Researchers say our genes still contain fragments of an ancient species that lived on Earth 60,000 years ago.
Neanderthal DNA has small but significant effects on modern humans. Genetics say we inherited traits thanks to ancient interbreeding between humans and Neanderthals.
It is assumed that modern humans who migrated from Africa to Asia about 60,000 years ago mated with Neanderthals, and Neanderthal DNA spread with them around the world, the Daily Mail writes.
According to geneticist Şebnem Ünlüsler from the London Regenerative Institute, Neanderthal genes affect everything from hair structure to nicotine addiction in modern humans.
“Neanderthal DNA makes up only 1% of the modern human genome, and this effect is just one piece of the puzzle that makes each person unique,” says Unluisler.
Neanderthal DNA and bad habits
A particular piece of Neanderthal DNA significantly increases the risk of nicotine addiction in humans. It’s ironic when you consider that Neanderthals visited Europe 40,000 years before the advent of tobacco.
Researchers at Vanderbilt University say these DNA sequences may have given Neanderthals adaptive advantages when exploring new environments. But residual Neanderthal DNA may have negative consequences, including the possibility of developing nicotine addiction.
The researchers also found that a number of Neanderthal DNA variants were associated with depression and psychiatric and neurological effects.
“Studies have pointed to a link between Neanderthal DNA and the risk of nicotine addiction. People with Neanderthal heritage may have a slightly higher risk of developing nicotine addiction than other people,” says the geneticist.
Did Neanderthals have red hair?
Neanderthal DNA affects the hair of modern people, especially people with thick, straight hair.
“Neanderthal DNA is associated with differences in the properties of our hair, which is why some people have thicker, straighter hair.”
Research has also shown that people with red hair have much more Neanderthal genes than others.
Were Neanderthals larks or owls?
Neanderthal genes influence how easily we wake up in the morning.
Researchers believe that genes associated with the body’s circadian rhythm are associated with Neanderthals. But it is the circadian rhythm that is responsible for when we wake up and fall asleep.
Researchers at Vanderbilt University found that 16 mutations associated with early ascension in modern humans were found in the genomes of 120,000-year-old and 52,000-year-old Neanderthals.
Some of these – so-called “clock genes” – are associated with circadian rhythm. This probably helped early humans wake up earlier when they moved to areas with longer daylight hours.
A long nose? This is from the great grandfather of Neanderthals
A study conducted at University College London found that long noses were probably inherited from Neanderthals.
The researchers used data from Latin American volunteers and compared the genetic information with photographs of their faces.
The study found that one region of the genome (ATF3) has genetic material inherited from Neanderthals, which may be the result of natural selection. The cape “grew” as the ancient people who left Africa adapted to lower temperatures and a new climate.
Researchers believe long noses may have helped Neanderthals adapt to cold weather.
Severe tolerance to COVID-19
Early in the pandemic, it was discovered that a chromosome region inherited from Neanderthals made people more susceptible to Covid-19.
The study found that people with a code inherited from Neanderthals were more susceptible to severe cases of Covid-19, including lung problems.
Research at the University of Tartu has identified four Neanderthal gene variations that are most likely responsible for severe coronavirus disease.
These four mutations are thought to be linked to the “cytokine storm” that occurs in severe coronavirus cases.
“Neanderthal” tan
Neanderthal genes may influence how easily you tan and how much you suffer from sunburn.
A 2018 study from the Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology in Germany compared Neanderthal DNA to the DNA of 112,000 participants in a Biobank pilot study in the United Kingdom.
Researchers have identified several different Neanderthal alleles (DNA variants) that affect skin tones and hair color.
“People with Neanderthal heritage tended to have lighter or darker skin tones,” the scientists say.
Source: Focus
Ashley Fitzgerald is an accomplished journalist in the field of technology. She currently works as a writer at 24 news breaker. With a deep understanding of the latest technology developments, Ashley’s writing provides readers with insightful analysis and unique perspectives on the industry.