Researchers Map DNA of Early Democrats

An astonishing scientific breakthrough. Some day, we may even understand these people and their odd behavior.

RESEARCHERS announced today that they have sequenced the mitochondrial DNA of a Neanderthal, using genetic material recovered from a 38,000-year-old bone.

Scientists said the breakthrough, published in the August 8th issue of the scientific journal Cell, will help resolve lingering questions about the genealogical relationship between the prehistoric hominids and modern man.

The study marks the first time scientists have succeeded in mapping a perfect genetic sequence from ancient DNA.

"For the first time, we've built a sequence from ancient DNA that is essentially without error," said Richard Green of Max-Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology in Germany.