Hints at origins of mysterious 'alien' mummies found in Peru revealed by genetic testing

Daily Mail​

a day ago

A discovery in Peru has captivated scientists and conspiracy theorists alike since 2015, when a grave digger uncovered mummified bodies inside a cave.
These unusual remains, notable for having three fingers and three toes, sparked wild speculation. Some claimed they were aliens, others argued they represent an unknown human species, while many scientists concluded an elaborate hoax.
Today, around two dozen of these bodies are undergoing scientific examination.
Researchers have claimed the mummies retain preserved tissue, muscles, and organs. Notably, one of the specimens was pregnant at the time of death.
Jesse Michels, podcast host of American Alchemy, recently visited the site and shared his findings with the Daily Mail, putting the idea that they are 'aliens' to rest.
'I found no evidence that they are not from Earth,' he said, suggesting the mummies might represent a previously unknown subterranean species.
Michels also noted that a bioinformatics expert analyzed the publicly available DNA and identified a gene mutation linked to a congenital condition that causes digit deformations in humans.
This offers a possible natural explanation for the creatures' unusual anatomy.
Bioinformatics specialist Alaina Hardie explained she initially sought to 'falsify the hypothesis' that a genetic mutation could cause such digit anomalies.
'I found a list of 50 genes involved in the pathway,' Hardie said. 'There is a mutation in one of those genes, called Gli3, that is associated with polydactyly.'
Polydactyly, the presence of extra digits, has been identified in archaeological remains in Peru before, suggesting it existed in ancient civilizations.
Genetic analysis revealed that the DNA samples from the mummies mostly matched human genetic profiles, despite some contamination and technical challenges common in ancient DNA research.
The scientific team used advanced ancient DNA extraction techniques to carefully isolate genetic material from the mummies' bone and muscle tissues.
Researchers then employed genome sequencing and bioinformatics tools to reconstruct the genetic profiles and identify mutations.
Due to the degraded and fragmented nature typical of ancient samples, the team cross-checked findings against known terrestrial organisms and environmental DNA to differentiate genuine ancient sequences from noise.
While some DNA fragments could not be immediately identified, further processing indicated these were likely from known terrestrial organisms or sample quality issues.
The analyzed samples included bone and muscle tissue from a mummy known as 'Victoria,' a headless humanoid specimen, confirming the human origin of the DNA.
Michels highlighted a tribe in northern Zimbabwe where a congenital condition called ectrodactyly, or 'Ostrich Foot Syndrome,' exists.
This disorder results in the absence of one or more central digits, creating a cleft or V-shaped gap in the hand or foot.
'There are these mutations rendered adaptive in certain environments and persist over time,' Michels said in his documentary. 'So it could be just that, which would be remarkable all on its own.'
While polydactyly does not align with the three-fingered mummies, ectrodactyly is more of a match.
José Zace, chief of the medical division for the Mexican Navy and part of the team studying the mummies, found that the larger bodies contain 70 percent known DNA, while the rest is completely different.
Dr David Ruiz Vela, a lead expert investigating the remains, suggested the mummies could be hybrids.
He proposed that 'Maria,' one of the specimens, has mixed traits resulting from natural migration and interbreeding events between different primate or human species across Asia and Africa, spanning a broad timeframe from 250,000 to 2,500 years ago.
To uncover the mummies' origins, Michels plans to enlist Colossal Biosciences, an American biotechnology and genetic engineering company, to conduct deeper DNA analysis.
Colossal recently made headlines for efforts to bring the dire wolf back from extinction using genetic engineering.
'They need permission from the Peruvian government,' Michels said. 'If the government won't allow a top American biotech company to use their proprietary ancient DNA testing techniques on these mummies, then I don't know what else you need to understand their position on the subject.'
The mummies first gained international attention in 2022 when journalist Jamie Maussan showcased several tiny beings in Mexico's Congress, proclaiming their authenticity.
At a subsequent meeting, a group of doctors supported the claim that the bodies were once living organisms. Some experts reportedly studied five similar specimens for over four years.
However, in 2023, the mummies were declared a hoax after another journalist was found with two small 'mummies' that turned out to be dolls. Manuel Caceres had made wooden figurines inspired by the mummies to sell to tourists. These were confiscated at Lima airport and sent for lab analysis.
Forensic archaeologist Flavio Estrada, who led the investigation, stated that the claims that the specimens are extraterrestrial are 'totally false.'
'The conclusion is simple: they are dolls assembled with bones of animals from this planet, glued with modern synthetic adhesives,' Estrada said, arguing his case.
'Therefore, they were not assembled during pre-Hispanic times. They are not extraterrestrials; they are not aliens.'
Despite this, Michels said Caceres is suing the government for $3 million following the controversy.