Ancient Human DNA Found on Cave Walls

Scientists have discovered ancient human DNA on the walls of prehistoric caves in Spain and Portugal. This breakthrough is considered a first in the field of paleogenetics and provides significant clues about the identities of the communities that created the cave paintings or used these areas.An international research team analyzed samples collected from 11 caves in the two countries. The study found that the cave walls not only preserved ancient rock art but also the biological traces of people who visited them thousands of years ago.As part of the research, a total of 120 samples were taken from 24 different rock art panels and various wall surfaces. Laboratory analysis detected human DNA in five of these samples.According to experts, the genetic remains were transferred to the walls through direct contact with the people who were in the caves. The sweat from the hands of those who created the paintings, the saliva droplets that came into contact with the walls through bone tubes used for painting, or other biological remains were preserved on the rock surfaces over time.