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The team successfully detected both Neanderthal and Denisovan DNA in sediment samples from various caves, including sites where no hominid fossils have ever been discovered. This innovative approach not only confirms the presence of hominins but also reveals evidence of other ancient fauna, such as woolly mammoths and rhinos. Published in the journal Science, this preliminary success suggests that DNA analysis of cave sediments can serve as a valuable complement to traditional paleontological surveys, potentially expanding our understanding of ancient relatives and populations across archaeological sites. 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