Through new genetic analysis, scientists have now confirmed interbreeding between early east-migrating Homo sapiens and Denisovans, an offshoot of Neanderthals and descendents of Homo erectus people. Through similar analysis, researchers had previously confirmed interbreeding between Neanderthals and later north and west migrating Homo sapiens. Learn more about the new findings at Siberian Fossils.

Scientists at the Belfer Institute at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute have achieved a significant breakthrough in our understanding of the aging process – by manipulating the enzyme telomerase in mice. In the new experiment, scientists genetically altered the mice so that their production of telomerase, a key component of chromosome health in animals, could be quickly turned on or off. Since chromosome health is hypothesized to strongly influence physiological aging, inhibition of the enzyme led to near immediate and rapidly accelerated aging as expected.  Researchers were surprised, however, when restoration of natural telomerase levels quickly and significantly reversed these aging effects, suggesting the potential for anti-aging therapies within this line of investigation. Learn more about the new research and a likely source of future anti-aging strategies at Belfer Aging Study.