Ancient Proteins Bring Denisovans Into Focus | Nature

The proteome of Middle Pleistocene Xujiayao and common Denisovan morphology First author: Song Xing Last author: Qiaomei Fu Co-first authors: Song Xing, Zhongyou Wu, Qingfeng Shao, Junyi Ge Journal: Nature Published online: 2026-10-21 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41586-026-11... Ancient proteins from two Xujiayao fossils strongly connect these early humans to the Denisovan lineage, giving researchers a richer foundation for understanding Denisovan skulls, jaws and teeth. Comparisons with other East Asian fossils suggest that several previously separated groups may belong to a broader, physically diverse Denisovan lineage.