Danish researcher locates origins of Native Americans

Ancient DNA confirms theory that the first Americans migrated from Asia

An international research team has located the ancient genome of a two-year-old boy who died in Montana 12,600 years ago.

DNA analysis confirms the theory that Native Americans in North and South America descend from Asians who crossed the Bering Sea from Siberia.

The discovery is the missing piece in the puzzle to how the American continent was populated, according to Eske Willerslev, a head researcher and professor of geogenetics at the University of Copenhagen.

"I've never seen anything like this," Willerslev told online science magazine Videnskab.dk. "The boy's father, mother and brother are almost like a missing link."

Willerslev’s study was published in Nature science journal yesterday, only a week after his last discovery revealing new details about Ice Age extinction.

READ MORE: Danish research gives new details on Ice Age extinction

The infant boy was one of the first Americans, the Clovis people, whose stone tools have been found all over the US and Mexico.

Scientists have for a long time disagreed over the origins of the first Americans. While most archaeologists think the Clovis people were descended from Asians, others suggest their ancestors emigrated from southwestern Europe more than 15,000 years ago.

The new findings refute that idea and the genetic results also revealed that 80 percent of the Native Americans living today are related to the two-year-old Clovis boy's immediate family.




  • The international who shaped Copenhagen

    The international who shaped Copenhagen

    Anna Maria Indrio is one of the most important architects in Denmark, having contributed to shaping Copenhagen into what it is today. Among her best-known projects are the extension of SMK and Arken, as well as the Natural History Museum and the Darwin Centre in London. She moved here 60 years ago, when “Copenhagen was gray and dormant. Predictions suggested it would become depopulated. But putting people at the center changed everything,” she said

  • Danish government passes amendment to increase citizenship fee by 50%

    Danish government passes amendment to increase citizenship fee by 50%

    Fees were raised to reflect processing costs and curb repeat applications, creating debate over whether the new charges erect barriers to political participation for internationals.

  • Internationals’ labour contributes 361 billion DKK to Denmark’s GDP, and it is growing strongly every year

    Internationals’ labour contributes 361 billion DKK to Denmark’s GDP, and it is growing strongly every year

    According to a report by the Danish Chamber of Commerce, internationals’ contribution is 12% of the country’s GDP. In 2023, it was 322 billion DKK, and in 2008, it was 136 billion DKK. “Internationals make a gigantic difference in our prosperity and welfare,” comments Morten Langager, the Director of Dansk Erhverv.

  • Inside Denmark’s innovation engine

    Inside Denmark’s innovation engine

    With half of its staff being international, the BioInnovation Institute reflects Denmark’s broader transformation into a global innovation hub. But can the country—and Europe—keep up the pace? “If reforms are made now, we can close the gap in ten years,” explains BII’s CEO

  • Denmark launches massive investment in the navy

    Denmark launches massive investment in the navy

    Two months ago, the Danish PM announced that military equipment should be purchased in a hurry. The first plans for the sea are now ready. Additional plans for warships will follow this summer.

  • International designers struggle to find jobs in Denmark

    International designers struggle to find jobs in Denmark

    Many internationals come to Denmark to work as designers, but the field appears to be one of the hardest to break into. The Copenhagen Post spoke with two internationals struggling to find their way into the industry.

Connect Club is your gateway to a vibrant programme of events and an international community in Denmark.