Were the first Americans actually Russians? New study traces indigenous roots to Siberia

Time of India

17-05-2025

A groundbreaking
genetic study
published on May 15 in the journal
Science
suggests that the first people to colonize the Americas migrated from what is now Russia between 20,000 and 30,000 years ago. The research offers fresh insight into how modern Indigenous communities in South America trace their ancestry to these early settlers.
Led by Elena Gusareva of Nanyang Technological University, the study reveals that ancient migrants from northern Eurasia crossed into the Americas via the
Bering Land Bridge
during the last Ice Age. Over time, these early settlers split into distinct groups and became isolated in diverse environments, leading to the formation of the Indigenous populations seen across South America today.
'This fills critical gaps in our understanding of how today's South American populations came to be,' said Gusareva. 'These genomes carry deep insights into the earliest human history in the region.'
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Mapping the Ancient Journey
Researchers analyzed the genomes of 1,537 individuals from 139 ethnic groups across northern Eurasia and the Americas. They compared modern DNA samples with ancient genetic material from the
first Americans
, tracing how these populations migrated, adapted, and evolved.
Their findings suggest that Indigenous Americans share deep genetic roots with west Beringian groups such as the Inuit, Koryaks, and Luoravetlans. These communities lived in Beringia, a now-submerged landmass that once connected
Siberia
and Alaska.
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Francisco Javier Aceituno, an archaeologist at the University of Antioquia in Colombia who was not involved in the study, said the timeline aligns well with archaeological evidence showing a divergence between North Eurasians and early Americans around 19,000 to 27,000 years ago.
The Birth of South America's Indigenous Groups
After arriving in South America, early settlers gradually split into four main cultural and genetic groups: Amazonian, Andean, Chaco Amerindian, and Patagonian. These groups adapted to their unique environments, from tropical rainforests to mountainous highlands.
Gusareva notes that natural barriers such as the Amazon and the Andes likely contributed to the isolation of these populations. 'Their genetic makeup became more homogenous over time — similar to what we see in isolated island communities,' she said.
Aceituno added that the divisions may also have been driven by the need to expand territory, form new family units, and avoid inbreeding among hunter-gatherers.
Ancient DNA, Modern Health
The study didn't just explore ancestry—it also examined how ancient genetic adaptations continue to affect modern health. For example, Andean highlanders carry a mutation in the
EPAS1
gene, which helps their bodies produce more red blood cells in low-oxygen environments — the same mutation is seen in Tibetans.
More than 70 other gene variations were identified that could influence how Indigenous groups respond to infections and medications. Previous research has already shown that some Indigenous Brazilians react differently to drugs for blood clots or cholesterol due to unique genetic traits.
'These populations are already small and vulnerable,' said co-author Hie Lim Kim. 'It's crucial to tailor healthcare and disease prevention strategies to their specific genetic needs.'
Preserving Ancestral Legacies
Beyond the science, the study also aims to preserve the history of underrepresented Indigenous communities. One example is the Kawesqar people of Patagonia, whose population and 6,000-year-old cultural heritage are at risk of vanishing.
'For many participants, uncovering their ancestral roots was deeply personal,' Gusareva said. 'This genetic record may be one of the last chances to preserve their legacy.'