DNA studies uncover a forgotten population at the top of the world
tags:
Scientists have uncovered an ancient population previously unknown to science in Ladakh, a high-altitude region in northern India. Their studies revealed individuals with a nearly perfect 50–50 mix of South Asian-related and Tibetan-related ancestry who lived approximately 1,500 years ago.
Ancient DNA from South Asia is scarce, leaving significant gaps in our understanding of how the region's populations formed over time. This new discovery is based on an analysis of the remains of 10 individuals excavated from Old Lady Spider Cave, an archaeological site 4,000 meters (13,100 feet) above sea level, in 2021. It lies in a region that has long connected South Asia, Tibet and Central Asia through ancient trade routes.
Decoding the bones
One of the first things the research team did was date the remains using radiocarbon dating. Then they extracted DNA from the bones and tissue and compared it with genome-wide genetic data from thousands of modern and ancient individuals to see which populations they most closely resembled. The findings are published in the journal Science Advances.
The researchers discovered that the cave individuals shared a similar genetic profile that is extremely rare today. About half their ancestry was genetically similar to present-day North Indians, while the other half was closely linked to ancient Tibetans.
Next, the scientists used mathematical models to probe deeper into the data, analyzing the size of the DNA fragments inherited from each population.
When different groups mix, their chunks of DNA get chopped up into smaller pieces with every new generation. By measuring the sizes of these South Asian and Tibetan DNA fragments, the models could estimate when the two populations first mixed.
The results showed that this blending process began around 2,800 years ago, roughly 1,300 years before the cave individuals lived. "Our results do not imply that the detected admixture took place in Ladakh," the study authors commented in their paper.
A lost population leaves a legacy
While the findings suggest a previously unknown population, little is known about them beyond what can be gleaned from their DNA. But the DNA also shows that this ancient group didn't vanish. The researchers found evidence that they contributed ancestry to present-day Himalayan populations, including the Minero and Balti people of Ladakh.
"The Old Ladakh population did not completely disappear and instead left a legacy in present-day people."
Written for you by our author Paul Arnold, edited by Lisa Lock, and fact-checked and reviewed by Robert Egan—this article is the result of careful human work. We rely on readers like you to keep independent science journalism alive. If this reporting matters to you, please consider a donation (especially monthly). You'll get an ad-free account as a thank-you.
Publication details
Nick Patterson et al, Ancient genomes from Ladakh reveal 2800-year-old admixture between Tibetans and South Asians, Science Advances (2026). DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.aeb3636
Who's behind this story?
BSc Biology from University of London. BBC documentary producer with world travel experience. Freelances from southern Spain. Full profile →
BA art history, MA material culture. Former museum editor, paramedic, and transplant coordinator. Editing for Science X since 2021. Full profile →
Bachelor's in mathematical biology, Master's in creative writing. Well-traveled with unique perspectives on science and language. Full profile →
© 2026 Science X Network
Citation: DNA studies uncover a forgotten population at the top of the world (2026, July 28) retrieved 28 July 2026 from https://phys.org/news/2026-07-dna-uncover-forgotten-population-world.html
This document is subject to copyright. Apart from any fair dealing for the purpose of private study or research, no part may be reproduced without the written permission. The content is provided for information purposes only.