In 2010 a new species of ancient human was discovered through a fragment of pinky bone found in a cave in siberia. Denisovans named after the cave they were first discovered had a unique DNA signature that showed that they were neither human nor neanderthal. They lived as recently as 30,000 years ago across Asia and most likely interbred with early modern humans as Denisovan genes can be found in modern living human populations in southeast asia. Further recent studies have taught scientists more about Denisovans and what they teach us about modern humans.  Associate Professor Kira Westaway from Macquarie University joined us earlier to talk about the discoveries.