Archaeology and Genetics in Papua New Guinea
Members of the Papuan Past Project published a study on June 11th 2026 in Science. Using data from Papua New Guinea, the researchers revealed that some of the genetic variants we inherited from Neanderthals and Denisovans may have helped our ancestors adapt to new environments and diseases.
Two new doctoral theses started in January 2026 in the framework of a new scientific project, named “PAPALIM: Biological and societal impacts of the food transition in Papua New Guinea”, and in collaboration with the Papuan Past Project (PPP) team.
The members of the Papuan Past Project took part to the 10th World Archaeological Congress, 22-28 June 2025, in Darwin, Australia. Three members of the project were present, including Roxanne Tsang, Avis Babalu and Sébastien Plutniak, who presented a paper (oral presentation) and two posters, respectively.
Continue reading “The members of the Papuan Past Project at the WAC 2025 Congress”Members of the Papuan Past Project published a study in Evolution, Medicine, and Public Health, Volume 13, Issue 1, 2025. The researchers found that betel nut chewing significantly alters the oral microbiome diversity, increasing the prevalence of bacteria associated with periodontal diseases. This effect is potentially region-specific.
