The Associated Press reports via Yahoo News research abstracted in Nature showing Tibetans have an ancient gene that helps them breathe at high altitudes. The gene comes from early proto-humans called Denisovans whose fossils are found in Siberia.
Siberia isn't a particularly high altitude region so it's likely Denisovans lived elsewhere too, perhaps in the Himalayas. Andean peoples who live at high altitudes apparently do not share this gene.
The intriguing aspect of the finding is it demonstrates various human forerunner species interbred. If you have a neighbor or coworker who looks like an Australopithecus or Neanderthal, maybe it's not coincidence but in fact his genetic inheritance.
