Groundbreaking Discoveries in Laos Sheds Light on Ancient Human Evolution
Fabrice Demeter, paleoanthropologist, Assistant Professor at the University of Copenhagen, Globe Institute, has led an international team to monumental discoveries in the mountains of northeastern Laos, unveiling new insights into the evolutionary history of ancient humans.
These discoveries, featured in the February 2025 issue of National Geographic magazine, adds significant pieces to the puzzle of human origins and the interactions between Homo sapiens and other hominin species.
Over the past 15 years, Demeter and his team have been excavating caves in the Pa Hang Mountain region, uncovering critical evidence that Homo sapiens populations were not alone as they spread across the globe. Among the most remarkable finds is a large molar discovered in Cobra Cave, a fossil that provides the first definitive evidence of Denisovans in Southeast Asia. The discovery highlights the Denisovans' expansive range and adaptability, challenging previous assumptions about their geographic distribution.
In addition to the Denisovan discovery, Demeter’s team has been excavating Tam Pà Ling cave since 2009, where they uncovered the remains of some of the oldest Homo sapiens in the region. These findings have provided crucial insights into the migration and adaptation patterns of early modern humans.
“Our work in Laos represents a unique opportunity to explore an untapped region that holds answers to some of the deepest questions about our ancestors,” said Fabrice Demeter. “This discovery not only confirms the presence of Denisovans in this subtropical environment but also strengthens the case for Southeast Asia as a critical region in understanding human evolution.”
The team’s excavation efforts, combining state-of-the-art techniques in paleogenetics, paleoproteomics, virtual imaging, biochemical and geochronological methods, have been instrumental in analyzing the fossil record. These methodologies, paired with Demeter’s leadership and collaboration with international experts such as Frido Welker (University of Copenhagen), Clément Zanolli (University of Bordeaux), have revealed critical details about the interactions and genetic exchanges between ancient human species.
The Denisovan molar from Cobra Cave, dated to approximately 160,000 years ago, is particularly striking in its implications. It provides new evidence of Denisovan adaptation to a range of environments and offers a tantalizing glimpse into the coexistence of multiple hominin species in Asia.
This discovery is part of a broader effort to rewrite the evolutionary history of humans and to shed light on the mysterious "other humans" that shaped our genetic heritage. “Every piece of evidence we uncover adds a new dimension to the story of human evolution,” said Demeter. “It’s an incredible privilege to be part of this journey.”
The findings, which have been published in leading scientific journals and will appear in the February 2025 issue of National Geographic magazine, underscore the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration in paleoanthropology. As the team continues its research in Laos, they hope to uncover further evidence of ancient human activity, promising to reshape our understanding of the past.
For media inquiries, please contact: Fabrice Demeter