2-year Neanderthal genome project launches

July 20th, 2006 in Other Sciences / Archaeology & Fossils
2-year Neanderthal genome project launches (AP)

The undated picture released by the Max-Planck-Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology in Leipzig shows the 3D reconstruction of a Neandertal skull. Together with scientists from the 454 Life Sciences Corporation, Branford, USA, the institute wants to complete a first draft of the Neandertal genome within the next two years. (AP Photo/Max-Planck-Institute)

(AP) -- U.S. and German scientists on Thursday launched a two-year project to decipher Neanderthals' genetic code, a feat that they hope will help deepen understanding of how modern humans' brains evolved.

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