Pacific islanders got a double whammy of Stone Age DNA

Melanesians only people known to inherit substantial DNA from both Neandertals, Denisovans

a Melanesian girl

HYBRID PAST  New research finds that present-day Melanesians, like this girl, have inherited substantial amounts of DNA from both Neandertals and Denisovans. That ancient DNA may be involved in important biological functions, such as metabolism and immunity.

ERIC LAFFORGUE/Alamy

Modern-day Melanesians carry a two-pronged genetic legacy of ancient interbreeding that still affects their health and well-being, researchers say.