Core Viewpoint - A newly analyzed ancient human skull fossil, approximately 1 million years old, challenges traditional human evolution theories, revealing a new evolutionary branch closely related to the Denisovans, named "Longren" (Homo longi) [2][5]. Group 1: Research Findings - The research led by Ni Xijun from the Chinese Academy of Sciences indicates that the divergence time of modern humans, Neanderthals, and the Longren branch has been significantly pushed forward, surpassing previous academic consensus [2][5]. - The skull fossil, known as "Yunxian Man 2," was discovered in Hubei Province in 1990 and was initially classified as Homo erectus due to its damaged state at the time of discovery [3][4]. - The reconstructed skull exhibits a blend of primitive and advanced features, with a brain capacity exceeding 1100 milliliters, indicating a complex evolutionary history [4][5]. Group 2: Methodology - The research team utilized high-precision CT scanning and surface scanning technologies to identify features of the fossil, followed by innovative digital reconstruction methods to piece together the skull [4]. - A new statistical framework was developed to validate the reconstruction results, addressing a long-standing challenge in paleobiology [4]. Group 3: Implications - The findings suggest that the Yunxian Man is an early representative of the Longren branch, indicating that human ancestors had already diverged into multiple independent evolutionary groups as early as 1 million years ago [5]. - The research provides clarity on the evolutionary timeline between 1 million and 300,000 years ago, highlighting the complexity of human origins [5].

Core Viewpoint - The research team from the Chinese Academy of Sciences has identified a new evolutionary branch related to the mysterious Denisovans, named "Longren" (Homo longi), based on a skull fossil dated to approximately 1 million years ago, significantly advancing the timeline of human evolution [1][7]. Group 1: Research Findings - The skull fossil, known as "Yunxian Man 2," was discovered in Hubei Province in 1990 and was initially classified as a Homo erectus due to its severe damage and deformation at the time of discovery [3][5]. - Advanced techniques such as high-precision CT scanning and structured light surface scanning were employed to reconstruct the skull, revealing a blend of primitive and advanced features, with a brain capacity exceeding 1100 milliliters [5][7]. - The findings suggest that human ancestors had already diverged into multiple independent evolutionary groups as early as 1 million years ago, indicating a more complex evolutionary history than previously understood [7][8]. Group 2: Implications for Human Evolution - The study clarifies the evolutionary timeline between 1 million and 300,000 years ago, highlighting the complexity and diversity of early human species [8]. - The Longren branch is closely related to modern humans, indicating that many Middle Pleistocene human fossils from Asia can be classified under this lineage, including those from various archaeological sites [7].

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].