From Ancient Genes to Exotic Planets: Science Unravels Deep Time and Complex Biology

Biology & Medicine

• People with obesity who took GLP-1 weight loss drugs like Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro, and Zepbound became significantly less physically active, according to research presented at ENDO 2026 [29]. Analyzing data from the National Institutes of Health's All of Us Research Program, researchers found that average daily step counts dropped from 5,047 to 4,487 steps, and time spent in moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) decreased from 28 minutes to 22 minutes per day [29]. The study suggests that weight loss with these medications does not naturally increase physical activity, emphasizing the need for targeted interventions to encourage exercise alongside treatment [29]. ^[29]
• A major study published in *Science* revealed that DNA inherited from Denisovans, an extinct human relative, continues to influence modern immunity and biology in contemporary populations of Near Oceania [33]. Researchers sequenced genomes from 177 people across 12 populations in the southwestern Pacific region, combining this data with 1,284 previously published global genomes [33]. The analysis found that adaptive Denisovan genetic variants remain biologically active, particularly those linked to the interferon-gamma signaling pathway—a key part of the immune system—suggesting these ancient genes bolstered immunity against viruses and bacteria encountered during human migration into Near Oceania [33]. ^[33]
• An international team led by Virginia Tech researchers published the first complete evolutionary history of all living millipede orders in *Current Biology*, tracing their origins back nearly 460 million years, which is significantly earlier than the oldest known fossil evidence and predates vertebrates on land by more than 80 million years [27]. By combining DNA data from modern species with physical evidence from 29 fossils across 82 millipede species, the researchers determined that Siphonocryptida belongs within an existing lineage rather than being a separate order, and they successfully placed Siphoniulida alongside its closest evolutionary relatives after collecting new specimens in Mexico and Spain [27]. This comprehensive analysis revealed that millipedes were among the early pioneers of terrestrial life, helping recycle nutrients by feeding on decaying material when Earth lacked vertebrates or flowering plants [27]. ^[27]