Six Indicators of Neanderthal DNA, as Identified by Genetic Experts

Neanderthal DNA offered evolutionary advantages during environmental adaptation, yet it also introduced drawbacks, with nicotine addiction being one of the adverse effects associated with certain genes

Genetic experts assert that six key indicators can reveal the presence of Neanderthal DNA.

Approximately two percent of our DNA originates from our ancient predecessors. Interbreeding with Neanderthals occurred around 60,000 years ago in Africa and Asia.

Genetic engineer Sebnem Unluisler notes that genes influence traits such as hair color and nicotine addiction in contemporary humans. Unluisler, from the London Regenerative Institute, emphasizes that Neanderthal DNA is a small part of the modern human genome, contributing to the unique genetic makeup of each individual. Six distinct characteristics indicate the presence of Neanderthal DNA.

Smoking

Genes inherited from ancient ancestors, particularly Neanderthals, can be attributed to the contemporary risk of nicotine addiction in humans, despite the fact that Neanderthals existed in Europe 40 million years before the emergence of tobacco. While DNA provided Neanderthals with evolutionary advantages during environmental adaptation, it also led to negative consequences, including the development of nicotine addiction.

However, according to The DailyMail, researchers have found DNA variants associated with depression, psychiatric, and neurological issues. Unluisler highlights studies indicating a connection between Neanderthal DNA and the risk of nicotine addiction. Individuals with Neanderthal ancestry might have a slightly elevated likelihood of nicotine dependence.

Hair

Moreover, Modern humans displaying thick, straight hair may possess Neanderthal DNA, as this trait is linked to some individuals with Neanderthal ancestry. Studies further reveal that red hair was a common characteristic among our ancient Neanderthal predecessors.

Being an early bird

However, research indicates that genes can influence the body’s circadian rhythm, regulating sleep-wake cycles, and these ancient genes may play a role. Vanderbilt University researchers in the US discovered that Neanderthals contributed to 16 genetic elements associated with early waking in modern humans.

In fact, Unluisler suggests that Neanderthal DNA could impact circadian rhythms and sleep patterns, potentially influenced by epigenetic factors like climate, social dynamics, and light exposure. Individuals with Neanderthal ancestry might undergo variations in their sleep-wake cycles.

Big noses

However, a study from University College London suggests that larger or ‘tall’ noses may be attributed to Neanderthal genes. Volunteers from Latin America were compared in photographs, revealing that this physical trait originated from Neanderthals as ancient humans adapted to colder climates after migrating from Africa. The belief is that longer noses helped Neanderthals adapt to the colder air outside Africa.

Covid-19

A chromosome inherited from Neanderthal ancestors increases susceptibility to a certain condition, and researchers have found that individuals with this chromosome experienced more severe cases of Covid. Tartu University identified four variants, believed to be of Neanderthal origin, associated with this susceptibility.

Tanning

To conclude, the Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology in Germany found a connection between getting a suntan or being prone to sunburn and Neanderthal genes. In a study comparing Neanderthal DNA to that of 112,000 participants in the UK Biobank pilot study, researchers identified various Neanderthal DNA variants influencing skin and hair tones.

Read the original article on: Mirror

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