Neanderthal DNA might be linked to smoking, drinking, sleeping patterns in modern humans: study [View all]

Mitchell Consky
Mitchell Consky
CTVNews.ca Writer
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Published Oct. 6, 2022 6:02 p.m. CDT

In 2010, Swedish geneticist Svante Pääbo developed a method to sequence and analyze ancient DNA from Neanderthal bones. Through mapping the entire Neanderthal genome, and comparing it to genetic records of living humans, he arrived at conclusive evidence that confirmed wide-spread anthropological speculations: most humans carry small traces of Neanderthal DNA in our genetics.

Evidence of prehistoric sexual encounters between Homo Sapiens and Neanderthals initiated an anthropological and biological deep dive into far-reaching questions about genetic dispositions towards various health problems.

Most recently, these findings led one group of scientists to re-evaluate risk factors for behaviour disorders, addiction and human brain disabilities, such as neurological or psychiatric diseases.
One study found that Neanderthal DNA likely contributes to human behavioural patterns around smoking, alcohol consumption and sleeping

An international team of scientists, led by researchers from the Estonian University of Tartu, analyzed Neanderthal DNA associations, tracing a wide range of human habits and psychological patterns. They also examined more than a hundred variants of brain disorders from the U.K. Biobank, a repository of biological samples used for research. The aim was to narrow down the specific contribution of Neanderthal DNA to human behavioural features.

More:
https://www.ctvnews.ca/health/neanderthal-dna-might-be-linked-to-smoking-drinking-sleeping-patterns-in-modern-humans-study-1.6099678