(03-30-2024, 05:02 PM)BIAD Wrote: Oh Heavens-to-Betsy, here's a piece of click-bait that I found my laptop's MSN supposed 'news' gathering!
You'll notice the little pat on the back at the end of this clump of fluff for the reader in order to counter
any of the remarks that may hit home!
................................
7 things that indicate you have Neanderthal DNA
A recent study found that people with Neanderthal DNA are more sensitive to certain types of pain.
Curiously, the effects were most marked after scientists rubbed mustard oil onto the skin, something
that has traditionally been known for its painkilling properties.
Nevertheless, the team from University College London found that three ‘Neanderthal variants’ of a
particular gene involved in the nervous system left individuals with a lower pain threshold for pin pricks
– but not for heat or pressure.
So if you’re not a fan of needles, does that mean you’re a little bit Neanderthal?
Not necessarily, and the only true way to find out is through a DNA test. Modern-day humans can
have up to 4% DNA in their genes, more commonly people of European origin. And as scientists’
understanding of the ancient genome increases, more and more modern traits are being traced
back to the time when early humans, Homo sapiens, paired up with their cousins.
1) You have a longer nose
It’s not a common consideration, the length of a nose rather than general size.
However, it seems longer noses from top to bottom were advantageous for Neanderthals living
in the colder climates of Europe a hundred thousand years ago, helping warm the frigid air
before it reached the lungs.
2) Bad skin
Neanderthal DNA can leave individuals predisposed to developing skin lesions called keratoses,
which are dry, scaly patches of skin caused by sun damage. Although not usually serious, there
is a risk of the patches turning cancerous. Other disorders linked to the presence of Neanderthal
DNA include diabetes, lupus and Crohn’s disease.
3) Fabulous hair
Back to a positive. Everyone wants luscious, thick hair don’t they? Well Neanderthal DNA makes
that more likely, along with strong nails and skin. Some studies have also shown those with lovely
thick, red hair may also be more likely to have Neanderthal DNA.
4) You’re more susceptible to Covid
One less positive trait that has come to the fore in recent years is the risk of more severe Covid-19
infections in those with Neanderthal DNA, from a gene carried by around 16% of people in Europe.
5) You're more resistant to bugs
It works both ways, however, with some ancient genes giving modern humans increased resistance
to other infections caused by bacteria, fungi and parasites. Unfortunately, this is also thought to
have left some people more prone to allergies, which happen when the immune system overreacts
to everyday substances, such as dust or pollen.
6) You’re a smoker
Yes, weirdly, having Neanderthal DNA is linked to a higher risk of tobacco addiction. Of course, given
its use only became widespread 400 years ago, it’s highly unlikely our ancestors were big smokers.
As with all the negative effects of Neanderthal DNA that may leave you thinking ‘no wonder they
went extinct’, the genes associated with them were likely behind a useful function at the time, but
100,000 or so years later, in the 21st century, they do not serve the same purpose.
7) You’re smart
And a final one. Not only were Neanderthals strong and healthy, they were smarter than often given
credit for – and one of the genes that contributed, microcephalin, is thought to have contributed to
Homo sapiens’ massive brains.
This is just a test. This just a test.
We have believed all the other BS that they have fed us. This is just a test to see if you are still connected to the neural link.