Scientists reveal 6 strange traits that indicate you may have Neanderthal DNA
Neanderthals mysteriously disappeared from the planet around 40,000 years ago, and several theories have cited isolation, inbreeding, and climate change, as reasons for the extinction. However, recent theories are suggesting that traces of the Neanderthal DNA are present in modern humans across the globe on different levels, as per The Daily Mail. Genetic engineer Sebnem Unluisler shared that one can spot Neanderthal traits among people by identifying six characteristics and people are in disbelief.
He noted, “Neanderthal DNA represents only a small percentage of the modern human genome, and these influences are just one piece of the genetic puzzle that makes each person unique.” Unluisler listed smoking, having thick hair, rising early, having a big nose, being unable to get a tan, and being more susceptible to COVID-19 as traits that point toward the presence of Neanderthal DNA in an individual. It was suggested that if you have Neanderthal DNA, you might have an increased addiction to nicotine, even though it was nowhere introduced during the time of the Neanderthals, according to a study by Vanderbilt University.
“The brain is incredibly complex, so it is reasonable to expect that introducing changes from a different evolutionary path might have negative consequences,” Corinne Simonti, a Vanderbilt doctoral student and the study’s first author told the New York Post. Unluisler also pointed out that those with Neanderthal traces may have thicker or straight hair and added, “Studies have also shown a higher frequency of a genetic variant associated with red hair was present in Neanderthals.”
Early birds come third on the list and are supposed to be connected to Neanderthals based on circadian rhythms that monitor the sleep cycles among people. Researchers found that early-rising genomes were found in Neanderthals, and Unluisler explained, “Neanderthal DNA may influence circadian rhythms and sleep patterns. This may have been influenced by epigenetic factors such as climate, social dynamics and light exposure. People with Neanderthal ancestry may experience variations in their sleep-wake cycles.” Next up are those with bigger noses, which is an unmistakable trait seen among Neanderthals.
Dr. Qing Li, of Fudan University shared findings of a study that showed how our nose takes shape via natural selection to facilitate adaptation to the environment around us. She added, “The gene identified here may have been inherited from Neanderthals to help humans adapt to colder climates as our ancestors moved out of Africa.”
The fifth trait noted was the reduced ability to get a sun tan. “Individuals with Neanderthal ancestry might tend towards lighter or darker skin tones, with some having alleles associated with lighter skin tones that may have provided increased resistance to UV light in regions with lower sunlight intensity,” Unluisler explained.
Lastly, those with traits from Neanderthals are at a higher risk of contracting COVID. The study shared that a chromosome region from Neanderthals makes people less immune to the effects of COVID-19 and such individuals could also have health issues related to their lungs.