New Method Could Reveal Genes Inherited from Neanderthals
Over 40 percent of the Neanderthal genome is thought to have survived in different present-day humans of non-African descent. via University of Copenhagen Using neural networks, researchers from the University of Copenhagen have developed a new method to search the human genome for beneficial mutations from Neanderthals and other archaic humans. These humans are known to have interbred with modern … Continue reading
You May Be More Closely Related to ‘Neanderthal’ Than You Thought
A female Neanderthal who lived in what is now Croatia 52,000 years ago is revealing that our “caveman” relatives may have passed on genes that play roles in cholesterol levels, eating disorders, arthritis and other diseases today, the researchers who sequenced her genome say. And some modern humans are carrying around more Neanderthal DNA than scientists had thought: The study … Continue reading
Neandertals Dental Plaque DNA Shows They Used ‘Aspirin’ and ‘Penicillium’
Ancient DNA found in the dental plaque of Neandertals – our nearest extinct relative – has provided remarkable new insights into their behaviour, diet and evolutionary history, including their use of plant-based medicine to treat pain and illness. Published today in the journal Nature, an international team led by the University of Adelaide’s Australian Centre for Ancient DNA (ACAD) and … Continue reading
