chromosomes from two Denisovans and three Neanderthals shows that the Y chromosomes of Denisovans split around 700 thousand years ago from a lineage shared by Neanderthals and modern human Y chromosomes, which diverged from each other around 370 thousand years ago. The phylogenetic relationships of archaic and modern human Y chromosomes differ from the population relationships inferred from the autosomal genomes and mirror mitochondrial DNA phylogenies, indicating replacement of both the mitochondrial and Y chromosomal gene pools in late Neanderthals. This replacement is plausible if the low effective population size of Neanderthals resulted in an increased genetic load in Neanderthals relative to modern humans.},
}

@article {pmid32973019,
year = {2020},
author = {Schierup, MH},
title = {The last pieces of a puzzling early meeting.},
journal = {Science (New York, N.Y.)},
volume = {369},
number = {6511},
pages = {1565-1566},
doi = {10.1126/science.abe2766},
pmid = {32973019},
issn = {1095-9203},
mesh = {Animals ; Biological Evolution ; *Neanderthals ; Y Chromosome ; },
}

Animals
Biological Evolution
*Neanderthals
Y Chromosome

@article {pmid32963029,
year = {2020},
author = {Bokelmann, L and Glocke, I and Meyer, M},
title = {Reconstructing double-stranded DNA fragments on a single-molecule level reveals patterns of degradation in ancient samples.},
journal = {Genome research},
volume = {30},
number = {10},
pages = {1449-1457},
doi = {10.1101/gr.263863.120},
pmid = {32963029},
issn = {1549-5469},
abstract = {Extensive manipulations involved in the preparation of DNA samples for sequencing have hitherto made it impossible to determine the precise structure of double-stranded DNA fragments being sequenced, such as the presence of blunt ends, single-stranded overhangs, or single-strand breaks. We here describe MatchSeq, a method that combines single-stranded DNA library preparation from diluted DNA samples with computational sequence matching, allowing the reconstruction of double-stranded DNA fragments on a single-molecule level. The application of MatchSeq to Neanderthal DNA, a particularly complex source of degraded DNA, reveals that 1- or 2-nt overhangs and blunt ends dominate the ends of ancient DNA molecules and that short gaps exist, which are predominantly caused by the loss of individual purines. We further show that deamination of cytosine to uracil occurs in both single- and double-stranded contexts close to the ends of molecules, and that single-stranded parts of DNA fragments are enriched in pyrimidines. MatchSeq provides unprecedented resolution for interrogating the structures of fragmented double-stranded DNA and can be applied to fragmented double-stranded DNA isolated from any biological source. The method relies on well-established laboratory techniques and can easily be integrated into routine data generation. This possibility is shown by the successful reconstruction of double-stranded DNA fragments from previously published single-stranded sequence data, allowing a more comprehensive characterization of the biochemical properties not only of ancient DNA but also of cell-free DNA from human blood plasma, a clinically relevant marker for the diagnosis and monitoring of disease.},
}

@article {pmid32927399,
year = {2020},
author = {Bailey, SE and Sorrentino, R and Mancuso, G and Hublin, JJ and Benazzi, S},
title = {Taxonomic differences in deciduous lower first molar crown outlines of Homo sapiens and Homo neanderthalensis.},
journal = {Journal of human evolution},
volume = {147},
number = {},
pages = {102864},
doi = {10.1016/j.jhevol.2020.102864},
pmid = {32927399},
issn = {1095-8606},
abstract = {Recent studies have demonstrated that the outline shapes of deciduous upper and lower second molars and the deciduous upper first molar are useful for diagnosing hominin taxa-especially Homo neanderthalensis and Homo sapiens. Building on these studies, we use geometric morphometric methods to assess the taxonomic significance of the crown outline of the lower first deciduous molar (dm1). We test whether the crown shape of the dm1 distinguishes H. neanderthalensis from H. sapiens and explore whether dm1 crown shape can be used to accurately assign individuals to taxa. Our fossil sample includes 3 early H. sapiens, 7 Upper Paleolithic H. sapiens, and 13 H. neanderthalensis individuals. Our recent human sample includes 103 individuals from Africa, Australia, Europe, South America, and South Asia. Our results indicate that H. neanderthalensis dm1s cluster fairly tightly and separate well from those of Upper Paleolithic H. sapiens. However, we also found that the range of shapes in the recent human sample completely overlaps the ranges of all fossil samples. Consequently, results of the quadratic discriminant analysis based on the first 8 principal components (PCs) representing more than 90% of the variation were mixed. Lower dm1s were correctly classified in 87.3% of the individuals; the combined H. sapiens sample had greater success (90.2%) in assigning individuals than did the H. neanderthalensis sample (61.5%). When the analysis was run removing the highly variable recent human sample, accuracy increased to 84.6% for H. neanderthalensis, and 57.1% of Upper Paleolithic H. sapiens were classified correctly by using the first 4 PCs (70.3%). We conclude that caution is warranted when assigning isolated dm1 crowns to taxa; while an assignment to H. neanderthalensis has a high probability of being correct, assignment to Upper Paleolithic H. sapiens is less certain.},
}

@article {pmid32918796,
year = {2020},
author = {Breyl, M},
title = {Triangulating Neanderthal cognition: A tale of not seeing the forest for the trees.},
journal = {Wiley interdisciplinary reviews. Cognitive science},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {e1545},
doi = {10.1002/wcs.1545},
pmid = {32918796},
issn = {1939-5086},
abstract = {The inference of Neanderthal cognition, including their cultural and linguistic capabilities, has persisted as a fiercely debated research topic for decades. This lack of consensus is substantially based on inherent uncertainties in reconstructing prehistory out of indirect evidence as well as other methodological limitations. Further factors include systemic difficulties within interdisciplinary discourse, data artifacts, historic research biases, and the sheer scope of the relevant research. Given the degrees of freedom in interpretation ensuing from these complications, any attempt to find approximate answers to the yet unsettled pertinent discourse may not rest on single studies, but instead a careful and comprehensive interdisciplinary synthesis of findings. Triangulating Neanderthals' cognition by considering the plethora of data, diverse perspectives and aforementioned complexities present within the literature constitutes the currently most reliable pathway to tentative conclusions. While some uncertainties remain, such an approach paints the picture of an extensive shared humanity between anatomically modern humans and Neanderthals. This article is categorized under: Cognitive Biology > Evolutionary Roots of Cognition Linguistics > Evolution of Language.},
}

@article {pmid32914870,
year = {2020},
author = {Oxilia, G and Bortolini, E and Badino, F and Bernardini, F and Gazzoni, V and Lugli, F and Romandini, M and Radini, A and Terlato, G and Marciani, G and Silvestrini, S and Menghi Sartorio, JC and Thun Hohenstein, U and Fiorenza, L and Kullmer, O and Tuniz, C and Moggi Cecchi, J and Talamo, S and Fontana, F and Peresani, M and Benazzi, S and Cristiani, E},
title = {Exploring late Paleolithic and Mesolithic diet in the Eastern Alpine region of Italy through multiple proxies.},
journal = {American journal of physical anthropology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1002/ajpa.24128},
pmid = {32914870},
issn = {1096-8644},
support = {639286//European Union's Horizon 2020/ ; 724046//European Union's Horizon 2020/ ; },
abstract = {OBJECTIVES: The analysis of prehistoric human dietary habits is key for understanding the effects of paleoenvironmental changes on the evolution of cultural and social human behaviors. In this study, we compare results from zooarchaeological, stable isotope and dental calculus analyses as well as lower second molar macrowear patterns to gain a broader understanding of the diet of three individuals who lived between the end of the Late Pleistocene and the Early Holocene (ca., 17-8 ky cal BP) in the Eastern Alpine region of Italy.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: We analyze individuals buried at the sites of Riparo Tagliente (Verona), Riparo Villabruna, and Mondeval de Sora (Belluno). The three burials provide a unique dataset for diachronically exploring the influence of climatic changes on human subsistence strategies.

RESULTS: Isotopic results indicate that all individuals likely relied on both terrestrial and freshwater animal proteins. Even though dental calculus analysis was, in part, hindered by the amount of mineral deposit available on the teeth, tooth macrowear study suggests that the dietary habits of the individuals included plant foods. Moreover, differences in macrowear patterns of lower second molars have been documented between Neanderthals and modern humans in the present sample, due to a prevalence of Buccal wear among the former as opposed to higher values of Lingual wear in modern human teeth.

DISCUSSION: Isotopic analyses have emphasized the contribution of animal proteins in the diet of the three foragers from the Eastern Alpine region. The possible intake of carbohydrate-rich plant foods, suggested by the retrieval of plant remains in dental calculus, is supported by the signal of macrowear analysis. Moreover, the latter method indicates that the distribution of macrowear in lower second molars (M2 s) allows us to discriminate between Neanderthals and modern humans within the present reference sample. Overall, our results show these three prehistoric hunter-gatherers were well adapted to the environment in which they lived exploiting many natural resources.},
}

@article {pmid32901061,
year = {2020},
author = {Picin, A and Hajdinjak, M and Nowaczewska, W and Benazzi, S and Urbanowski, M and Marciszak, A and Fewlass, H and Socha, P and Stefaniak, K and Żarski, M and Wiśniewski, A and Hublin, JJ and Nadachowski, A and Talamo, S},
title = {New perspectives on Neanderthal dispersal and turnover from Stajnia Cave (Poland).},
journal = {Scientific reports},
volume = {10},
number = {1},
pages = {14778},
pmid = {32901061},
issn = {2045-2322},
abstract = {The Micoquian is the broadest and longest enduring cultural facies of the Late Middle Palaeolithic that spread across the periglacial and boreal environments of Europe between Eastern France, Poland, and Northern Caucasus. Here, we present new data from the archaeological record of Stajnia Cave (Poland) and the paleogenetic analysis of a Neanderthal molar S5000, found in a Micoquian context. Our results demonstrate that the mtDNA genome of Stajnia S5000 dates to MIS 5a making the tooth the oldest Neanderthal specimen from Central-Eastern Europe. Furthermore, S5000 mtDNA has the fewest number of differences to mtDNA of Mezmaiskaya 1 Neanderthal from Northern Caucasus, and is more distant from almost contemporaneous Neanderthals of Scladina and Hohlenstein-Stadel. This observation and the technological affinity between Poland and the Northern Caucasus could be the result of increased mobility of Neanderthals that changed their subsistence strategy for coping with the new low biomass environments and the increased foraging radius of gregarious animals. The Prut and Dniester rivers were probably used as the main corridors of dispersal. The persistence of the Micoquian techno-complex in South-Eastern Europe infers that this axis of mobility was also used at the beginning of MIS 3 when a Neanderthal population turnover occurred in the Northern Caucasus.},
}

@article {pmid32889336,
year = {2020},
author = {Romandini, M and Oxilia, G and Bortolini, E and Peyrégne, S and Delpiano, D and Nava, A and Panetta, D and Di Domenico, G and Martini, P and Arrighi, S and Badino, F and Figus, C and Lugli, F and Marciani, G and Silvestrini, S and Menghi Sartorio, JC and Terlato, G and Hublin, JJ and Meyer, M and Bondioli, L and Higham, T and Slon, V and Peresani, M and Benazzi, S},
title = {A late Neanderthal tooth from northeastern Italy.},
journal = {Journal of human evolution},
volume = {147},
number = {},
pages = {102867},
doi = {10.1016/j.jhevol.2020.102867},
pmid = {32889336},
issn = {1095-8606},
abstract = {The site of Riparo Broion (Vicenza, northeastern Italy) preserves a stratigraphic sequence documenting the Middle-to-Upper Paleolithic transition, in particular the final Mousterian and the Uluzzian cultures. In 2018, a human tooth was retrieved from a late Mousterian level, representing the first human remain ever found from this rock shelter (Riparo Broion 1). Here, we provide the morphological description and taxonomic assessment of Riparo Broion 1 with the support of classic and virtual morphology, 2D and 3D analysis of the topography of enamel thickness, and DNA analysis. The tooth is an exfoliated right upper deciduous canine, and its general morphology and enamel thickness distribution support attribution to a Neanderthal child. Correspondingly, the mitochondrial DNA sequence from Riparo Broion 1 falls within the known genetic variation of Late Pleistocene Neanderthals, in accordance with newly obtained radiocarbon dates that point to approximately 48 ka cal BP as the most likely minimum age for this specimen. The present work describes novel and direct evidence of the late Neanderthal occupation in northern Italy that preceded the marked cultural and technological shift documented by the Uluzzian layers in the archaeological sequence at Riparo Broion. Here, we provide a new full morphological, morphometric, and taxonomic analysis of Riparo Broion 1, in addition to generating the wider reference sample of Neanderthal and modern human upper deciduous canines. This research contributes to increasing the sample of fossil remains from Italy, as well as the number of currently available upper deciduous canines, which are presently poorly documented in the scientific literature.},
}

@article {pmid32874601,
year = {2020},
author = {Amos, W},
title = {Signals interpreted as archaic introgression appear to be driven primarily by faster evolution in Africa.},
journal = {Royal Society open science},
volume = {7},
number = {7},
pages = {191900},
pmid = {32874601},
issn = {2054-5703},
abstract = {Non-African humans appear to carry a few per cent archaic DNA due to ancient inter-breeding. This modest legacy and its likely recent timing imply that most introgressed fragments will be rare and hence will occur mainly in the heterozygous state. I tested this prediction by calculating D statistics, a measure of legacy size, for pairs of humans where one of the pair was conditioned always to be either homozygous or heterozygous. Using coalescent simulations, I confirmed that conditioning the non-African to be heterozygous increased D, while conditioning the non-African to be homozygous reduced D to zero. Repeating with real data reveals the exact opposite pattern. In African-non-African comparisons, D is near-zero if the African individual is held homozygous. Conditioning one of two Africans to be either homozygous or heterozygous invariably generates large values of D, even when both individuals are drawn from the same population. Invariably, the African with more heterozygous sites (conditioned heterozygous > unconditioned > conditioned homozygous) appears less related to the archaic. By contrast, the same analysis applied to pairs of non-Africans always yields near-zero D, showing that conditioning does not create large D without an underlying signal to expose. Large D values in humans are therefore driven almost entirely by heterozygous sites in Africans acting to increase divergence from related taxa such as Neanderthals. In comparison with heterozygous Africans, individuals that lack African heterozygous sites, whether non-African or conditioned homozygous African, always appear more similar to archaic outgroups, a signal previously interpreted as evidence for introgression. I hope these analyses will encourage others to consider increased divergence as well as increased similarity to archaics as mechanisms capable of driving asymmetrical base-sharing.},
}

@article {pmid32859969,
year = {2020},
author = {Yousefi, M and Heydari-Guran, S and Kafash, A and Ghasidian, E},
title = {Species distribution models advance our knowledge of the Neanderthals' paleoecology on the Iranian Plateau.},
journal = {Scientific reports},
volume = {10},
number = {1},
pages = {14248},
pmid = {32859969},
issn = {2045-2322},
abstract = {Neanderthals (Homo neanderthalensis) were distributed across a vast region from Europe to western and Central Asia. The Neanderthals' paleoecology and distribution has been extensively studied in Europe where the species originated. However, very little is known about their paleoecology in south-western Asia. Here, we employed species distribution modelling and 45 Middle Palaeolithic (c. 200,000-40,000 years BCE) sites location associated with fossil and/or lithic artefacts made by the Neanderthals to examine the expansion of the Neanderthals on the Iranian Plateau in south-western Asia. We estimated the niche overlap between Neanderthals and wild goat, wild sheep and Persian gazelle by modelling their past distribution using 200, 143 and 110 occurrence records respectively. The results show that Neanderthals had highest niche overlap with wild goat in the study area. This analysis revealed that the most suitable Neanderthals' habitats in south-western Asia were located in the Zagros Mountains stretches from north-western and western and some isolated patches in the central parts of the Iranian Plateau. The annual precipitation and maximum temperature of the warmest month were the most important predictor of the species' distribution. This finding shows that the southern edge of the Neanderthals distribution was limited by warm summer. Our results provide important information for future field investigations and excavations in the area.},
}

@article {pmid32853200,
year = {2020},
author = {Mughal, MR and Koch, H and Huang, J and Chiaromonte, F and DeGiorgio, M},
title = {Learning the properties of adaptive regions with functional data analysis.},
journal = {PLoS genetics},
volume = {16},
number = {8},
pages = {e1008896},
pmid = {32853200},
issn = {1553-7404},
support = {R35 GM128590/GM/NIGMS NIH HHS/United States ; T32 GM102057/GM/NIGMS NIH HHS/United States ; F31 HG010574/HG/NHGRI NIH HHS/United States ; },
mesh = {Animals ; DNA-Binding Proteins/genetics ; European Continental Ancestry Group/*genetics ; Genetic Variation ; Humans ; Membrane Transport Proteins ; *Models, Genetic ; *Mutation Rate ; Neanderthals/genetics ; Selection, Genetic ; Software ; },
abstract = {Identifying regions of positive selection in genomic data remains a challenge in population genetics. Most current approaches rely on comparing values of summary statistics calculated in windows. We present an approach termed SURFDAWave, which translates measures of genetic diversity calculated in genomic windows to functional data. By transforming our discrete data points to be outputs of continuous functions defined over genomic space, we are able to learn the features of these functions that signify selection. This enables us to confidently identify complex modes of natural selection, including adaptive introgression. We are also able to predict important selection parameters that are responsible for shaping the inferred selection events. By applying our model to human population-genomic data, we recapitulate previously identified regions of selective sweeps, such as OCA2 in Europeans, and predict that its beneficial mutation reached a frequency of 0.02 before it swept 1,802 generations ago, a time when humans were relatively new to Europe. In addition, we identify BNC2 in Europeans as a target of adaptive introgression, and predict that it harbors a beneficial mutation that arose in an archaic human population that split from modern humans within the hypothesized modern human-Neanderthal divergence range.},
}

Animals
DNA-Binding Proteins/genetics
European Continental Ancestry Group/*genetics
Genetic Variation
Humans
Membrane Transport Proteins
*Models, Genetic
*Mutation Rate
Neanderthals/genetics
Selection, Genetic
Software

@article {pmid32839541,
year = {2020},
author = {Telis, N and Aguilar, R and Harris, K},
title = {Selection against archaic hominin genetic variation in regulatory regions.},
journal = {Nature ecology & evolution},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1038/s41559-020-01284-0},
pmid = {32839541},
issn = {2397-334X},
support = {Graduate Research Fellowship//National Science Foundation (NSF)/ ; 1R35GM133428-01//U.S. Department of Health & Human Services | NIH | National Institute of General Medical Sciences (NIGMS)/ ; Career Award at the Scientific Interface//Burroughs Wellcome Fund (BWF)/ ; Sloan Research Fellowship//Alfred P. Sloan Foundation/ ; Pew Scholarship//Pew Charitable Trusts/ ; Searle Scholarship//Kinship Foundation/ ; },
abstract = {Traces of Neandertal and Denisovan DNA persist in the modern human gene pool, but have been systematically purged by natural selection from genes and other functionally important regions. This implies that many archaic alleles harmed the fitness of hybrid individuals, but the nature of this harm is poorly understood. Here, we show that enhancers contain less Neandertal and Denisovan variation than expected given the background selection they experience, suggesting that selection acted to purge these regions of archaic alleles that disrupted their gene regulatory functions. We infer that selection acted mainly on young archaic variation that arose in Neandertals or Denisovans shortly before their contact with humans; enhancers are not depleted of older variants found in both archaic species. Some types of enhancer appear to have tolerated introgression better than others; compared with tissue-specific enhancers, pleiotropic enhancers show stronger depletion of archaic single-nucleotide polymorphisms. To some extent, evolutionary constraint is predictive of introgression depletion, but certain tissues' enhancers are more depleted of Neandertal and Denisovan alleles than expected given their comparative tolerance to new mutations. Foetal brain and muscle are the tissues whose enhancers show the strongest depletion of archaic alleles, but only brain enhancers show evidence of unusually stringent purifying selection. We conclude that epistatic incompatibilities between human and archaic alleles are needed to explain the degree of archaic variant depletion from foetal muscle enhancers, perhaps due to divergent selection for higher muscle mass in archaic hominins compared with humans.},
}

@article {pmid32817536,
year = {2020},
author = {Bard, E and Heaton, TJ and Talamo, S and Kromer, B and Reimer, RW and Reimer, PJ},
title = {Extended dilation of the radiocarbon time scale between 40,000 and 48,000 y BP and the overlap between Neanderthals and Homo sapiens.},
journal = {Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America},
volume = {117},
number = {35},
pages = {21005-21007},
pmid = {32817536},
issn = {1091-6490},
abstract = {The new radiocarbon calibration curve (IntCal20) allows us to calculate the gradient of the relationship between 14C age and calendar age over the past 55 millennia before the present (55 ka BP). The new gradient curve exhibits a prolonged and prominent maximum between 48 and 40 ka BP during which the radiocarbon clock runs almost twice as fast as it should. This radiocarbon time dilation is due to the increase in the atmospheric 14C/12C ratio caused by the 14C production rise linked to the transition into the Laschamp geomagnetic excursion centered around 41 ka BP. The major maximum in the gradient from 48 to 40 ka BP is a new feature of the IntCal20 calibration curve, with far-reaching impacts for scientific communities, such as prehistory and paleoclimatology, relying on accurate ages in this time range. To illustrate, we consider the duration of the overlap between Neanderthals and Homo sapiens in Eurasia.},
}

@article {pmid32813722,
year = {2020},
author = {Delpiano, D and Uthmeier, T},
title = {Techno-functional and 3D shape analysis applied for investigating the variability of backed tools in the Late Middle Paleolithic of Central Europe.},
journal = {PloS one},
volume = {15},
number = {8},
pages = {e0236548},
pmid = {32813722},
issn = {1932-6203},
mesh = {Animals ; Archaeology/*instrumentation ; Artifacts ; Behavior Rating Scale ; Fossils/*diagnostic imaging ; Humans ; Neanderthals ; Paleontology/*instrumentation ; Technology/*instrumentation ; Tool Use Behavior/classification ; },
abstract = {In the Late Middle Paleolithic of Central Europe, two main cultural complexes have been distinguished: the Micoquian or Keilmessergruppe (KMG), and the Mousterian. Their differences mainly consist in the frequence of some retouched tools and the presence of bifacial technology. When these industries coexist, one element of discussion is the application of different concepts to manufacture tools with the same techno-functionality. This is particularly true for backed artifacts, such as Keilmesser (backed, asymmetrical bifacially-shaped knives) opposed to flake-tools equipped with a natural or knapped back. We conducted a techno-functional analysis of the backed tools from the G-Layer-Complex of Sesselfelsgrotte, one of the main Late Middle Paleolithic sequences in Central Europe, characterized by a combination of KMG and Mousterian aspects. In order to better understand the morpho-metrical data, 3D scans were used for recording technical features and performing semi-automatic geometric morphometrics. Results indicate that the techno-functional schemes of Keilmesser show a moderate variability and often overlap with the schemes of other typological groups. Within bifacial backed knives, a process of imitation of unifacial flake tools' functionaly was recognized particularly in the cutting edge manufacturing. Keilmesser proved to be the long-life, versatile version of backed flake-tools, also due to the recurrent valence as both tool and core. This is why Keilmesser represent an ideal strategic blank when a mobile and multi-functional tool is needed. Based on these data, it is assumed that the relationship between Mousterian and KMG is deeply rooted and the emergence of KMG aspects could be related to constrained situations characterizing the long cold stages of the Early Weichselian. A higher regional mobility caused by the comparably low predictability of resources characterized the subsistence tactics of Neanderthal groups especially at the borders of their overall distribution. For this reason, Keilmesser could have represented an ecological answer before possibly becoming a marker of cultural identity.},
}

Animals
Archaeology/*instrumentation
Artifacts
Behavior Rating Scale
Fossils/*diagnostic imaging
Humans
Neanderthals
Paleontology/*instrumentation
Technology/*instrumentation
Tool Use Behavior/classification

@article {pmid32805525,
year = {2020},
author = {Torres-Tamayo, N and Schlager, S and García-Martínez, D and Sanchis-Gimeno, JA and Nalla, S and Ogihara, N and Oishi, M and Martelli, S and Bastir, M},
title = {Three-dimensional geometric morphometrics of thorax-pelvis covariation and its potential for predicting the thorax morphology: A case study on Kebara 2 Neandertal.},
journal = {Journal of human evolution},
volume = {147},
number = {},
pages = {102854},
doi = {10.1016/j.jhevol.2020.102854},
pmid = {32805525},
issn = {1095-8606},
abstract = {The skeletal torso is a complex structure of outstanding importance in understanding human body shape evolution, but reconstruction usually entails an element of subjectivity as researchers apply their own anatomical expertise to the process. Among different fossil reconstruction methods, 3D geometric morphometric techniques have been increasingly used in the last decades. Two-block partial least squares analysis has shown great potential for predicting missing elements by exploiting the covariation between two structures (blocks) in a reference sample: one block can be predicted from the other one based on the strength of covariation between blocks. The first aim of this study is to test whether this predictive approach can be used for predicting thorax morphologies from pelvis morphologies within adult Homo sapiens reference samples with known covariation between the thorax and the pelvis. The second aim is to apply this method to Kebara 2 Neandertal (Israel, ∼60 ka) to predict its thorax morphology using two different pelvis reconstructions as predictors. We measured 134 true landmarks, 720 curve semilandmarks, and 160 surface semilandmarks on 60 3D virtual torso models segmented from CT scans. We conducted three two-block partial least squares analyses between the thorax (block 1) and the pelvis (block 2) based on the H. sapiens reference samples after performing generalized Procrustes superimposition on each block separately. Comparisons of these predictions in full shape space by means of Procrustes distances show that the male-only predictive model yields the most reliable predictions within modern humans. In addition, Kebara 2 thorax predictions based on this model concur with the thorax morphology proposed for Neandertals. The method presented here does not aim to replace other techniques, but to rather complement them through quantitative prediction of a virtual 'scaffold' to articulate the thoracic fossil elements, thus extending the potential of missing data estimation beyond the methods proposed in previous works.},
}

@article {pmid32760067,
year = {2020},
author = {Hubisz, MJ and Williams, AL and Siepel, A},
title = {Mapping gene flow between ancient hominins through demography-aware inference of the ancestral recombination graph.},
journal = {PLoS genetics},
volume = {16},
number = {8},
pages = {e1008895},
pmid = {32760067},
issn = {1553-7404},
support = {R35 GM127070/GM/NIGMS NIH HHS/United States ; },
mesh = {Animals ; Evolution, Molecular ; *Gene Flow ; Human Migration ; Humans ; *Models, Genetic ; Neanderthals/*genetics ; Population/*genetics ; *Recombination, Genetic ; },
abstract = {The sequencing of Neanderthal and Denisovan genomes has yielded many new insights about interbreeding events between extinct hominins and the ancestors of modern humans. While much attention has been paid to the relatively recent gene flow from Neanderthals and Denisovans into modern humans, other instances of introgression leave more subtle genomic evidence and have received less attention. Here, we present a major extension of the ARGweaver algorithm, called ARGweaver-D, which can infer local genetic relationships under a user-defined demographic model that includes population splits and migration events. This Bayesian algorithm probabilistically samples ancestral recombination graphs (ARGs) that specify not only tree topologies and branch lengths along the genome, but also indicate migrant lineages. The sampled ARGs can therefore be parsed to produce probabilities of introgression along the genome. We show that this method is well powered to detect the archaic migration into modern humans, even with only a few samples. We then show that the method can also detect introgressed regions stemming from older migration events, or from unsampled populations. We apply it to human, Neanderthal, and Denisovan genomes, looking for signatures of older proposed migration events, including ancient humans into Neanderthal, and unknown archaic hominins into Denisovans. We identify 3% of the Neanderthal genome that is putatively introgressed from ancient humans, and estimate that the gene flow occurred between 200-300kya. We find no convincing evidence that negative selection acted against these regions. Finally, we predict that 1% of the Denisovan genome was introgressed from an unsequenced, but highly diverged, archaic hominin ancestor. About 15% of these "super-archaic" regions-comprising at least about 4Mb-were, in turn, introgressed into modern humans and continue to exist in the genomes of people alive today.},
}

Animals
Evolution, Molecular
*Gene Flow
Human Migration
Humans
*Models, Genetic
Neanderthals/*genetics
Population/*genetics
*Recombination, Genetic

@article {pmid32750315,
year = {2020},
author = {Course, MM and Gudsnuk, K and Smukowski, SN and Winston, K and Desai, N and Ross, JP and Sulovari, A and Bourassa, CV and Spiegelman, D and Couthouis, J and Yu, CE and Tsuang, DW and Jayadev, S and Kay, MA and Gitler, AD and Dupre, N and Eichler, EE and Dion, PA and Rouleau, GA and Valdmanis, PN},
title = {Evolution of a Human-Specific Tandem Repeat Associated with ALS.},
journal = {American journal of human genetics},
volume = {107},
number = {3},
pages = {445-460},
pmid = {32750315},
issn = {1537-6605},
support = {R01 DK078424/DK/NIDDK NIH HHS/United States ; R01 HG010169/HG/NHGRI NIH HHS/United States ; T32 GM007454/GM/NIGMS NIH HHS/United States ; U24 AG041689/AG/NIA NIH HHS/United States ; },
abstract = {Tandem repeats are proposed to contribute to human-specific traits, and more than 40 tandem repeat expansions are known to cause neurological disease. Here, we characterize a human-specific 69 bp variable number tandem repeat (VNTR) in the last intron of WDR7, which exhibits striking variability in both copy number and nucleotide composition, as revealed by long-read sequencing. In addition, greater repeat copy number is significantly enriched in three independent cohorts of individuals with sporadic amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Each unit of the repeat forms a stem-loop structure with the potential to produce microRNAs, and the repeat RNA can aggregate when expressed in cells. We leveraged its remarkable sequence variability to align the repeat in 288 samples and uncover its mechanism of expansion. We found that the repeat expands in the 3'-5' direction, in groups of repeat units divisible by two. The expansion patterns we observed were consistent with duplication events, and a replication error called template switching. We also observed that the VNTR is expanded in both Denisovan and Neanderthal genomes but is fixed at one copy or fewer in non-human primates. Evaluating the repeat in 1000 Genomes Project samples reveals that some repeat segments are solely present or absent in certain geographic populations. The large size of the repeat unit in this VNTR, along with our multiplexed sequencing strategy, provides an unprecedented opportunity to study mechanisms of repeat expansion, and a framework for evaluating the roles of VNTRs in human evolution and disease.},
}

@article {pmid32745133,
year = {2020},
author = {Örd, T and Puurand, T and Örd, D and Annilo, T and Möls, M and Remm, M and Örd, T},
title = {A human-specific VNTR in the TRIB3 promoter causes gene expression variation between individuals.},
journal = {PLoS genetics},
volume = {16},
number = {8},
pages = {e1008981},
pmid = {32745133},
issn = {1553-7404},
support = {HHSN268201000029C/HL/NHLBI NIH HHS/United States ; HHSN261200800001E/CA/NCI NIH HHS/United States ; },
mesh = {Cell Cycle Proteins/*genetics ; Estonia/epidemiology ; Female ; Gene Expression Regulation/genetics ; *Genetic Heterogeneity ; *Genetics, Population ; Genotype ; Humans ; Male ; Minisatellite Repeats/*genetics ; Promoter Regions, Genetic ; Protein-Serine-Threonine Kinases/*antagonists & inhibitors/genetics ; RNA-Seq ; Repressor Proteins/*genetics ; Whole Genome Sequencing ; },
abstract = {Tribbles homolog 3 (TRIB3) is pseudokinase involved in intracellular regulatory processes and has been implicated in several diseases. In this article, we report that human TRIB3 promoter contains a 33-bp variable number tandem repeat (VNTR) and characterize the heterogeneity and function of this genetic element. Analysis of human populations around the world uncovered the existence of alleles ranging from 1 to 5 copies of the repeat, with 2-, 3- and 5-copy alleles being the most common but displaying considerable geographical differences in frequency. The repeated sequence overlaps a C/EBP-ATF transcriptional regulatory element and is highly conserved, but not repeated, in various mammalian species, including great apes. The repeat is however evident in Neanderthal and Denisovan genomes. Reporter plasmid experiments in human cell culture reveal that an increased copy number of the TRIB3 promoter 33-bp repeat results in increased transcriptional activity. In line with this, analysis of whole genome sequencing and RNA-Seq data from human cohorts demonstrates that the copy number of TRIB3 promoter 33-bp repeats is positively correlated with TRIB3 mRNA expression level in many tissues throughout the body. Moreover, the copy number of the TRIB3 33-bp repeat appears to be linked to known TRIB3 eQTL SNPs as well as TRIB3 SNPs reported in genetic association studies. Taken together, the results indicate that the promoter 33-bp VNTR constitutes a causal variant for TRIB3 expression variation between individuals and could underlie the results of SNP-based genetic studies.},
}

Cell Cycle Proteins/*genetics
Estonia/epidemiology
Female
Gene Expression Regulation/genetics
*Genetic Heterogeneity
*Genetics, Population
Genotype
Humans
Male
Minisatellite Repeats/*genetics
Promoter Regions, Genetic
Protein-Serine-Threonine Kinases/*antagonists & inhibitors/genetics
RNA-Seq
Repressor Proteins/*genetics
Whole Genome Sequencing

@article {pmid32735718,
year = {2020},
author = {Ríos, L and Cardoso, HFV},
title = {Comment on 'Krapina atlases suggest a high prevalence of anatomical variations in the first cervical vertebra of Neanderthals'.},
journal = {Journal of anatomy},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1111/joa.13268},
pmid = {32735718},
issn = {1469-7580},
abstract = {A review of the observation of an anterior cleft on the atlas of a Neanderthal from Krapina.},
}

@article {pmid32732402,
year = {2020},
author = {Gibbons, A},
title = {How an ancient microbial arms race remodeled human cells.},
journal = {Science (New York, N.Y.)},
volume = {369},
number = {6503},
pages = {491-492},
doi = {10.1126/science.369.6503.491},
pmid = {32732402},
issn = {1095-9203},
mesh = {Animals ; Cell Membrane/chemistry/microbiology ; Communicable Diseases/*genetics ; *Evolution, Molecular ; Host-Pathogen Interactions/*genetics ; Humans ; Immune System/*cytology ; N-Acetylneuraminic Acid/metabolism ; Neanderthals/*genetics/*microbiology ; Selection, Genetic ; },
}

Animals
Cell Membrane/chemistry/microbiology
Communicable Diseases/*genetics
*Evolution, Molecular
Host-Pathogen Interactions/*genetics
Humans
Immune System/*cytology
N-Acetylneuraminic Acid/metabolism
Neanderthals/*genetics/*microbiology
Selection, Genetic

@article {pmid32728251,
year = {2020},
author = {},
title = {Dinosaur retraction, Neanderthal pain and EU budget woe.},
journal = {Nature},
volume = {583},
number = {7818},
pages = {665},
doi = {10.1038/d41586-020-02204-9},
pmid = {32728251},
issn = {1476-4687},
}

@article {pmid32721654,
year = {2020},
author = {Grine, FE and Mongle, CS and Smith, SL and Black, W and du Plessis, A and Braga, J},
title = {Human manual distal phalanges from the Middle Stone Age deposits of Klasies River Main Site, Western Cape Province, South Africa.},
journal = {Journal of human evolution},
volume = {146},
number = {},
pages = {102849},
doi = {10.1016/j.jhevol.2020.102849},
pmid = {32721654},
issn = {1095-8606},
abstract = {Two new distal manual phalanges from the Middle Stone Age deposits of Klasies River Main Site are described. One (SAM-AP 6387) likely derives from ray II or ray III, whereas the other (SAM-AP 6388) is from the thumb. Both derive from a late adolescent or fully adult individual. They were recovered by H. Deacon from the same stratigraphic unit (submember W or possibly submember R) of the Shell and Sand Member of Cave 1, which places them between 100 and 90 ka. Both are comparatively small elements, and the possibility that they came from the same hand cannot be discounted at this time. These bones add to the meager and all too fragmentary postcranial human fossil sample from the Late Pleistocene of South Africa. These two specimens provide some additional evidence pertaining to the morphological attributes of the distal phalanges of the Middle Stone Age inhabitants of South Africa. Together with the distal pollical phalanx from Die Kelders (SAM-AP 6402), they are relatively small in comparison with homologs from recent human samples as well as Late Pleistocene specimens from Eurasia. Given their small sizes, the distal pollical phalanges from Klasies and Die Kelders are not dissimilar to Holocene Khoesan homologs. As expected, the Klasies elements differ noticeably from Neandertal homologs, especially in the narrowness of their shafts and distal tuberosities.},
}

@article {pmid32719451,
year = {2020},
author = {Rinker, DC and Simonti, CN and McArthur, E and Shaw, D and Hodges, E and Capra, JA},
title = {Neanderthal introgression reintroduced functional ancestral alleles lost in Eurasian populations.},
journal = {Nature ecology & evolution},
volume = {4},
number = {10},
pages = {1332-1341},
pmid = {32719451},
issn = {2397-334X},
support = {T32GM080178//U.S. Department of Health & Human Services | NIH | National Institute of General Medical Sciences (NIGMS)/ ; K22 CA184308/CA/NCI NIH HHS/United States ; T32 GM080178/GM/NIGMS NIH HHS/United States ; R35GM127087//U.S. Department of Health & Human Services | NIH | National Institute of General Medical Sciences (NIGMS)/ ; K22CA184308//U.S. Department of Health & Human Services | NIH | National Cancer Institute (NCI)/ ; T32 EY021453/EY/NEI NIH HHS/United States ; F30HG011200//U.S. Department of Health & Human Services | NIH | National Human Genome Research Institute (NHGRI)/ ; T32EY021453//U.S. Department of Health & Human Services | NIH | National Eye Institute (NEI)/ ; T32GM007347//U.S. Department of Health & Human Services | NIH | National Institute of General Medical Sciences (NIGMS)/ ; R01 GM115836/GM/NIGMS NIH HHS/United States ; R35 GM127087/GM/NIGMS NIH HHS/United States ; },
abstract = {Neanderthal ancestry remains across modern Eurasian genomes and introgressed sequences influence diverse phenotypes. Here, we demonstrate that introgressed sequences reintroduced thousands of ancestral alleles that were lost in Eurasian populations before introgression. Our simulations and variant effect predictions argue that these reintroduced alleles (RAs) are more likely to be tolerated by modern humans than are introgressed Neanderthal-derived alleles (NDAs) due to their distinct evolutionary histories. Consistent with this, we show enrichment for RAs and depletion for NDAs on introgressed haplotypes with expression quantitative trait loci (eQTL) and phenotype associations. Analysis of available cross-population eQTLs and massively parallel reporter assay data show that RAs commonly influence gene expression independent of linked NDAs. We further validate these independent effects for one RA in vitro. Finally, we demonstrate that NDAs are depleted for regulatory activity compared to RAs, while RAs have activity levels similar to non-introgressed variants. In summary, our study reveals that Neanderthal introgression reintroduced thousands of lost ancestral variants with gene regulatory activity and that these RAs were more tolerated than NDAs. Thus, RAs and their distinct evolutionary histories must be considered when evaluating the effects of introgression.},
}

@article {pmid32707058,
year = {2020},
author = {Zeberg, H and Dannemann, M and Sahlholm, K and Tsuo, K and Maricic, T and Wiebe, V and Hevers, W and Robinson, HPC and Kelso, J and Pääbo, S},
title = {A Neanderthal Sodium Channel Increases Pain Sensitivity in Present-Day Humans.},
journal = {Current biology : CB},
volume = {30},
number = {17},
pages = {3465-3469.e4},
doi = {10.1016/j.cub.2020.06.045},
pmid = {32707058},
issn = {1879-0445},
abstract = {The sodium channel Nav1.7 is crucial for impulse generation and conduction in peripheral pain pathways [1]. In Neanderthals, the Nav1.7 protein carried three amino acid substitutions (M932L, V991L, and D1908G) relative to modern humans. We expressed Nav1.7 proteins carrying all combinations of these substitutions and studied their electrophysiological effects. Whereas the single amino acid substitutions do not affect the function of the ion channel, the full Neanderthal variant carrying all three substitutions, as well as the combination of V991L with D1908G, shows reduced inactivation, suggesting that peripheral nerves were more sensitive to painful stimuli in Neanderthals than in modern humans. We show that, due to gene flow from Neanderthals, the three Neanderthal substitutions are found in ∼0.4% of present-day Britons, where they are associated with heightened pain sensitivity.},
}

@article {pmid32704108,
year = {2020},
author = {Callaway, E},
title = {Neanderthal gene linked to increased pain sensitivity.},
journal = {Nature},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1038/d41586-020-02202-x},
pmid = {32704108},
issn = {1476-4687},
}

@article {pmid32699254,
year = {2020},
author = {Sánchez-Romero, L and Benito-Calvo, A and Marín-Arroyo, AB and Agudo-Pérez, L and Karampaglidis, T and Rios-Garaizar, J},
title = {Author Correction: New insights for understanding spatial patterning and formation processes of the Neanderthal occupation in the Amalda I cave (Gipuzkoa, Spain).},
journal = {Scientific reports},
volume = {10},
number = {1},
pages = {12456},
doi = {10.1038/s41598-020-68761-1},
pmid = {32699254},
issn = {2045-2322},
abstract = {An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via a link at the top of the paper.},
}

@article {pmid32697783,
year = {2020},
author = {Baumann, C and Bocherens, H and Drucker, DG and Conard, NJ},
title = {Fox dietary ecology as a tracer of human impact on Pleistocene ecosystems.},
journal = {PloS one},
volume = {15},
number = {7},
pages = {e0235692},
pmid = {32697783},
issn = {1932-6203},
mesh = {Animals ; Archaeology ; Bayes Theorem ; Bone and Bones/metabolism ; Carbon Isotopes/analysis ; Collagen/chemistry/metabolism ; Diet/*veterinary ; *Ecosystem ; Fossils/history ; Foxes/*physiology ; History, Ancient ; Humans ; Neanderthals ; Nitrogen Isotopes/analysis ; },
abstract = {Nowadays, opportunistic small predators, such as foxes (Vulpes vulpes and Vulpes lagopus), are well known to be very adaptable to human modified ecosystems. However, the timing of the start of this phenomenon in terms of human impact on ecosystems and of the implications for foxes has hardly been studied. We hypothesize that foxes can be used as an indicator of past human impact on ecosystems, as a reflection of population densities and consequently to track back the influence of humans on the Pleistocene environment. To test this hypothesis, we used stable isotope analysis (δ13C, δ15N) of bone collagen extracted from faunal remains from several archaeological sites located in the Swabian Jura (southwest Germany) and covering a time range over three important cultural periods, namely the Middle Palaeolithic (older than 42,000 years ago) attributed to Neanderthals, and the early Upper Palaeolithic periods Aurignacian and Gravettian (42,000 to 30,000 years ago) attributed to modern humans. We then ran Bayesian statistic systems (SIBER, mixSIAR) to reconstruct the trophic niches and diets of Pleistocene foxes. We observed that during the Middle Palaeolithic period, when Neanderthals sparsely populated the Swabian Jura, the niches occupied by foxes suggest a natural trophic behavior. In contrast, during the early Upper Palaeolithic periods, a new trophic fox niche appeared, characterized by a restricted diet on reindeer. This trophic niche could be due to the consumption of human subsidies related to a higher human population density and the resulting higher impact on the Pleistocene environment by modern humans compared to Neanderthals. Furthermore, our study suggests that, a synanthropic commensal behavior of foxes started already in the Aurignacian, around 42,000 years ago.},
}

Animals
Archaeology
Bayes Theorem
Bone and Bones/metabolism
Carbon Isotopes/analysis
Collagen/chemistry/metabolism
Diet/*veterinary
*Ecosystem
Fossils/history
Foxes/*physiology
History, Ancient
Humans
Neanderthals
Nitrogen Isotopes/analysis

@article {pmid32696095,
year = {2020},
author = {Peeters, S and Zwart, H},
title = {Neanderthals as familiar strangers and the human spark: How the 'golden years' of Neanderthal research reopen the question of human uniqueness.},
journal = {History and philosophy of the life sciences},
volume = {42},
number = {3},
pages = {33},
pmid = {32696095},
issn = {1742-6316},
abstract = {During the past decades, our image of Homo neanderthalensis has changed dramatically. Initially, Neanderthals were seen as primitive brutes. Increasingly, however, Neanderthals are regarded as basically human. New discoveries and technologies have led to an avalanche of data, and as a result of that it becomes increasingly difficult to pinpoint what the difference between modern humans and Neanderthals really is. And yet, the persistent quest for a minimal difference which separates them from us is still noticeable in Neanderthal research. Neanderthal discourse is a vantage point from which the logic of 'us' versus 'other' is critically reconsidered. Studying contemporary academic literature and science autobiographies from an oblique perspective, focusing not on Neanderthals as objects, but on the dynamics of interaction between Neanderthal researchers and their finds, basic convictions at work in this type of research are retrieved. What is at issue is not the actual distinction between modern humans and Neanderthals (which is continuously being redefined), but rather the dualistic construction of human and nonhuman. Neanderthal understanding is affected by the desire to safeguard human uniqueness. The overall trend is to identify the human mark or spark, which defines us as favoured 'winners'. The paradoxes emerging in contemporary Neanderthal discourse are symptomatic of the fact that a dualistic style of thinking is no longer tenable.},
}

@article {pmid32690317,
year = {2020},
author = {Montinaro, F and Capelli, C},
title = {A Worldwide Map of Human Structural Variants.},
journal = {Trends in genetics : TIG},
volume = {36},
number = {10},
pages = {722-725},
doi = {10.1016/j.tig.2020.07.002},
pmid = {32690317},
issn = {0168-9525},
abstract = {Genomic variation extends from single nucleotide variants to large chromosomal rearrangements, but the extent of structural variation in Homo sapiens is still unclear. Almarri et al. provide a worldwide catalogue of structural variants present in human populations. Most of the reported variation is novel, with some variants being inherited from Neanderthals and Denisovans. Drift and selection shaped the distribution of these variants with some suggested to have functional implications.},
}

@article {pmid32681013,
year = {2020},
author = {Marra, F and Rolfo, MF and Gaeta, M and Florindo, F},
title = {Anomalous Last Interglacial Tyrrhenian sea levels and Neanderthal settling at Guattari and Moscerini caves (central Italy).},
journal = {Scientific reports},
volume = {10},
number = {1},
pages = {11929},
pmid = {32681013},
issn = {2045-2322},
abstract = {We present a geological-stratigraphical study aimed to provide chronologic constraints to the sea-level markers occurring at two coastal caves of central Italy (Grotta Guattari and Grotta dei Moscerini) and to the Neanderthal frequentation of these caves, in the light of recent archaeological and geomorphological-geochronological studies suggesting similar sea levels during MIS 5.5 and MIS 5.3, and only few m below the Present during MIS 5.1 in this region. Based on the review of previous literature data, combined with new stratigraphic observations at Grotta Guattari and re-analysis of archive material including unpublished field notes from Grotta dei Moscerini, we reconstruct a plausible sea-level history accounting for the lithological and paleoenvironmental features of their sedimentary fillings. In particular, we outline the abundant occurrence of well-rounded pumice clasts within the sedimentary deposits of Moscerini Cave, attesting for the proximity to the beach where this pumice was gathered by wave action. Through the petrographic and geochemical analysis of this pumice we evidence provenance from Phlegraean Fields and Ischia Island volcanic districts, framing their chronology in the time span 118-40 ka, consistent with literature ESR-U/Th dates providing ages ranging 101 ± 5-74 ± 7 ka for the sedimentary filling of both Moscerini and Guattari caves.},
}

@article {pmid32666166,
year = {2020},
author = {Hallast, P and Agdzhoyan, A and Balanovsky, O and Xue, Y and Tyler-Smith, C},
title = {A Southeast Asian origin for present-day non-African human Y chromosomes.},
journal = {Human genetics},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1007/s00439-020-02204-9},
pmid = {32666166},
issn = {1432-1203},
support = {PUT1036//Eesti Teadusagentuur/ ; 098051/WT_/Wellcome Trust/United Kingdom ; },
abstract = {The genomes of present-day humans outside Africa originated almost entirely from a single out-migration ~ 50,000-70,000 years ago, followed by mixture with Neanderthals contributing ~ 2% to all non-Africans. However, the details of this initial migration remain poorly understood because no ancient DNA analyses are available from this key time period, and interpretation of present-day autosomal data is complicated due to subsequent population movements/reshaping. One locus, however, does retain male-specific information from this early period: the Y chromosome, where a detailed calibrated phylogeny has been constructed. Three present-day Y lineages were carried by the initial migration: the rare haplogroup D, the moderately rare C, and the very common FT lineage which now dominates most non-African populations. Here, we show that phylogenetic analyses of haplogroup C, D and FT sequences, including very rare deep-rooting lineages, together with phylogeographic analyses of ancient and present-day non-African Y chromosomes, all point to East/Southeast Asia as the origin 50,000-55,000 years ago of all known surviving non-African male lineages (apart from recent migrants). This observation contrasts with the expectation of a West Eurasian origin predicted by a simple model of expansion from a source near Africa, and can be interpreted as resulting from extensive genetic drift in the initial population or replacement of early western Y lineages from the east, thus informing and constraining models of the initial expansion.},
}

@article {pmid32661407,
year = {2020},
author = {Columbu, A and Chiarini, V and Spötl, C and Benazzi, S and Hellstrom, J and Cheng, H and De Waele, J},
title = {Author Correction: Speleothem record attests to stable environmental conditions during Neanderthal-modern human turnover in southern Italy.},
journal = {Nature ecology & evolution},
volume = {4},
number = {9},
pages = {1279},
doi = {10.1038/s41559-020-1267-6},
pmid = {32661407},
issn = {2397-334X},
abstract = {An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via a link at the top of the paper.},
}

@article {pmid32652819,
year = {2020},
author = {Pomeroy, E and Hunt, CO and Reynolds, T and Abdulmutalb, D and Asouti, E and Bennett, P and Bosch, M and Burke, A and Farr, L and Foley, R and French, C and Frumkin, A and Goldberg, P and Hill, E and Kabukcu, C and Lahr, MM and Lane, R and Marean, C and Maureille, B and Mutri, G and Miller, CE and Mustafa, KA and Nymark, A and Pettitt, P and Sala, N and Sandgathe, D and Stringer, C and Tilby, E and Barker, G},
title = {Issues of theory and method in the analysis of Paleolithic mortuary behavior: A view from Shanidar Cave.},
journal = {Evolutionary anthropology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1002/evan.21854},
pmid = {32652819},
issn = {1520-6505},
support = {//British Academy/ ; //Calleva Foundation/ ; //Human Origins Research Fund/ ; ECF-2017-284//Leverhulme Trust/ ; RPG-2013-105//Leverhulme Trust/ ; //McDonald Institute for Archaeological Research/ ; NE/L002507/1//Natural Environment Research Council/ ; NF/2016/2/14//Natural Environment Research Council/ ; //Rust Family Foundation/ ; //Society of Antiquaries of London/ ; CONF-788//Wenner-Gren Foundation/ ; },
abstract = {Mortuary behavior (activities concerning dead conspecifics) is one of many traits that were previously widely considered to have been uniquely human, but on which perspectives have changed markedly in recent years. Theoretical approaches to hominin mortuary activity and its evolution have undergone major revision, and advances in diverse archeological and paleoanthropological methods have brought new ways of identifying behaviors such as intentional burial. Despite these advances, debates concerning the nature of hominin mortuary activity, particularly among the Neanderthals, rely heavily on the rereading of old excavations as new finds are relatively rare, limiting the extent to which such debates can benefit from advances in the field. The recent discovery of in situ articulated Neanderthal remains at Shanidar Cave offers a rare opportunity to take full advantage of these methodological and theoretical developments to understand Neanderthal mortuary activity, making a review of these advances relevant and timely.},
}

@article {pmid32632262,
year = {2020},
author = {Columbu, A and Chiarini, V and Spötl, C and Benazzi, S and Hellstrom, J and Cheng, H and De Waele, J},
title = {Speleothem record attests to stable environmental conditions during Neanderthal-modern human turnover in southern Italy.},
journal = {Nature ecology & evolution},
volume = {4},
number = {9},
pages = {1188-1195},
doi = {10.1038/s41559-020-1243-1},
pmid = {32632262},
issn = {2397-334X},
support = {NSFC 41888101//National Science Foundation of China | National Natural Science Foundation of China-Yunnan Joint Fund (NSFC-Yunnan Joint Fund)/ ; },
abstract = {The causes of Neanderthal-modern human (MH) turnover are ambiguous. While potential biocultural interactions between the two groups are still little known, it is clear that Neanderthals in southern Europe disappeared about 42 thousand years ago (ka) after cohabitation for ~3,000 years with MH. Among a plethora of hypotheses on Neanderthal extinction, rapid climate changes during the Middle to Upper Palaeolithic transition (MUPT) are regarded as a primary factor. Here we show evidence for stable climatic and environmental conditions during the MUPT in a region (Apulia) where Neanderthals and MH coexisted. We base our findings on a rare glacial stalagmite deposited between ~106 and ~27 ka, providing the first continuous western Mediterranean speleothem palaeoclimate archive for this period. The uninterrupted growth of the stalagmite attests to the constant availability of rainfall and vegetated soils, while its δ13C-δ18O palaeoclimate proxies demonstrate that Apulia was not affected by dramatic climate oscillations during the MUPT. Our results imply that, because climate did not play a key role in the disappearance of Neanderthals in this area, Neanderthal-MH turnover must be approached from a perspective that takes into account climatic and environmental conditions favourable for both species.},
}

@article {pmid32632258,
year = {2020},
author = {Bastir, M and García-Martínez, D and Torres-Tamayo, N and Palancar, CA and Beyer, B and Barash, A and Villa, C and Sanchis-Gimeno, JA and Riesco-López, A and Nalla, S and Torres-Sánchez, I and García-Río, F and Been, E and Gómez-Olivencia, A and Haeusler, M and Williams, SA and Spoor, F},
title = {Rib cage anatomy in Homo erectus suggests a recent evolutionary origin of modern human body shape.},
journal = {Nature ecology & evolution},
volume = {4},
number = {9},
pages = {1178-1187},
doi = {10.1038/s41559-020-1240-4},
pmid = {32632258},
issn = {2397-334X},
support = {CGL2015-63648-P//Ministerio de Economía y Competitividad (Ministry of Economy and Competitiveness)/ ; CGL2015-63648-P//Ministerio de Economía, Industria y Competitividad, Gobierno de España (Ministerio de Economía, Industria y Competitividad)/ ; },
abstract = {The tall and narrow body shape of anatomically modern humans (Homo sapiens) evolved via changes in the thorax, pelvis and limbs. It is debated, however, whether these modifications first evolved together in African Homo erectus, or whether H. erectus had a more primitive body shape that was distinct from both the more ape-like Australopithecus species and H. sapiens. Here we present the first quantitative three-dimensional reconstruction of the thorax of the juvenile H. erectus skeleton, KNM-WT 15000, from Nariokotome, Kenya, along with its estimated adult rib cage, for comparison with H. sapiens and the Kebara 2 Neanderthal. Our three-dimensional reconstruction demonstrates a short, mediolaterally wide and anteroposteriorly deep thorax in KNM-WT 15000 that differs considerably from the much shallower thorax of H. sapiens, pointing to a recent evolutionary origin of fully modern human body shape. The large respiratory capacity of KNM-WT 15000 is compatible with the relatively stocky, more primitive, body shape of H. erectus.},
}

@article {pmid32615344,
year = {2020},
author = {Yan, SM and McCoy, RC},
title = {Archaic hominin genomics provides a window into gene expression evolution.},
journal = {Current opinion in genetics & development},
volume = {62},
number = {},
pages = {44-49},
pmid = {32615344},
issn = {1879-0380},
support = {R35 GM133747/GM/NIGMS NIH HHS/United States ; },
abstract = {Differences in gene expression are thought to account for most phenotypic differences within and between species. Consequently, gene expression is a powerful lens through which to study divergence between modern humans and our closest evolutionary relatives, the Neanderthals and Denisovans. Such insights complement biological knowledge gleaned from the fossil record, while also revealing general features of the mode and tempo of regulatory evolution. Because of the degradation of ancient RNA, gene expression profiles of archaic hominins must be studied by indirect means. As such, conclusions drawn from these studies are often laden with assumptions about the genetic architecture of gene expression, the complexity of which is increasingly apparent. Despite these challenges, rapid technical and conceptual advances in the fields of ancient genomics, functional genomics, statistical genomics, and genome engineering are revolutionizing understanding of hominin gene expression evolution.},
}

@article {pmid32612423,
year = {2020},
author = {Senturk, N and Ergoren, MC},
title = {Developing an Online Portal for Determining the Genomic Signature of Archaic DNA that are Associated to Modern Human Genetic Diseases: A Meta-Analysis Study.},
journal = {The Eurasian journal of medicine},
volume = {52},
number = {2},
pages = {153-160},
pmid = {32612423},
issn = {1308-8734},
abstract = {Objective: Mutations or introgression can cause and rise adaptive alleles of which some can be beneficial. Archaic humans lived more than 200,000 years ago in Europe and Western Asia. They were adapted to the environment and pathogens that prevailed in these locations. It can therefore be thought that modern humans obtained significant immune advantage from the archaic alleles.

Materials and Methods: First, data were collected by meta-analysis from previously identified genetic diseases caused by alleles that were introgressed from archaics. Second, the in silico model portal (http://www.archaics2phenotype.xxx.edu.tr) was designed to trace the history of the Neanderthal allele. The portal also shows the current distribution of the genotypes of the selected alleles within different populations and correlates with the individuals phenotype.

Results: Our developed model provides a better understanding for the origin of genetic diseases or traits that are associated with the Neanderthal genome.

Conclusion: The developed medicine model will help individuals and their populations to receive the best treatment. It also clarifies why there are differences in disease phenotypes in modern humans.},
}

@article {pmid32594872,
year = {2020},
author = {Nielsen, M and Langley, MC and Shipton, C and Kapitány, R},
title = {Homo neanderthalensis and the evolutionary origins of ritual in Homo sapiens.},
journal = {Philosophical transactions of the Royal Society of London. Series B, Biological sciences},
volume = {375},
number = {1805},
pages = {20190424},
pmid = {32594872},
issn = {1471-2970},
abstract = {There is a large, if disparate, body of archaeological literature discussing specific instantiations of symbolic material culture and the possibility of ritual practices in Neanderthal populations. Despite this attention, however, no single synthesis exists that draws upon cognitive, psychological and cultural evolutionary theories of ritual. Here, we review the evidence for ritual-practice among now-extinct Homo neanderthalensis, as well as the necessary cognitive pre-conditions for such behaviour, in order to explore the evolution of ritual in Homo sapiens. We suggest that the currently available archaeological evidence indicates that Neanderthals may have used 'ritualization' to increase the successful transmission of technical knowledge across generations-providing an explanation for the technological stability of the Middle Palaeolithic and attesting to a survival strategy differing from near-contemporary H. sapiens. This article is part of the theme issue 'Ritual renaissance: new insights into the most human of behaviours'.},
}

@article {pmid32593870,
year = {2020},
author = {Martínez de Pinillos, M and Martín-Francés, L and de Castro, JMB and García-Campos, C and Modesto-Mata, M and Martinón-Torres, M and Vialet, A},
title = {Inner morphological and metric characterization of the molar remains from the Montmaurin-La Niche mandible: The Neanderthal signal.},
journal = {Journal of human evolution},
volume = {145},
number = {},
pages = {102739},
doi = {10.1016/j.jhevol.2019.102739},
pmid = {32593870},
issn = {1095-8606},
abstract = {Here, we present a metric and morphological study of the molar remains from the Montmaurin-La Niche mandible by means of microcomputed tomography. According to the last analysis, based on the combination of geomorphological and paleontological data, the level bearing this human mandible probably corresponds to the marine isotope stages (MIS) 7. These data place the Montmaurin-La Niche in a chronologically intermediate position between the Neanderthals and the Middle Pleistocene fossils (e.g., Sima de los Huesos, la Caune de l'Arago). A recent study has revealed that while the mandible is more closely related to the Early and Middle Pleistocene African and Eurasian populations, the morphology of the outer enamel surfaces of its molars is typical of the Neanderthal linage. The data presented here are in line with this finding because the morphology of the enamel-dentine junction of the molars is similar to that of Neanderthals, whereas the absolute and relative enamel thickness values (2D and 3D) are closer to those exhibited by some Early Pleistocene hominins. Moreover, the pulp cavity morphology and proportions are in concordance with the Neanderthal populations. Our results strengthen the hypothesis that the settlement of Europe could be the result of several migrations, at different times, originated from a common source population. Thus, the variability in the European Middle Pleistocene populations (e.g., Montmaurin, Sima de los Huesos, Arago, Mala Balanica) could indicate different migrations at different times and/or population fragmentation, without excluding the possible hybridization between residents and new settlers.},
}

@article {pmid32586278,
year = {2020},
author = {Weiß, CL and Gansauge, MT and Aximu-Petri, A and Meyer, M and Burbano, HA},
title = {Mining ancient microbiomes using selective enrichment of damaged DNA molecules.},
journal = {BMC genomics},
volume = {21},
number = {1},
pages = {432},
pmid = {32586278},
issn = {1471-2164},
support = {Presidential Innovation Fund//Max-Planck-Gesellschaft/ ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: The identification of bona fide microbial taxa in microbiomes derived from ancient and historical samples is complicated by the unavoidable mixture between DNA from ante- and post-mortem microbial colonizers. One possibility to distinguish between these sources of microbial DNA is querying for the presence of age-associated degradation patterns typical of ancient DNA (aDNA). The presence of uracils, resulting from cytosine deamination, has been detected ubiquitously in aDNA retrieved from diverse sources, and used as an authentication criterion. Here, we employ a library preparation method that separates molecules that carry uracils from those that do not for a set of samples that includes Neandertal remains, herbarium specimens and archaeological plant remains.

RESULTS: We show that sequencing DNA libraries enriched in molecules carrying uracils effectively amplifies age associated degradation patterns in microbial mixtures of ancient and historical origin. This facilitates the discovery of authentic ancient microbial taxa in cases where degradation patterns are difficult to detect due to large sequence divergence in microbial mixtures. Additionally, the relative enrichment of taxa in the uracil enriched fraction can help to identify bona fide ancient microbial taxa that could be missed using a more targeted approach.

CONCLUSIONS: Our experiments show, that in addition to its use in enriching authentic endogenous DNA of organisms of interest, the selective enrichment of damaged DNA molecules can be a valuable tool in the discovery of ancient microbial taxa.},
}

@article {pmid32580077,
year = {2020},
author = {Bosman, AM and Reyes-Centeno, H and Harvati, K},
title = {A virtual assessment of the suprainiac depressions on the Eyasi I (Tanzania) and Aduma ADU-VP-1/3 (Ethiopia) Pleistocene hominin crania.},
journal = {Journal of human evolution},
volume = {145},
number = {},
pages = {102815},
doi = {10.1016/j.jhevol.2020.102815},
pmid = {32580077},
issn = {1095-8606},
abstract = {Despite a steady increase in our understanding of the phenotypic variation of Pleistocene Homo, debate continues over phylogenetically informative features. One such trait is the suprainiac fossa, a depression on the occipital bone above inion that is commonly considered an autapomorphy of the Neanderthal lineage. Challenging this convention, depressions in the suprainiac region have also been described for two Pleistocene hominin crania from sub-Saharan Africa: Eyasi I (Tanzania) and ADU-VP-1/3 (Ethiopia). Here, we use a combined quantitative and qualitative approach, using μCT imaging, to investigate the occipital depressions on these specimens. The results show that neither the external nor the internal morphologies of these depressions bear any resemblance to the Neanderthal condition. A principal component analysis based on multiple thickness measurements along the occipital squama demonstrates that the relative thickness values for the internal structures in Eyasi I and ADU-VP-1/3 are within the range of Homo sapiens. Thus, our results support the autapomorphic status of the Neanderthal suprainiac fossa and highlight the need to use nuanced approaches and multiple lines of evidence.},
}

@article {pmid32574964,
year = {2020},
author = {Mathov, Y and Batyrev, D and Meshorer, E and Carmel, L},
title = {Harnessing epigenetics to study human evolution.},
journal = {Current opinion in genetics & development},
volume = {62},
number = {},
pages = {23-29},
doi = {10.1016/j.gde.2020.05.023},
pmid = {32574964},
issn = {1879-0380},
abstract = {Recent advances in ancient DNA extraction and high-throughput sequencing technologies enabled the high-quality sequencing of archaic genomes, including the Neanderthal and the Denisovan. While comparisons with modern humans revealed both archaic-specific and human-specific sequence changes, in the absence of gene expression information, understanding the functional implications of such genetic variations remains a major challenge. To study gene regulation in archaic humans, epigenetic research comes to our aid. DNA methylation, which is highly correlated with transcription, can be directly measured in modern samples, as well as reconstructed in ancient samples. This puts DNA methylation as a natural basis for comparative epigenetics between modern humans, archaic humans and nonhuman primates.},
}

@article {pmid32559457,
year = {2020},
author = {Dannemann, M and He, Z and Heide, C and Vernot, B and Sidow, L and Kanton, S and Weigert, A and Treutlein, B and Pääbo, S and Kelso, J and Camp, JG},
title = {Human Stem Cell Resources Are an Inroad to Neandertal DNA Functions.},
journal = {Stem cell reports},
volume = {15},
number = {1},
pages = {214-225},
pmid = {32559457},
issn = {2213-6711},
abstract = {Induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) from diverse humans offer the potential to study human functional variation in controlled culture environments. A portion of this variation originates from an ancient admixture between modern humans and Neandertals, which introduced alleles that left a phenotypic legacy on individual humans today. Here, we show that a large iPSC repository harbors extensive Neandertal DNA, including alleles that contribute to human phenotypes and diseases, encode hundreds of amino acid changes, and alter gene expression in specific tissues. We provide a database of the inferred introgressed Neandertal alleles for each individual iPSC line, together with the annotation of the predicted functional variants. We also show that transcriptomic data from organoids generated from iPSCs can be used to track Neandertal-derived RNA over developmental processes. Human iPSC resources provide an opportunity to experimentally explore Neandertal DNA function and its contribution to present-day phenotypes, and potentially study Neandertal traits.},
}

@article {pmid32556248,
year = {2020},
author = {Khan, N and de Manuel, M and Peyregne, S and Do, R and Prufer, K and Marques-Bonet, T and Varki, N and Gagneux, P and Varki, A},
title = {Multiple Genomic Events Altering Hominin SIGLEC Biology and Innate Immunity Predated the Common Ancestor of Humans and Archaic Hominins.},
journal = {Genome biology and evolution},
volume = {12},
number = {7},
pages = {1040-1050},
pmid = {32556248},
issn = {1759-6653},
support = {R01 GM032373/GM/NIGMS NIH HHS/United States ; U01 MH106874/MH/NIMH NIH HHS/United States ; },
abstract = {Human-specific pseudogenization of the CMAH gene eliminated the mammalian sialic acid (Sia) Neu5Gc (generating an excess of its precursor Neu5Ac), thus changing ubiquitous cell surface "self-associated molecular patterns" that modulate innate immunity via engagement of CD33-related-Siglec receptors. The Alu-fusion-mediated loss-of-function of CMAH fixed ∼2-3 Ma, possibly contributing to the origins of the genus Homo. The mutation likely altered human self-associated molecular patterns, triggering multiple events, including emergence of human-adapted pathogens with strong preference for Neu5Ac recognition and/or presenting Neu5Ac-containing molecular mimics of human glycans, which can suppress immune responses via CD33-related-Siglec engagement. Human-specific alterations reported in some gene-encoding Sia-sensing proteins suggested a "hotspot" in hominin evolution. The availability of more hominid genomes including those of two extinct hominins now allows full reanalysis and evolutionary timing. Functional changes occur in 8/13 members of the human genomic cluster encoding CD33-related Siglecs, all predating the human common ancestor. Comparisons with great ape genomes indicate that these changes are unique to hominins. We found no evidence for strong selection after the Human-Neanderthal/Denisovan common ancestor, and these extinct hominin genomes include almost all major changes found in humans, indicating that these changes in hominin sialobiology predate the Neanderthal-human divergence ∼0.6 Ma. Multiple changes in this genomic cluster may also explain human-specific expression of CD33rSiglecs in unexpected locations such as amnion, placental trophoblast, pancreatic islets, ovarian fibroblasts, microglia, Natural Killer(NK) cells, and epithelia. Taken together, our data suggest that innate immune interactions with pathogens markedly altered hominin Siglec biology between 0.6 and 2 Ma, potentially affecting human evolution.},
}

@article {pmid32546518,
year = {2020},
author = {Mafessoni, F and Grote, S and de Filippo, C and Slon, V and Kolobova, KA and Viola, B and Markin, SV and Chintalapati, M and Peyrégne, S and Skov, L and Skoglund, P and Krivoshapkin, AI and Derevianko, AP and Meyer, M and Kelso, J and Peter, B and Prüfer, K and Pääbo, S},
title = {A high-coverage Neandertal genome from Chagyrskaya Cave.},
journal = {Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America},
volume = {117},
number = {26},
pages = {15132-15136},
pmid = {32546518},
issn = {1091-6490},
mesh = {Animals ; Biological Evolution ; Female ; Fossils ; Gene Expression Regulation ; Genetic Variation ; *Genome ; Humans ; Inbreeding ; Neanderthals/*genetics ; Population Density ; Russia ; },
abstract = {We sequenced the genome of a Neandertal from Chagyrskaya Cave in the Altai Mountains, Russia, to 27-fold genomic coverage. We show that this Neandertal was a female and that she was more related to Neandertals in western Eurasia [Prüfer et al., Science 358, 655-658 (2017); Hajdinjak et al., Nature 555, 652-656 (2018)] than to Neandertals who lived earlier in Denisova Cave [Prüfer et al., Nature 505, 43-49 (2014)], which is located about 100 km away. About 12.9% of the Chagyrskaya genome is spanned by homozygous regions that are between 2.5 and 10 centiMorgans (cM) long. This is consistent with the fact that Siberian Neandertals lived in relatively isolated populations of less than 60 individuals. In contrast, a Neandertal from Europe, a Denisovan from the Altai Mountains, and ancient modern humans seem to have lived in populations of larger sizes. The availability of three Neandertal genomes of high quality allows a view of genetic features that were unique to Neandertals and that are likely to have been at high frequency among them. We find that genes highly expressed in the striatum in the basal ganglia of the brain carry more amino-acid-changing substitutions than genes expressed elsewhere in the brain, suggesting that the striatum may have evolved unique functions in Neandertals.},
}

Animals
Biological Evolution
Female
Fossils
Gene Expression Regulation
Genetic Variation
*Genome
Humans
Inbreeding
Neanderthals/*genetics
Population Density
Russia

@article {pmid32531199,
year = {2020},
author = {Almarri, MA and Bergström, A and Prado-Martinez, J and Yang, F and Fu, B and Dunham, AS and Chen, Y and Hurles, ME and Tyler-Smith, C and Xue, Y},
title = {Population Structure, Stratification, and Introgression of Human Structural Variation.},
journal = {Cell},
volume = {182},
number = {1},
pages = {189-199.e15},
doi = {10.1016/j.cell.2020.05.024},
pmid = {32531199},
issn = {1097-4172},
support = {/WT_/Wellcome Trust/United Kingdom ; },
abstract = {Structural variants contribute substantially to genetic diversity and are important evolutionarily and medically, but they are still understudied. Here we present a comprehensive analysis of structural variation in the Human Genome Diversity panel, a high-coverage dataset of 911 samples from 54 diverse worldwide populations. We identify, in total, 126,018 variants, 78% of which were not identified in previous global sequencing projects. Some reach high frequency and are private to continental groups or even individual populations, including regionally restricted runaway duplications and putatively introgressed variants from archaic hominins. By de novo assembly of 25 genomes using linked-read sequencing, we discover 1,643 breakpoint-resolved unique insertions, in aggregate accounting for 1.9 Mb of sequence absent from the GRCh38 reference. Our results illustrate the limitation of a single human reference and the need for high-quality genomes from diverse populations to fully discover and understand human genetic variation.},
}

@article {pmid32511250,
year = {2020},
author = {Martín-Francés, L and Martinón-Torres, M and Martínez de Pinillos, M and García-Campos, C and Zanolli, C and Bayle, P and Modesto-Mata, M and Arsuaga, JL and Bermúdez de Castro, JM},
title = {Crown tissue proportions and enamel thickness distribution in the Middle Pleistocene hominin molars from Sima de los Huesos (SH) population (Atapuerca, Spain).},
journal = {PloS one},
volume = {15},
number = {6},
pages = {e0233281},
pmid = {32511250},
issn = {1932-6203},
mesh = {Animals ; Biological Evolution ; Dental Enamel/anatomy & histology/metabolism ; Fossils/*anatomy & histology ; Hominidae/*anatomy & histology ; Humans ; Molar/*anatomy & histology/metabolism ; Neanderthals ; Phylogeny ; Spain ; Tooth ; Tooth Crown/anatomy & histology/metabolism ; },
abstract = {Dental enamel thickness, topography, growth and development vary among hominins. In Homo, the thickness of dental enamel in most Pleistocene hominins display variations from thick to hyper-thick, while Neanderthals exhibit proportionally thinner enamel. The origin of the thin trait remains unclear. In this context, the Middle Pleistocene human dental assemblage from Atapuerca-Sima de los Huesos (SH) provides a unique opportunity to trace the evolution of enamel thickness in European hominins. In this study, we aim to test the hypothesis if the SH molar sample approximates the Neanderthal condition for enamel thickness and/or distribution. This study includes 626 molars, both original and comparative data. We analysed the molar inner structural organization of the original collections (n = 124), belonging to SH(n = 72) and modern humans from Spanish origin (n = 52). We compared the SH estimates to those of extinct and extant populations of the genus Homo from African, Asian and European origin (estimates extracted from literature n = 502). The comparative sample included maxillary and mandibular molars belonging to H. erectus, East and North African Homo, European Middle Pleistocene Homo, Neanderthals, and fossil and extant H. sapiens. We used high-resolution images to investigate the endostructural configuration of SH molars (tissue proportions, enamel thickness and distribution). The SH molars exhibit on average thick absolute and relative enamel in 2D and 3D estimates, both in the complete crown and the lateral enamel. This primitive condition is shared with the majority of extinct and extant hominin sample, except for Neanderthals and some isolated specimens. On the contrary, the SH molar enamel distribution maps reveal a distribution pattern similar to the Neanderthal signal (with thicker enamel on the lingual cusps and more peripherally distributed), compared to H. antecessor and modern humans. Due to the phylogenetic position of the SH population, the thick condition in molars could represent the persistence of the plesiomorphic condition in this group. Still, more data is needed on other Early and Middle Pleistocene populations to fully understand the evolutionary meaning of this trait.},
}

Animals
Biological Evolution
Dental Enamel/anatomy & histology/metabolism
Fossils/*anatomy & histology
Hominidae/*anatomy & histology
Humans
Molar/*anatomy & histology/metabolism
Neanderthals
Phylogeny
Spain
Tooth
Tooth Crown/anatomy & histology/metabolism

@article {pmid32494067,
year = {2020},
author = {Skov, L and Coll Macià, M and Sveinbjörnsson, G and Mafessoni, F and Lucotte, EA and Einarsdóttir, MS and Jonsson, H and Halldorsson, B and Gudbjartsson, DF and Helgason, A and Schierup, MH and Stefansson, K},
title = {The nature of Neanderthal introgression revealed by 27,566 Icelandic genomes.},
journal = {Nature},
volume = {582},
number = {7810},
pages = {78-83},
doi = {10.1038/s41586-020-2225-9},
pmid = {32494067},
issn = {1476-4687},
mesh = {Animals ; Female ; Genetic Association Studies ; Genetic Introgression/*genetics ; Genome, Human/*genetics ; *Genomics ; Haploidy ; Humans ; Iceland ; Male ; *Mutation ; Neanderthals/*genetics ; Phenotype ; Phylogeny ; },
abstract = {Human evolutionary history is rich with the interbreeding of divergent populations. Most humans outside of Africa trace about 2% of their genomes to admixture from Neanderthals, which occurred 50-60 thousand years ago1. Here we examine the effect of this event using 14.4 million putative archaic chromosome fragments that were detected in fully phased whole-genome sequences from 27,566 Icelanders, corresponding to a range of 56,388-112,709 unique archaic fragments that cover 38.0-48.2% of the callable genome. On the basis of the similarity with known archaic genomes, we assign 84.5% of fragments to an Altai or Vindija Neanderthal origin and 3.3% to Denisovan origin; 12.2% of fragments are of unknown origin. We find that Icelanders have more Denisovan-like fragments than expected through incomplete lineage sorting. This is best explained by Denisovan gene flow, either into ancestors of the introgressing Neanderthals or directly into humans. A within-individual, paired comparison of archaic fragments with syntenic non-archaic fragments revealed that, although the overall rate of mutation was similar in humans and Neanderthals during the 500 thousand years that their lineages were separate, there were differences in the relative frequencies of mutation types-perhaps due to different generation intervals for males and females. Finally, we assessed 271 phenotypes, report 5 associations driven by variants in archaic fragments and show that the majority of previously reported associations are better explained by non-archaic variants.},
}

Animals
Female
Genetic Association Studies
Genetic Introgression/*genetics
Genome, Human/*genetics
*Genomics
Haploidy
Humans
Iceland
Male
*Mutation
Neanderthals/*genetics
Phenotype
Phylogeny

@article {pmid32490227,
year = {2020},
author = {Kolendrianou, M and Ligkovanlis, S and Maniakas, I and Tzortzi, M and Iliopoulos, G},
title = {The Palaeolithic cave of Kalamakia (Mani Peninsula), Greece: new insights on the palaeoenvironment using microvertebrates and mesowear analysis of ruminant teeth.},
journal = {Heliyon},
volume = {6},
number = {5},
pages = {e03958},
pmid = {32490227},
issn = {2405-8440},
abstract = {In the present study, results from the examination of mammalian teeth from the cave of Kalamakia with modern techniques, as well as a qualitative overview of the microvertebrate and lithic material, are presented together with a revision of previous related work done for the site, in order to assess the palaeoenvironmental conditions in the area and the role they played in the Neanderthal's repeated occupation of the cave. Geometric morphometrics analyses performed on the first lower molars of Microtus spp. individuals revealed persistent populations of the subgenus Terricola, in which the presence of Microtus thomasi and Microtus subterraneus are continuous through the stratigraphic units. Mesowear analyses performed on ruminant teeth showed no significant variation in toothwear through time, except for relatively elevated levels of dietary abrasion for the more recent samples. The study of the lithics revealed that Neanderthals visited the cave in alternating short and more permanent episodes of occupation, with the human occupants exhibiting special concern for raw material economy, while exploiting poor raw materials for the construction of their tools. The overview of the microvertebrate remains showed a growing trend towards the upper stratigraphic units, where taxa typical of temperate climate, open woodland and shrubland become more dominant. These results, along with observations derived from previous studies, suggest that temperate climate and open environment were the factors that mainly contributed to making the cave of Kalamakia attractive as a habitation site to the humans of the area.},
}

@article {pmid32457436,
year = {2020},
author = {Sánchez-Romero, L and Benito-Calvo, A and Marín-Arroyo, AB and Agudo-Pérez, L and Karampaglidis, T and Rios-Garaizar, J},
title = {New insights for understanding spatial patterning and formation processes of the Neanderthal occupation in theAmalda I cave (Gipuzkoa, Spain).},
journal = {Scientific reports},
volume = {10},
number = {1},
pages = {8733},
pmid = {32457436},
issn = {2045-2322},
abstract = {The Level VII of Amalda I cave (Gipuzkoa, Spain) represents one of the latest Middle Palaeolithic occupations in the Cantabrian Region. It is characterized by the presence of Middle Palaeolithic lithic industry and animal remains, with clear evidences of anthropic and carnivore manipulation. At this site, the Neanderthal presence has been questioned in relation to the role of carnivores in the accumulation of large, medium-sized and small mammals. It has also been proposed that the Neanderthal occupation could have consisted of short-term occupations, where different activities took place in a structured space within the cave. However, all hypotheses lacked any integrative analysis of the site formation processes. With the aim of understanding these processes, a combination of spatial techniques, based on GIS and inferential statistics (density analysis, hotspots tools and palaeotopographic reconstruction), along with the taphonomic study of identifiable and non-identifiable macromammals remains, were employed. This study has revealed distinct use of the cave space by Neanderthals and carnivores. The major concentrations of lithics and medium-size mammal remains were clearly accumulated by humans at the cave entrance, while the small-size mammals were gathered by carnivores in an inner zone. The activities of the Neanderthals seem to be distinctly structured, suggesting a parallel exploitation of resources.},
}

@article {pmid32453742,
year = {2020},
author = {Natri, HM and Bobowik, KS and Kusuma, P and Crenna Darusallam, C and Jacobs, GS and Hudjashov, G and Lansing, JS and Sudoyo, H and Banovich, NE and Cox, MP and Gallego Romero, I},
title = {Genome-wide DNA methylation and gene expression patterns reflect genetic ancestry and environmental differences across the Indonesian archipelago.},
journal = {PLoS genetics},
volume = {16},
number = {5},
pages = {e1008749},
pmid = {32453742},
issn = {1553-7404},
mesh = {CpG Islands ; *DNA Methylation ; Environment ; Epigenesis, Genetic/physiology ; Ethnic Groups/*genetics/statistics & numerical data ; Gene Expression Profiling/statistics & numerical data ; *Gene-Environment Interaction ; Genetics, Population ; Genome-Wide Association Study/statistics & numerical data ; Genomics/methods ; Humans ; Indonesia/epidemiology ; Islands/epidemiology ; Pacific Islands/epidemiology ; Pedigree ; Phenotype ; Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide ; RNA-Seq ; *Transcriptome ; },
abstract = {Indonesia is the world's fourth most populous country, host to striking levels of human diversity, regional patterns of admixture, and varying degrees of introgression from both Neanderthals and Denisovans. However, it has been largely excluded from the human genomics sequencing boom of the last decade. To serve as a benchmark dataset of molecular phenotypes across the region, we generated genome-wide CpG methylation and gene expression measurements in over 100 individuals from three locations that capture the major genomic and geographical axes of diversity across the Indonesian archipelago. Investigating between- and within-island differences, we find up to 10.55% of tested genes are differentially expressed between the islands of Sumba and New Guinea. Variation in gene expression is closely associated with DNA methylation, with expression levels of 9.80% of genes correlating with nearby promoter CpG methylation, and many of these genes being differentially expressed between islands. Genes identified in our differential expression and methylation analyses are enriched in pathways involved in immunity, highlighting Indonesia's tropical role as a source of infectious disease diversity and the strong selective pressures these diseases have exerted on humans. Finally, we identify robust within-island variation in DNA methylation and gene expression, likely driven by fine-scale environmental differences across sampling sites. Together, these results strongly suggest complex relationships between DNA methylation, transcription, archaic hominin introgression and immunity, all jointly shaped by the environment. This has implications for the application of genomic medicine, both in critically understudied Indonesia and globally, and will allow a better understanding of the interacting roles of genomic and environmental factors shaping molecular and complex phenotypes.},
}

CpG Islands
*DNA Methylation
Environment
Epigenesis, Genetic/physiology
Ethnic Groups/*genetics/statistics & numerical data
Gene Expression Profiling/statistics & numerical data
*Gene-Environment Interaction
Genetics, Population
Genome-Wide Association Study/statistics & numerical data
Genomics/methods
Humans
Indonesia/epidemiology
Islands/epidemiology
Pacific Islands/epidemiology
Pedigree
Phenotype
Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide
RNA-Seq
*Transcriptome

@article {pmid32451437,
year = {2020},
author = {Esteller-Cucala, P and Maceda, I and Børglum, AD and Demontis, D and Faraone, SV and Cormand, B and Lao, O},
title = {Genomic analysis of the natural history of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder using Neanderthal and ancient Homo sapiens samples.},
journal = {Scientific reports},
volume = {10},
number = {1},
pages = {8622},
doi = {10.1038/s41598-020-65322-4},
pmid = {32451437},
issn = {2045-2322},
support = {U01 MH109536/MH/NIMH NIH HHS/United States ; R01 MH101519/MH/NIMH NIH HHS/United States ; },
abstract = {Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is an impairing neurodevelopmental condition highly prevalent in current populations. Several hypotheses have been proposed to explain this paradox, mainly in the context of the Paleolithic versus Neolithic cultural shift but especially within the framework of the mismatch theory. This theory elaborates on how a particular trait once favoured in an ancient environment might become maladaptive upon environmental changes. However, given the lack of genomic data available for ADHD, these theories have not been empirically tested. We took advantage of the largest GWAS meta-analysis available for this disorder consisting of over 20,000 individuals diagnosed with ADHD and 35,000 controls, to assess the evolution of ADHD-associated alleles in European populations using archaic, ancient and modern human samples. We also included Approximate Bayesian computation coupled with deep learning analyses and singleton density scores to detect human adaptation. Our analyses indicate that ADHD-associated alleles are enriched in loss of function intolerant genes, supporting the role of selective pressures in this early-onset phenotype. Furthermore, we observed that the frequency of variants associated with ADHD has steadily decreased since Paleolithic times, particularly in Paleolithic European populations compared to samples from the Neolithic Fertile Crescent. We demonstrate this trend cannot be explained by African admixture nor Neanderthal introgression, since introgressed Neanderthal alleles are enriched in ADHD risk variants. All analyses performed support the presence of long-standing selective pressures acting against ADHD-associated alleles until recent times. Overall, our results are compatible with the mismatch theory for ADHD but suggest a much older time frame for the evolution of ADHD-associated alleles compared to previous hypotheses.},
}

@article {pmid32451090,
year = {2020},
author = {Hoffmann, DL and Standish, CD and García-Diez, M and Pettitt, PB and Milton, JA and Zilhão, J and Alcolea-González, JJ and Cantalejo-Duarte, P and Collado, H and de Balbín, R and Lorblanchet, M and Ramos-Muñoz, J and Weniger, GC and Pike, AWG},
title = {Response to White et al.'s reply: 'Still no archaeological evidence that Neanderthals created Iberian cave art' [J. Hum. Evol. (2020) 102640].},
journal = {Journal of human evolution},
volume = {144},
number = {},
pages = {102810},
doi = {10.1016/j.jhevol.2020.102810},
pmid = {32451090},
issn = {1095-8606},
}

@article {pmid32437543,
year = {2020},
author = {Zeberg, H and Kelso, J and Pääbo, S},
title = {The Neandertal Progesterone Receptor.},
journal = {Molecular biology and evolution},
volume = {37},
number = {9},
pages = {2655-2660},
pmid = {32437543},
issn = {1537-1719},
abstract = {The hormone progesterone is important for preparing the uterine lining for egg implantation and for maintaining the early stages of pregnancy. The gene encoding the progesterone receptor (PGR) carries introgressed Neandertal haplotypes with two missense substitutions and a mobile Alu element. These Neandertal gene variants have reached nearly 20% frequency in non-Africans and have been associated with preterm birth. Here, we show that one of the missense substitutions appears fixed in Neandertals, while the other substitution as well as the Alu insertion were polymorphic among Neandertals. We show that two Neandertal haplotypes carrying the PGR gene entered the modern human population and that present-day carriers of the Neandertal haplotypes express higher levels of the receptor. In a cohort of present-day Britons, these carriers have more siblings, fewer miscarriages, and less bleeding during early pregnancy suggesting that the Neandertal progesterone receptor alleles promote fertility. This may explain their high frequency in modern human populations.},
}

@article {pmid32436615,
year = {2020},
author = {Palancar, CA and García-Martínez, D and Radovčić, D and Llidó, S and Mata-Escolano, F and Bastir, M and Sanchis-Gimeno, JA},
title = {Krapina atlases suggest a high prevalence of anatomical variations in the first cervical vertebra of Neanderthals.},
journal = {Journal of anatomy},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1111/joa.13215},
pmid = {32436615},
issn = {1469-7580},
support = {CGL2015-63648-P//Ministerio de Economía, Industria y Competitividad, Gobierno de España/ ; FJCI-2017-32157//Ministerio de Economía, Industria y Competitividad, Gobierno de España/ ; UV-INV_AE18-773873//Universitat de València/ ; },
abstract = {The first cervical vertebra, atlas, and its anatomical variants have been widely studied in Homo sapiens. However, in Neanderthals, the presence of anatomical variants of the atlas has been very little studied until very recently. Only the Neanderthal group from the El Sidrón site (Spain) has been analysed with regard to the anatomical variants of the atlas. A high prevalence of anatomical variants has been described in this sample, which points to low genetic diversity in this Neanderthal group. Even so, the high prevalence of anatomical variations detected in El Sidrón Neanderthal atlases needs to be confirmed by analysing more Neanderthal remains. In this context, we analysed the possible presence of anatomical variants in the three Neanderthal atlases recovered from the Krapina site (Croatia) within the Neanderthal lineage. Two of the three Krapina atlases presented anatomical variations. One atlas (Krapina 98) had an unclosed transverse foramen and the other (Krapina 99) presented a non-fused anterior atlas arch. Moreover, an extended review of the bibliography also showed these anatomical variations in other Middle and Upper Pleistocene hominins, leading us to hypothesise that anatomical variations of the atlas had a higher prevalence in extinct hominins than in modern humans.},
}

@article {pmid32436183,
year = {2020},
author = {Ricci, C and Kakularam, KR and Marzocchi, C and Capecchi, G and Riolo, G and Boschin, F and Kuhn, H and Castagna, MG and Cantara, S},
title = {Thr92Ala polymorphism in the type 2 deiodinase gene: an evolutionary perspective.},
journal = {Journal of endocrinological investigation},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1007/s40618-020-01287-5},
pmid = {32436183},
issn = {1720-8386},
support = {KU 961-14/1//German Research Council/ ; },
abstract = {PURPOSE: In the past, a role of thyroid hormones in human evolution has been hypothesized. T3, the metabolically active form, derives from extrathyroidal conversion of T4 by deionidase 2 (D2) enzyme encoded by DIO2 gene. In thyroid-deficient patients, decreased levels of free T3 have been associated with the polymorphism rs225014 A/G in DIO2, which causes the substitution of Threonine with Alanine (p.Thr92Ala) at protein level.

METHODS: We compared DNA and protein sequences of D2 from archaic human subspecies with those of contemporary humans.

RESULTS: Neanderthals and Denisovans displayed only the G allele at the rs225014 polymorphism, which encodes for an Alanine on the amino acid level. These data suggest that these hominines were homozygous for the Ala amino acid. These arcaic humans often lived in condition of iodine deficiency and thus, defective mechanisms of T3 biosynthesis could be life threatining. A reduced D2 activity is likely to cause decreased T3 levels, which could be critical for those individuals. Neanderthals and Denisovans were hunters/gatherers, and their diet was mainly based on the consumption of meat, with a low intake of carbohydrates. The need for circulating T3 is reduced at such alimentary conditions. On the basis of our genome comparisons the A allele, corresponding to Threonine and associated with higher levels of circulating T3 in thyroid-deficient patients, appeared for the first time during evolution in Anatomically Modern Humans during the Upper Pleistocene and has been conserved during the Neolithic age. With the advent of agriculture and herding, individuals carrying A allele might have a higher probability for surviving and reproducing. Thus, the variant was positively selected during the evolution.

CONCLUSION: Here we present an evolutionary perspective for p.Thr92Ala variant of D2 from Neanderthals to Anatomically Modern Humans.},
}

@article {pmid32433609,
year = {2020},
author = {Hublin, JJ and Sirakov, N and Aldeias, V and Bailey, S and Bard, E and Delvigne, V and Endarova, E and Fagault, Y and Fewlass, H and Hajdinjak, M and Kromer, B and Krumov, I and Marreiros, J and Martisius, NL and Paskulin, L and Sinet-Mathiot, V and Meyer, M and Pääbo, S and Popov, V and Rezek, Z and Sirakova, S and Skinner, MM and Smith, GM and Spasov, R and Talamo, S and Tuna, T and Wacker, L and Welker, F and Wilcke, A and Zahariev, N and McPherron, SP and Tsanova, T},
title = {Initial Upper Palaeolithic Homo sapiens from Bacho Kiro Cave, Bulgaria.},
journal = {Nature},
volume = {581},
number = {7808},
pages = {299-302},
doi = {10.1038/s41586-020-2259-z},
pmid = {32433609},
issn = {1476-4687},
support = {/ERC_/European Research Council/International ; },
mesh = {Animals ; Asia ; Bone and Bones/metabolism ; Bulgaria ; Caves ; DNA, Ancient/isolation & purification ; DNA, Mitochondrial/genetics/isolation & purification ; Europe ; *Fossils ; History, Ancient ; Human Migration/*history ; Humans ; Neanderthals/genetics ; Phylogeny ; Tool Use Behavior ; Tooth/anatomy & histology/metabolism ; },
abstract = {The Middle to Upper Palaeolithic transition in Europe witnessed the replacement and partial absorption of local Neanderthal populations by Homo sapiens populations of African origin1. However, this process probably varied across regions and its details remain largely unknown. In particular, the duration of chronological overlap between the two groups is much debated, as are the implications of this overlap for the nature of the biological and cultural interactions between Neanderthals and H. sapiens. Here we report the discovery and direct dating of human remains found in association with Initial Upper Palaeolithic artefacts2, from excavations at Bacho Kiro Cave (Bulgaria). Morphological analysis of a tooth and mitochondrial DNA from several hominin bone fragments, identified through proteomic screening, assign these finds to H. sapiens and link the expansion of Initial Upper Palaeolithic technologies with the spread of H. sapiens into the mid-latitudes of Eurasia before 45 thousand years ago3. The excavations yielded a wealth of bone artefacts, including pendants manufactured from cave bear teeth that are reminiscent of those later produced by the last Neanderthals of western Europe4-6. These finds are consistent with models based on the arrival of multiple waves of H. sapiens into Europe coming into contact with declining Neanderthal populations7,8.},
}

Animals
Asia
Bone and Bones/metabolism
Bulgaria
Caves
DNA, Ancient/isolation & purification
DNA, Mitochondrial/genetics/isolation & purification
Europe
*Fossils
History, Ancient
Human Migration/*history
Humans
Neanderthals/genetics
Phylogeny
Tool Use Behavior
Tooth/anatomy & histology/metabolism

@article {pmid32409455,
year = {2020},
author = {Gibbons, A},
title = {Oldest Homo sapiens bones found in Europe.},
journal = {Science (New York, N.Y.)},
volume = {368},
number = {6492},
pages = {697},
doi = {10.1126/science.368.6492.697},
pmid = {32409455},
issn = {1095-9203},
mesh = {Animals ; *Biological Evolution ; Bone and Bones ; Bulgaria ; Humans ; Molar/anatomy & histology ; *Neanderthals ; },
}

Animals
*Biological Evolution
Bone and Bones
Bulgaria
Humans
Molar/anatomy & histology
*Neanderthals

@article {pmid32398823,
year = {2020},
author = {Hardy, BL and Moncel, MH and Kerfant, C and Lebon, M and Bellot-Gurlet, L and Mélard, N},
title = {Author Correction: Direct evidence of Neanderthal fibre technology and its cognitive and behavioral implications.},
journal = {Scientific reports},
volume = {10},
number = {1},
pages = {8167},
doi = {10.1038/s41598-020-65143-5},
pmid = {32398823},
issn = {2045-2322},
abstract = {An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via a link at the top of the paper.},
}

@article {pmid32380300,
year = {2020},
author = {Verna, C and Détroit, F and Kupczik, K and Arnaud, J and Balzeau, A and Grimaud-Hervé, D and Bertrand, S and Riou, B and Moncel, MH},
title = {The Middle Pleistocene hominin mandible from Payre (Ardèche, France).},
journal = {Journal of human evolution},
volume = {144},
number = {},
pages = {102775},
doi = {10.1016/j.jhevol.2020.102775},
pmid = {32380300},
issn = {1095-8606},
abstract = {Although Neandertals are the best-known fossil hominins, the tempo and evolutionary processes in their lineage are strongly debated. This is in part due to the scarcity of the fossil record, in particular before the marine isotopic stage (MIS) 5. In 2010, a partial hominin mandible was discovered at the Middle Paleolithic site of Payre (France) in a layer that is dated to the end of MIS 8/beginning of MIS 7, a time period for which very few fossils are known in Europe. The Payre 15 mandible retains the complete symphyseal region and right lateral corpus with heavily worn P4, M1, and M2 in situ. Taphonomic modifications in the form of three notches suggest that this individual was chewed by a carnivore. We provide here the first detailed description of this specimen and a comparative analysis that includes morphological features, linear mandibular dimensions, an elliptic Fourier analysis of the symphysis, and a morphometric analysis of the M1 roots (based on segmented CT scan data). Our comparative sample encompasses European Middle and Upper Pleistocene specimens attributed to Homo heidelbergensis and Homo neanderthalensis, Upper Pleistocene Homo sapiens, and Holocene Homo sapiens. The Payre 15 mandible shows a combination of primitive and Neandertal-like features, with a receding symphyseal profile without any element of the mentum osseum, a posterior location of the mental foramen and lateral prominence. Its mandibular body is tall and thick anteriorly. Payre 15 has mesotaurodont M1 roots and a three-rooted M2. By its dimensions and combination of features, Payre 15 aligns better with Middle Pleistocene European hominins than with MIS 6-3 Neandertals. Noteworthy, it falls well within the range of variation of the Sima de los Huesos sample. Our results underscore that the total pattern of Neandertal-derived morphology was not achieved at the beginning of the MIS 7 and suggest a low level of mandibular diachronic changes for the period MIS 11-7.},
}