Unveiling the Hidden History: Humans and Hominids

🧬Ancient hominid species, including Neanderthals and Denisovans, once coexisted with early humans and contributed to our modern genome.

🦠Traces of viruses that infected Neanderthals and Denisovans have been found in our DNA, offering insights into their ancient health.

🔭Astronomers observed one of the brightest gamma-ray bursts ever recorded, providing valuable information for future research in astrophysics.

🔬Bacteria can absorb and integrate DNA from long-dead organisms, such as mammoths, through horizontal gene transfer, influencing the evolution of bacterial populations.

🦖Meet Siats meekerorum, one of the top three largest predatory dinosaurs ever discovered in the USA, filling a significant gap in the fossil record.

What is horizontal gene transfer?

—Horizontal gene transfer is a process in which organisms, particularly bacteria, acquire and integrate DNA from other organisms, even those that are long dead. This allows the transfer of genetic traits and influences the evolution of bacterial populations.

Why do traces of ancient viruses exist in our DNA?

—Traces of ancient viruses exist in our DNA because when these viruses infected our ancestors, they inserted their genetic material into the genome. Over time, this viral DNA became a part of our genetic makeup and has been passed down through generations.

What is a gamma-ray burst?

—A gamma-ray burst is an extremely energetic explosion that occurs during the collapse of a massive star or the onset of a supernova. These bursts emit large amounts of gamma rays, which are highly energetic forms of electromagnetic radiation.

How do bacteria evolve so quickly?

—Bacteria can evolve quickly due to their ability to undergo horizontal gene transfer, in which they absorb and integrate DNA from other organisms. This process allows bacteria to acquire new genetic traits and adapt to changing environments, including developing antibiotic resistance.

What is Siats meekerorum?

—Siats meekerorum is one of the top three largest predatory dinosaurs ever discovered in the USA. It lived approximately 100 million years ago and fills a significant gap in the fossil record, being one of the few known large predators from that time and location.

00:06In this video, we dive into the fascinating history of humans and hominids, unraveling the existence of ancient species like Neanderthals and Denisovans.

01:51Scientists have discovered traces of Neanderthal and Denisovan DNA in the modern human genome, suggesting interbreeding between these ancient hominids and our ancestors.

02:59Recent research has found that DNA from viruses that infected Neanderthals can still be found in our genomes today, providing insights into their ancient health.

03:27Astronomers have observed one of the brightest gamma-ray bursts ever recorded, offering valuable information for future research in astrophysics.

03:55Bacteria are capable of absorbing and recycling DNA from long-dead organisms, such as woolly mammoths, through horizontal gene transfer, influencing their evolution.

04:38Meet Siats meekerorum, one of the top three largest predatory dinosaurs ever discovered in the USA, filling a significant gap in the fossil record.