Ancient DNA reveals pervasive directional selection across West Eurasia [pdf]

https://reich.hms.harvard.edu/sites/reich.hms.harvard.edu/files/inline-files/2026_Akbari_Nature_selection_0.pdf

Article

  • Massive ancient DNA study covers ~10,000 years of human evolution in Europe and West Asia
  • Hundreds of alleles show signatures of directional selection over recent millennia
  • Dataset sourced from archaeological remains across West Eurasia; published in Nature

Discussion

  • vintermann more excited by the dataset than conclusions; expects downstream genetic archaeology
  • rossdavidh recommends David Reich’s book “Who We Are and How We Got Here”
  • shadowtree makes a contested Blank Slate claim; not engaged seriously by others
  • Metacelsus links press release for non-PDF access

Discuss on HN


Type PDF
Added Apr 17, 2026
Modified Apr 17, 2026