Published 3 years ago • loading... • Updated 3 years ago
Science paints a new picture of the ancient past, when we mixed and mated with other kinds of humans
Our ancestors interacted closely with other early humans, such as Neanderthals and the Denisovans, leaving a lasting impact on our DNA and health.
The interbreeding with Neanderthals provided us with a quick fix for our immune systems, but today it can increase the risk of certain diseases. For instance, a gene inherited from Neanderthals can raise the risk of stroke for older adults.
Scientists can now use ancient DNA fragments to uncover the traits and effects of our ancient cousins, demonstrating how our fertility, immune systems, and even our response to the COVID-19 virus are influenced by our shared history.