News Genetics

Neandertal DNA may raise risk for some modern human diseases

Once helpful genetic hand-me-downs now have harmful implications

KISSING ANCIENT COUSINS  Interbreeding between Neandertals and early modern humans has left a genetic mark on non-Africans that may affect their health.

H. Neumann/Neanderthal Museum 

By Tina Hesman Saey

- More than 2 years ago

Finding Neandertal ancestors in the human family tree was shocking enough when researchers announced it in 2010. Now the implications for modern-day people carrying surviving Neandertal DNA may prove just as stunning.