In a captivating discussion, geneticist David Reich from Harvard uncovers the wild twists of human history shaped by ancient DNA. He reveals how a tribe of just a few thousand modern humans dominated and wiped out other species 70,000 years ago. Reich debunks myths about the 'Out of Africa' theory and explores the catastrophic impacts of the Yamnaya nomads. He also addresses the paradox of agricultural advances and their effects on human health and societal structures, reshaping our understanding of ancestry and evolution.

David Reich, a Harvard geneticist known for challenging traditional nationalist views, joins the conversation to explore the intricate link between genetics and identity. The discussion spirals into the fascinating history of Stonehenge and its cultural significance, reflecting on personal experiences of racism and the complexities of belonging. Reich sheds light on groundbreaking DNA research that reshapes our understanding of human ancestry, while also debunking misconceptions around racial purity. This thought-provoking dialogue weaves together history, identity, and the rich tapestry of human migration.

Human beings like to divide themselves into groups, and then cooperate, socialize, and reproduce with members of their own group. But they’re not very absolutist about it; groups tend to gradually (or suddenly) intermingle, as people explore, intermarry, or conquer each other. David Reich has pioneered the use of genetic data in uncovering the history of ancient humanity: what groups existed where and when, and how they interacted. The result is a picture of churning populations in constant flux, including “ghost populations” that no longer exist today.Support Mindscape on Patreon.David Reich received his Ph.D. in zoology from the University of Oxford. He is currently a professor of genetics at Harvard Medical School. Among his awards are the Dan David Prize, the National Academy of Sciences Award in Molecular Biology, the Wiley Prize, the Darwin-Wallace Medal, and the Massry Prize. He is the author of Who We Are and How We Got Here: Ancient DNA and the New Science of the Human Past.Lab web pageHarvard faculty pagePublicationsWikipediaSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.