Researchers Find Hints to a ‘Ghost’ Species of Ancient Human in Africa

July 23, 2017: Researchers revealed ancient Africans may have involved in a 'sexual rendezvous' with a 'ghost' species of archaic humans. The new research is among more recent genetic studies showing that ancient Africans also had rendezvous with other early hominins.

The research summed to a growing body of evidence implying that sexual rendezvous between different archaic human species may not have been unusual.

In saliva, University at Buffalo scientists detected hints that a "ghost" species of archaic humans contributed genetic material to ancestors of people living in Sub-Saharan Africa today.

Also Read: Ancient Human Ancestor was Tallest known member of Prehuman Species, best known for Fossil Skeleton nicknamed "Lucy"

"It seems that interbreeding between different early hominin species is not the exception – it's the norm," said lead researcher Omer Gokcumen to Business Standard.

"Our research traced the evolution of an important mucin protein called MUC7 that is found in saliva," he remarked. "When we looked at the history of the gene that codes for the protein, we see the signature of archaic admixture in modern day Sub-Saharan African populations."

The researchers came upon their discoveries while exploring the reason and origins of the MUC7 protein, which helps give spit its slimy consistency and ties to organisms, possibly freeing the assortment of sickness causing microscopic organisms.

The examination inferred that MUC7 seems to impact the structure of the oral microbiome, the accumulation of microorganisms inside the mouth. The proof for this originated from an examination of organic specimens from 130 individuals, which found that diverse forms of the MUC7 quality were connected with various oral microbiome compositions.

"From what we know of MUC7, it makes sense that people with different versions of the MUC7 gene could have different oral microbiomes," lead researcher Stefan Ruhl said. "The MUC7 protein is thought to enhance the ability of saliva to bind to microbes, an important task that may help prevent disease by clearing unwanted bacteria or other pathogens from the mouth."

-By Staff writer at Newsgram