Neanderthal DNA: What We Can Learn About Ourselves From Our Extinct Cousins Through Genetics

Through genetic studies, we know that people of European descent have about 2% Neanderthal DNA, while people of African descent have about 1%. People of Asian descent have an intermediate amount of Neanderthal DNA, around 1.5%.

 

There have been a number of studies that have looked for differences between people with Neanderthal DNA and those without. Some studies have found small but significant differences in physical traits, such as skin color, hair texture, and body mass index.

One of the most well-known studies on the effects of Neanderthal DNA was published in the journal Nature in 2014. This study found that people with Neanderthal DNA were more likely to have pale skin and red hair. The study also found that people with Neanderthal DNA were less likely to develop autoimmune diseases, such as multiple sclerosis and rheumatoid arthritis.

There is some evidence to suggest that people with Neanderthal DNA may have some small but significant differences in physical traits, medical conditions, behavior, and psychology. However, more research is needed to fully understand these differences.

There is also some evidence to suggest that people with Neanderthal DNA may have a slightly increased risk of developing certain types of cancer. For example, a study published in the journal BMC Medical Genomics in 2022 found that people with Neanderthal DNA were more likely to develop liver cancer. The study also found that people with Neanderthal DNA were more likely to have somatic mutations (mutations that occur in cells after birth) in genes that are involved in cancer development.

Here are some of the cancers that have been linked to Neanderthal DNA:

• Liver cancer

• Prostate cancer

• Type 2 diabetes

• Crohn's disease

• Lupus

• Smoking addiction

There is some evidence to suggest that people with Neanderthal DNA may have some small but significant differences in behavior. For example, one study found that people with Neanderthal DNA were more likely to be risk-takers. The study also found that people with Neanderthal DNA were more likely to be creative and innovative.

Here are some of the behavioral traits that have been linked to Neanderthal DNA:

• Risk-taking

• Creativity

• Innovation

• Prosocial behavior

• Empathy

• Self-control

It is important to note that these are just associations, and not necessarily causal relationships. 

It is also important to note that the behavioral effects of Neanderthal DNA may vary depending on the individual. Some people with Neanderthal DNA may be more affected than others. The effects of Neanderthal DNA may also be different in different cultures.

Overall, there is still much that we do not know about the behavioral effects of Neanderthal DNA. More research is needed to fully understand this complex topic.

There is no evidence to suggest that people with Neanderthal DNA are more likely to commit crimes than people without Neanderthal DNA. In fact, some studies have even found that people with Neanderthal DNA may be less likely to commit crimes.

For example, a study published in the journal Nature in 2014 found that people with Neanderthal DNA were more likely to have high levels of empathy and prosocial behavior. These are both traits that are associated with a lower risk of criminal behavior.

Another study, published in the journal PLOS Genetics in 2016, found that people with Neanderthal DNA were less likely to have genes that are associated with aggression and violence.

It is important to note that these are just associations, and not necessarily causal relationships. More research is needed to fully understand the role of Neanderthal DNA.

    -Unlikely Buddha