University of York
Coverage of University of York in the Nexus archive.
- Sicily’s medieval mosaic: DNA reveals island’s deep diversity
Scientists analyzed DNA from 111 medieval Sicilian burials to reveal the island's genetic diversity, showing roots from Europe, the Near East, North Africa, and sub-Saharan Africa. The study, published in PLOS One, confirmed Sicily as a historical melting pot during the Middle Ages, influenced by successive ruling powers including Normans, Arabs, and Byzantines.
- Fossil site of extinct human cousin may have been all female
A study of Homo naledi fossils from South Africa's Rising Star Cave system found no male markers in 23 analyzed teeth, suggesting the Dinaledi Chamber may be an all-female fossil site. Researchers used protein analysis to detect the absence of Amelogenin-Y, a male-specific protein, raising questions about the species' burial practices and potential sex-specific mortuary behavior.