DNA identifies new ancient human dubbed 'X-woman'

[PPI Debra]

 DNA identifies new ancient human

By Paul Rincon
Science reporter, BBC News

Scientists have identified a previously unknown type of ancient human through analysis of DNA from a finger bone unearthed in a Siberian cave.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/science/nature/8583254.stm

[PPI Tim]

I think I've seen this woman at my library. Old Russian Woman, doesn't speak a word of English. I believe she probably did live a cave. All she does is frown, check out books in Russian and says "NET"!

[PPI Debra]

I think I've seen this woman at my library. Old Russian Woman, doesn't speak a word of English. I believe she probably did live a cave. All she does is frown, check out books in Russian and says "NET"!

LOL! X3
Next book she brings in, bag it and we'll send it off a lab to see if there is a DNA link.

[PPI Karl]

Really interesting.  Of course, I can't help but think of the conclusion to Battlestar Galactica and the discovery of Mitochondrial Eve.  The whole notion of, not two, but three hominim species co-existing in one geographical location is amazing.

Apart from the fascinating article (thank you, Debra, for posting the link), the oddest and funniest thing to come out of this story for me--as an English teacher, anyway--is the use of the term "hominim" to describe human-like specious:  "hominims" and "homonyms" are homonyms.   The English language is a very strange thing sometimes.