Illnesses legacy of Neanderthal DNA
Hairy diabetics who smoke and suffer from stomach cramps can blame Neanderthal ancestors.
Scientists have found remnants of Neanderthal DNA in the genes of non-African modern humans which are linked to a range of health problems, including Type 2 diabetes, Crohn’s disease, lupus and biliary cirrhosis. They are also associated with smoking behaviour and thick hair.
Europeans and Asians carry DNA thought to be from interbreeding between early human species.