One-fifth of Neanderthal genome persists in modern human genome

Sex with Neanderthals had its ups and its downs. Cross-breeding may have given modern humans genes useful for coping with climates colder than Africa’s, but the hybrid offspring probably suffered from significant fertility problems.

Those conclusions come from two papers published in Science and Nature, which identify the slices of the genome that contemporary humans inherited from Neanderthals, the stocky hunter-gatherers that went extinct around 30,000 years ago.

Research has indicated that some of these genes are involved in functions such as battling infections and coping with ultraviolet radiation. But the latest studies are the first to identify a large proportion of the genome segments that humans inherited from Neanderthals.

Related on the SLP

Viewpoint: Social science dogma claims gender roles shape human sex differences but most theories as to why fall short Is gender identity fluid or fixed? What we know about other animals might help inform the debate.

Viewpoint: 7-OH controversy: An opioid is available over-the-counter–even at gas stations. Should we be concerned?

RFK, Jr. likely violated federal ethics guidelines in accepting more than $4,275,000 in gifts and book advances from MAHA allies

No, organic eggs are not more nutritious or necessarily healthier than regular eggs. They are just far more expensive.

Read the full, original story: Modern human genomes reveal our inner Neanderthal

Additional Resources:

• Neanderthal Genes Live On In Our Hair And Skin, NPR
• Surprise! 20 Percent of Neanderthal Genome Lives On in Modern Humans, Scientists Find, National Geographic