DNA from Neolithic farmers shows influence of agriculture on evolution

New York Times : Until now archaeologists have depended on skeletons and artifacts, such as pots and swords, to study ancient humans. From those remains, researchers have been able to trace the evolution of humans from hunter-gatherers to farmers. Now, with the advent of DNA sampling, much more information is being gleaned. In a study published in Nature, David Reich of Harvard Medical School and his colleagues discuss their analysis of the genomes of 230 people who lived in Europe and Turkey between 6500 and 300 BC. The researchers found that the introduction of agriculture not only influenced where humans lived and what they ate but also affected their DNA, as evidenced by changes in height, skin color, digestion, and immune system. As more genome samples are collected from ancient humans on other continents, the researchers hope to one day be able to track human evolution across the globe.