How many years ago did modern humans originate?

It's currently impossible to say exactly how old modern man really is, but there's evidence for dates as far back as 400, 000 years. Most scientists agree on a much earlier date of 200, 000 years but recent discoveries in a cave in Israel point to much older. www.abc.net.au/am/content/2010/s3103039.htm This is the address to an article about the ancient remains and tools found in the cave.