New Publication: Genetic Transitions in the Neolithic and Bronze Age at Mas d'en Boixos (Catalonia, Spain)
We’re pleased to share new research published in iScience, led by Xavier Roca-Rada in collaboration with Daniel R. Cuesta-Aguirre, Diana C. Vinueza-Espinosa, Roberta Davidson, Shyamsundar Ravishankar, and others. This study reveals fascinating insights into genetic transitions across prehistoric Iberia through ancient DNA analysis from the Mas d’en Boixos archaeological site in Northeastern Spain. The research demonstrates remarkable genetic continuity and change spanning from the Middle Neolithic to the Early Bronze Age, uncovering evidence of family relationships, ancestral origins, and social structures of these ancient populations. ×
July 18, 2025
New Publication: Five Thousand Years of Population History in Portugal
We’re excited to share our latest research published in Genome Biology, presenting the most comprehensive collection of ancient genomic data from Portugal to date. This collaborative study analysed 67 individuals spanning 5,000 years of human history, from the Neolithic to the nineteenth century, revealing dynamic patterns of migration, admixture, and genetic continuity at the westernmost edge of continental Eurasia. ×
January 15, 2025
New Publication: Filtering Out the Noise - Metagenomic Classifiers Optimize Ancient DNA Mapping
We’re thrilled to announce our new publication in Briefings in Bioinformatics, led by Shyamsundar Ravishankar. This work introduces an innovative workflow that dramatically improves ancient DNA analysis by using metagenomic classifiers to filter contaminating sequences before mapping. Our approach significantly reduces computational resources (up to 94% reduction in runtime), improves mapping precision, and makes ancient DNA analysis accessible on personal computers—not just high-performance computing clusters. ×
December 14, 2024
New Publication: A Global Environmental Crisis 42,000 Years Ago — the Adams Event
Today in Science, we report evidence that the last full reversal-like collapse of Earth’s magnetic field — the Laschamps excursion, around 42,000 years ago — coincided with a cascade of environmental and biological upheaval across the planet. We have named this short window the Adams Event, after Douglas Adams: the answer, of course, was always 42.
February 19, 2021