The Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine 2022 is given for discoveries concerning:

The correct answer is Genomes of extinct hominins and human evolution.

Key Points

• The Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine 2022 was awarded to Svante Pääbo for his pioneering work on the genomes of extinct hominins.
• Svante Pääbo successfully sequenced the Neanderthal genome, a major breakthrough in understanding human evolution.
• His research led to the identification of Denisovans, an extinct group of archaic humans.
• Pääbo demonstrated that gene flow occurred between Neanderthals and Homo sapiens, influencing the genetic makeup of modern humans.
• This discovery provides insights into genetic adaptations affecting immune responses and other traits in humans today.

Additional Information

• Neanderthals: An extinct species of archaic humans that lived in Eurasia approximately 400,000 to 40,000 years ago.
• Denisovans: A group of extinct archaic humans identified through DNA extracted from fossils found in the Denisova Cave, Siberia.
• Gene Flow: The transfer of genetic material between populations, such as between Neanderthals and modern humans, resulting in shared genetic traits.
• Human Evolution: The study of biological and cultural changes in humans over millions of years, shaped by genetic diversity and environmental adaptations.
• Ancient DNA Research: A scientific field focused on extracting and analyzing DNA from ancient specimens to uncover genetic histories and evolutionary pathways.