Protein analysis shows all studied Homo naledi are female

A new analysis of ancient proteins extracted from the teeth of Homo naledi fossils has revealed a startling pattern: all of the individuals studied appear to be female. The finding, published on June 24, 2026, in the journal Cell, adds a significant new dimension to the long-standing mystery surrounding this extinct human relative and its presence deep within South Africa's Rising Star cave system.

The fossils of Homo naledi, a species with a small brain and a mix of primitive and human-like features, were first discovered in 2013 in a series of difficult-to-access chambers. Since then, researchers have recovered remains from at least 20 individuals who lived between approximately 236,000 and 335,000 years ago. A prominent but controversial hypothesis, championed by paleoanthropologist Lee Berger and his team, posits that H. naledi deliberately deposited their dead in the caves, potentially even digging graves and using fire to navigate the dark passages.

To investigate the sex of the individuals, an international research team led by Palesa Madupe of the University of Copenhagen employed a minimally destructive technique to analyze proteins preserved in tooth enamel. They...