Tooth proteins suggest Homo naledi remains came from females (opens in new tab)

Researchers analyzing ancient proteins from Homo naledi teeth found no male-specific protein markers in fossils from South Africa’s Rising Star cave system, suggesting the sampled remains may all be female. The study, published in Cell, examined peptides from 23 fossil teeth representing about 20 individuals and focused on dental enamel, which can preserve protein fragments in ancient remains. Homo naledi, an extinct relative of Homo sapiens, was first described after discoveries in the Risin...