The genetic code of an extinct species of humans has been sequenced for the first time.

In the Neanderthal equivalent of the human genome project, scientists extracted and analysed ancient DNA from the fossil bones of three of the squat, thick-browed people who died out more than 30,000 years ago.

Neanderthals and our species split from a common lineage about 500,000 years ago, making these ancient people who lived in Europe and parts of Asia our closest known relatives.

Mike Bunce, of Murdoch University's Ancient DNA Research Laboratory in Perth, said the research would help reveal what makes modern humans unique. "It's an amazing accomplishment."

But it did not mean Neanderthals would be brought back from extinction any time soon, Dr Bunce said.