Mystery of Peru's three-fingered 'alien mummies' finally 'solved' by scientists

A strange find in Peru has captivated scientists and conspiracy theorists since 2015, when a grave digger discovered a collection of mummified remains within a cave.

The bodies, distinguished by having just three fingers and three toes, sparked immediate wild theories.

Some claimed they were extraterrestrials, others suggested they might be from an unknown human species, whilst numerous experts rejected them as an elaborate fake, according to the Daily Mail.

Currently, roughly two dozen of the specimens are being subjected to thorough scientific analysis.

Scientists say the mummies have preserved tissue, muscle and organs - with one example thought to have been expecting at the time of death, reports the Express.

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Jesse Michels, who hosts the American Alchemy podcast, recently toured the location and told the Daily Mail his discoveries ruled out the alien theory.

"I found no evidence that they are not from Earth," he said, proposing instead that the mummies could be from a forgotten underground species.

Genetic issue

Michels also disclosed that a bioinformatics specialist analysed the publicly accessible DNA and found a genetic alteration connected to a birth defect that triggers finger abnormalities in humans - providing a potential natural cause for their peculiar structure.

Bioinformatics expert Alaina Hardie said she initially aimed to "falsify the hypothesis" that a mutation might account for such irregularities. "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 - having extra fingers or toes - has been spotted before in ancient Peruvian remains, showing the condition existed centuries ago.

DNA analysis revealed that samples from the mummies were largely consistent with human genetic patterns, despite contamination and the usual challenges faced when examining ancient specimens.

DNA sequencing

Researchers employed cutting-edge extraction methods to retrieve genetic material from bone and muscle tissue, then used genome sequencing and computer analysis to rebuild genetic blueprints and identify mutations.

Due to the deteriorated condition of the samples, the team cross-referenced their results with known earthly organisms and environmental DNA, weeding out misleading results. Whilst some fragments remained unidentifiable initially, additional testing indicated these originated from terrestrial sources or sample degradation problems.

One specimen under examination, dubbed "Victoria," is a headless humanoid mummy whose DNA likewise verified human ancestry.

Michels referenced a tribe in northern Zimbabwe suffering from a birth defect known as ectrodactyly, or "Ostrich Foot Syndrome."

This condition causes absent middle digits, creating a split or V-shaped opening in the hand or foot. "There are these mutations rendered adaptive in certain environments and persist over time," explained Michels.

"So it could be just that, which would be remarkable all on its own."

José Zace, head of the Mexican Navy's medical division and part of the team examining the remains, revealed that the larger bodies contain 70 per cent known DNA, while the remainder is "completely different."

Hybrids theory

Dr David Ruiz Vela, another leading expert, went a step further - suggesting the mummies could even be hybrids. He proposed that one specimen, named "Maria," displayed mixed traits that may have emerged through natural migration and interbreeding between different primate or human species across Asia and Africa, dating anywhere between 250,000 and 2,500 years ago.

To delve deeper, Michels plans to bring in American genetic engineering firm Colossal Biosciences, best known for projects to resurrect extinct species such as the dire wolf.

"They need permission from the Peruvian government," stated Michels. "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 initially captured worldwide attention in 2022 when journalist Jaime Maussan unveiled multiple specimens to Mexico's Congress, insisting they were authentic.

A team of medics supported his claims, declaring the bodies had once been living creatures.

Several experts claimed they had examined five of the figures for over four years.

However, in 2023, the assertions crumbled amid scandal after another journalist was discovered with two "mummies" that proved to be fake dolls.

Manuel Caceres had created wooden figures based on the remains to flog to holidaymakers.

They were confiscated at Lima airport and examined in a laboratory.

Forensic archaeologist Flavio Estrada, who headed the investigation, maintained the alien claims were "totally false.

"The conclusion is simple: they are dolls assembled with bones of animals from this planet, glued with modern synthetic adhesives," Estrada said.

"Therefore, they were not assembled during pre-Hispanic times. They are not extraterrestrials; they are not aliens."