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Modern Humans and Neanderthals Had Kids for 7,000 Years and the Legacy Lives in Our Genes


Published on 2024-12-13 20:22:17 - MSN
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  • Roughly 50,000 years ago, two species of humans met in the shadow of Eurasian ice sheets. One, Homo sapiens, had just embarked on its conquest of the world after leaving Africa. The other, Homo neanderthalensis,

The article from MSN discusses a study published in the journal *Science* which reveals that modern humans (Homo sapiens) and Neanderthals (Homo neanderthalensis) interbred for approximately 7,000 years. This interbreeding occurred as Homo sapiens migrated out of Africa and into Eurasia, where Neanderthals were already established. The genetic legacy of this interaction is still evident in the DNA of modern humans, particularly in those with non-African ancestry, where Neanderthal DNA can account for 1-2% of their genome. This genetic contribution has implications for understanding human evolution, health, and disease, as certain Neanderthal genes are linked to traits like immune response, skin pigmentation, and even some diseases. The study utilized advanced genetic analysis to trace back these interactions, providing insights into the complex history of human migration and adaptation.

Read the Full MSN Article at:
[ https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/technology/modern-humans-and-neanderthals-had-kids-for-7-0are%20the%20phillipinnes%20considered%20est%20asia0-years-and-the-legacy-lives-in-our-genes/ar-AA1vOQpi ]
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