Recent genetic research suggests that all humans may descend from a single ancestral couple, echoing the biblical story of Adam and Eve.

Scientists have traced mitochondrial DNA (passed from mothers) and the Y chromosome (passed from fathers) back to two people who lived about 200,000 years ago. These are known as “Mitochondrial Eve” and “Y-chromosome Adam.”

Surprisingly, they appear to have lived around the same time. This has sparked fresh discussions about human origins and whether science and religion can find common ground.

“All living people could trace lineage to such a pair,” says biologist Dr. Joshua Swamidass.