Many of us have a bit of Neanderthal DNA in our genes (Picture: Getty/fStop)
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 those 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.
Does the Natural History Museum’s Neanderthal man look familiar? (Picture: Getty)
For instance, nose length.
It’s not a common descriptor, 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.
And speaking of lungs, 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.
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.
Who were the Neanderthals?
Principal sites showing the most recent evidence of Neanderthals (Picture: Getty Images)
The Neanderthals, or Homo neanderthalensis, lived from about 400,000 to 40,000 years ago.
Our closest human relatives, they evolved across Europe and Asia while modern humans were still evolving in Africa.
Neanderthal populations were adaptable, living in colder environments across modern-day England and Siberia, ranging down to the warmer regions of Spain and Italy.
Smaller than the average human, they ranged in height from around 4’11” to 5’8″, but were broader and more stocky. Their strong facial features included a large nose and strong brow ridge.
We know from DNA analysis that the Neanderthals mated with early humans– Homo sapiens – resulting in the continuation of their DNA, but exactly why the species disappeared is still unknown.
One theory is they were out-competed for food and resources by incoming Homo sapiens, or may have simply been replaced by them.
Alternatively, rapid climate change may have been to blame.
Whatever the reason, our closest relatives suddenly went extinct around 40,000 years ago, but a little bit of them lives on.
Source: Natural History Museum
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.
Less good is the fact that 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.
The pros and cons of being a little bit Neanderthal (Picture: Getty/iStockphoto)
Other disorders linked to the presence of Neanderthal DNA include diabetes, lupus and Crohn’s disease.
But before you start wondering how on Earth our ancestors even survived as long as they did when plagued by this litany of health defects, remember the chances are that they did not have these particular diseases. 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.
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A case in point: Neanderthal DNA is linked to a higher risk of tobacco addiction in modern humans, but given its use only became widespread 400 years ago, it’s highly unlikely our ancestors were big smokers.
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.
Result.
MORE : Oldest ever Neanderthal carvings unearthed in sealed cave
MORE : Michaela Strachan: ‘I’m 2% Neanderthal – that’s why I’ve got a big forehead!’
Thick hair? Allergies?