The Unlikely Buddha

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, medic...