Denisovan Fossils and Tools Found in Chinese Cave

Researchers have uncovered significant evidence of Denisovan occupation at Bianfu Cave in southwestern China, revealing new insights into the biology, behavior, and geographic range of this enigmatic ancient human relative. The findings, detailed in two studies published on September 9, 2026, indicate that Denisovans inhabited the cave for an extended period, with occupation evidence spanning approximately 190,000 to 70,000 years ago. Fossil remains recovered from the site have been dated to between 167,000 and 134,000 years ago. Analysis of five hominin fossils from Bianfu Cave, including teeth, skull fragments, and a radius bone, identified them as Denisovan through proteomic sequencing. Ancient DNA could not be recovered from the remains due to the warm climate and age of the fossils, making protein analysis the primary method for identification. The radius bone is particularly noteworthy as it is the only Denisovan radius identified to date. Its morphology presents a combination of a modern human-like overall shape with a Neanderthal-like elbow region, offering new clues about Denisovan anatomy and potential functional advantages for manipulation.