Most modern humans carry a Neanderthal-derived variant of the muscle enzyme AMPD1, which reduces its activity and can slightly limit muscle performance under stress, reflecting an evolutionary legacy that influences traits like athletic ability and energy management.
A Neanderthal gene variant affecting energy production in muscles may limit endurance athletic performance in some Europeans, with carriers being less likely to reach elite levels, though it does not significantly impact daily activities or overall health.
A study conducted in Bergamo, Italy, has found that individuals with Neanderthal genes are more susceptible to developing severe forms of COVID-19. The study, which analyzed DNA variations in nearly 10,000 Bergamo residents, identified three genes inherited from Neanderthals that are linked to severe respiratory illness. Those carrying the Neanderthal haplotype were found to be twice as likely to develop severe pneumonia from COVID-19 and three times more likely to be hospitalized in intensive care with ventilator support. However, it remains unclear whether this haplotype is more prevalent in Bergamo or other parts of the world.
Research conducted in Italy suggests that individuals with Neanderthal gene variants are more likely to experience severe cases of COVID-19. The study examined the DNA of nearly 1,200 volunteers in the Bergamo province, an area heavily impacted by the pandemic, and found that the Neanderthal haplotype, a set of genetic variants associated with our human ancestor, is a major genetic risk factor for severe COVID-19. Those with the Neanderthal haplotype were twice as likely to develop severe pneumonia and three times as likely to require ventilation in an intensive care unit. Previous studies have also indicated a link between Neanderthal DNA and other health conditions.
Research conducted in Italy suggests that Neanderthal genes could be a major genetic risk factor for severe cases of COVID-19. Scientists found that individuals with Neanderthal gene variants were more likely to be hospitalized and experience severe symptoms requiring ventilation. Previous studies have also indicated a link between Neanderthal DNA and other health conditions, such as Dupuytren's disease and an increased risk of an extreme immune response to COVID-19.
A new study suggests that individuals who carry Neanderthal genes may have a higher risk of developing severe Covid-19. Researchers found that a specific cluster of genes inherited from Neanderthals is associated with a greater susceptibility to severe illness from the virus. The study highlights the importance of genetic factors in determining an individual's response to Covid-19 and provides insights into the potential impact of ancient DNA on modern health outcomes.
A team of geneticists found evidence that the "Viking disease" hand disorder may have come from Neanderthal genes. Google DeepMind achieved a giant leap forward in sorting speed, and Google Research developed StyleDrop, an AI-based application that renders images based on user descriptions of objects. Archaeologists in Peru examined a mummy surrounded by coca leaves, and a team in Bavaria found a Bronze Age sword. Health scientists found that people who preserve their "immune resilience" tend to live longer and resist infections compared to everyone else.
A new study has found that people who carry Neanderthal genes are at a higher risk of developing 'Viking Disease', a type of arthritis that affects the spine. The study analyzed genetic data from over 28,000 people and found that those with the Neanderthal gene variant were 40% more likely to develop the condition. This highlights the role of genetics in the development of arthritis and the importance of understanding the impact of ancient DNA on modern health.
A new study shows that Dupuytren's disease, a hand disorder that causes permanent bending of the fingers, is partly of Neanderthal origin. The disease is much more common in Northern Europeans than in those of African ancestry. Researchers used data from over 7,000 cases and 645,000 controls to identify genetic risk variants for the disease and found that two of the most important genetic risk factors are of Neanderthal origin, leading them to conclude that Neanderthal ancestry is a significant factor in explaining the prevalence of the disease in Europe today.
A team of researchers led by Cornell University has developed computational genetic tools to clarify the genetic traces of interbreeding between humans of non-African ancestry and Neanderthals that occurred about 50,000 years ago. Although some Neanderthal genes are responsible for certain traits in modern humans, modern human genes seem to be winning out over successive generations. The groundbreaking computational models developed could be used to gain evolutionary insights from other large and more diverse databases to better understand archaic humans’ genetic influences on present-day humans.