New analysis of mtDNA (maternal DNA) in Ashkenazi Jews finds that the major maternal lineages are not found among surrounding European gentiles. This contradicts the common model of Near Eastern male founders and European female founders. The result points to both male and female founders being of Near Eastern origin.
— It reshapes debates on Jewish ancestry and identity by challenging a widely cited admixture narrative with genetic evidence.
Steve Sailer
2025.08.24
55% relevant
Sailer’s call to treat human biodiversity as legitimate aligns with genetic findings of distinct population lineages (e.g., Ashkenazi maternal lines), which contradict simplistic 'no differences' narratives.
Aporia
2025.08.05
100% relevant
Joseph Livni and Karl Skorecki report major Ashkenazi mtDNA haplotypes are absent among European gentiles.
Razib Khan
2025.07.26
55% relevant
Like the Ashkenazi mtDNA finding that revises a common ancestry narrative, Fortes-Lima’s work uses population genetics to update the origin story of the Fulani—identifying Ancient North African ancestry and a Eurasian lactase allele, challenging earlier Maghreb/West Asia speculations and simplistic admixture accounts.
Razib Khan
2025.07.14
70% relevant
Both pieces use genetic lineage evidence to reassess widely held origin stories; here, Askapuli et al. (2025) analyze Golden Horde elite genomes to test Jochi’s paternity and the Borjigin male line, paralleling how mtDNA reshaped models of Ashkenazi maternal origins.