Analysis of hair DNA reveals ancient human's face

[undeterred]

By Doreen Walton
Science reporter, BBC News

DNA analysis of human hair preserved in Greenland's permafrost has given clues as to what the owner looked like. A study, published in the journal Nature, says the individual's genome is the oldest to have been sequenced from a modern human. The researchers say the man, who lived 4,000 years ago, had brown eyes and thick dark hair, although he would have been prone to baldness.

They say the genome also shows that his ancestors migrated from Siberia. The man has been named Inuk, which means "human" in the Greenlandic language. "We wanted to acknowledge that he was from Greenland, even though he is not a direct ancestor of modern Greenlanders," said Professor Eske Willerslev from the University of Copenhagen, who took part in the study. The researchers say an analysis of the genome shows that Inuk was from the Saqqaq culture.

The team now has genetic evidence that Inuk's metabolism and body mass meant he was adapted to living in a cold climate. The Saqqaq hunted seals and seabirds and relied on the sea for most of their food. Archaeological remains show they lived in tiny tents in winter.

"It's a very hostile environment and I was really surprised that people could live up there," explained Professor Willerslev. Inuk had shovel-shaped front teeth, according to the research team. He also had dry earwax, which would have made him more vulnerable to ear infections. He is thought to have died young because, although his genes show susceptibility to baldness, tufts of thick hair were found.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/science/nature/8506080.stm

Looks vaguely familiar...

[aquart]

1. I love seeing the faces.

4,000 years wasn't that long ago, though.

[Myrina]

2. Yah! Can see him huntin' up in da' UP most Novembers! Ridin' da snow machine!

Either that or it's a mid 70's sketch of Tommy Chong ....


;)

[FourScore]

3. Hey, I know that guy! n/t

[undeterred]

4. Reminds me of the Japanese guy in the LOST temple

[proudohioan]

5. Fascinating article. Thanks for posting.

[MineralMan]

6. It's Quinn the Eskimo!

I'd know him anywhere. When he gets here, everybody's gonna jump for joy, I bet.