Newly Discovered 'Ghost' Lineage Linked to Ancient Mystery Population in Tibet, DNA Study Finds

A new genetic study has revealed the existence of a previously unidentified human lineage in ancient China. Researchers examined the burial site and remains of a woman known as Xingyi_EN, who lived during the Early Neolithic period in Yunnan Province, approximately 7,100 years ago. By analyzing her DNA and comparing it with over 100 ancient genomes from the region, scientists uncovered evidence of a so-called 'ghost' lineage—an ancestral population that had not been previously detected through archaeological or genetic records. The findings suggest that this lineage contributed to the genetic makeup of ancient populations in Tibet and possibly other regions of East Asia. The study enhances understanding of the complex population history of East Asia and the migration patterns of early humans. The research was published by Live Science and highlights the importance of ancient DNA in reconstructing human history.