Ancient human DNA extracted from cave paintings for the first time, study finds
By
Alison George
Summary
Researchers from the First Art project have successfully extracted ancient human DNA from cave paintings and cave walls in Spain and Portugal, dating back thousands of years. This breakthrough opens the possibility of identifying individual prehistoric artists and potentially resolving the long-standing debate about whether Neanderthals created cave art. The study, conducted between 2022 and 2025, demonstrates that DNA can survive on rock art surfaces for millennia, offering a new tool for understanding prehistoric human culture and artistic expression.
Source
Twitter / XAncient human DNA extracted from cave paintings for the first time, study findsnewscientist.comKey quotes
· 2 pulledIt's the start of a new era.
This gives us the potential to meet the actual artists, the individual who did this art. It's extraordinary.
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