Core Viewpoint - The recent research confirms that the "Longren" fossil, discovered in Harbin, China, is a member of the Denisovan lineage, providing significant insights into the morphology and distribution of Denisovans in East Asia, thus addressing a long-standing mystery in paleoanthropology [1][5][10]. Group 1: Research Findings - The "Longren" fossil, dated to at least 146,000 years ago, has been identified as belonging to the Denisovan group, which suggests a broader distribution of Denisovans across Asia [2][5]. - The study utilized advanced techniques in ancient protein and DNA analysis, achieving the highest quality ancient human protein data to date, identifying 95 endogenous proteins from the "Longren" fossil [6][9]. - The research established a direct link between the morphology of the "Longren" fossil and molecular evidence of Denisovans, marking a significant breakthrough in understanding the physical characteristics of this ancient human group [4][10]. Group 2: Methodological Innovations - The research team developed an automated system for ancient protein identification, which allowed for the analysis of a large number of peptide sequences, significantly enhancing the understanding of ancient human protein groups [6][9]. - Innovative extraction methods for ancient DNA from dental calculus were employed, enabling the successful retrieval of Denisovan-specific DNA from extremely small samples [6][9]. - The study's methodologies provide a new framework for future research on ancient human fossils, particularly in linking morphological and genetic data [10]. Group 3: Implications for Future Research - The findings open new avenues for exploring the interactions between Denisovans and other ancient human populations in East Asia, raising questions about their migration patterns and genetic contributions to modern populations [10]. - The research serves as a model for future studies aiming to connect complete fossil morphology with molecular evidence, which could further elucidate the diversity and evolutionary history of Denisovans and their relation to contemporary human groups [10].

Core Viewpoint - The discovery of the Harbin cranium, a well-preserved ancient human fossil, has led to the identification of a potential new hominin lineage named "Dragon Man" (Homo longi), sparking debates in the academic community regarding its classification and relationship with Denisovans [2][4][5]. Group 1: Discovery and Significance - The Harbin cranium is one of the most complete ancient human fossils discovered to date, with uranium-series dating indicating it is no younger than 146,000 years [2]. - The research published in The Innovation journal suggests that the cranium represents a new hominin lineage, "Dragon Man" [2]. - The cranium's discovery and subsequent research provide critical insights into the diversity and evolutionary history of ancient humans in East Asia [7][14]. Group 2: Controversy and Research Findings - There is ongoing debate in the academic community regarding the classification of "Dragon Man," with some researchers suggesting it may belong to the Denisovan lineage due to morphological similarities [4][5]. - The Denisovans are an extinct group identified through genetic evidence, with existing remains being fragmentary and lacking complete morphological features [5]. - Recent ancient DNA studies have provided key insights into the genetic affiliation of the Harbin individual, linking it to the Denisovan lineage and suggesting a close relationship with early Denisovans from Siberia [11][14]. Group 3: Methodology and Technological Advances - The research team successfully extracted ancient DNA from dental calculus of the Harbin cranium, marking a significant advancement in the study of ancient human genetics [6][10]. - The study involved optimizing extraction methods and developing bioinformatics techniques to analyze ancient DNA, overcoming challenges associated with contamination and degradation [10][11]. - The findings highlight the potential of dental calculus as a valuable source for ancient DNA, paving the way for future research in the field [14].