Researchers study extinct hominins using enamel proteins from their teeth

New method provides the key to accessing proteins in ancient human remains

A new method could soon unlock the vast repository of biological information held in the proteins of ancient soft tissues. The findings could open up a new era for palaeobiological discovery.

Researchers study extinct hominins using enamel proteins from their teeth

We weren’t even sure if Paranthropus remains come from a single species.

Ancient tooth enamel proteins reveal hidden diversity in African Paranthropus

American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)—Analysis of ancient proteins preserved in fossilized tooth enamel reveals insights into the elusive nature of Paranthropus robustus, researchers report*. The findings, which challenge long-held assumptions about this early human relative, suggest greater diversity within Paranthropus than previously recognized and support the possibility of multiple distinct species within the genus. Whi…