6 Benefits of Being Part Neanderthal—According to Science

Homo neanderthalensis, The Natural History Museum ViennaPhoto byWikimedia commons

Recent genetic research has shown that up to 2% of the DNA in non-African populations comes from Neanderthals. This is a result of interbreeding between early humans and Neanderthals tens of thousands of years ago. While Neanderthal DNA has been associated with health risks, scientists have also identified several beneficial traits from having these ancient genes.

Below are six helpful traits linked to inheriting Neanderthal DNA:

1. Improved immune response

While Neanderthal ancestry has been linked to increased susceptibility to certain diseases, in general, individuals with a specific type of Neanderthal DNA have a supercharged immune system. So much so that if they get sick, it can trigger an aggressive immune response, which can be life-threatening.

Neanderthals had evolved to survive in harsh environments and, as such, developed a robust immune system in response. These specific genes have been shown to help modern humans defend better against certain viruses and bacteria. (“Modern humans inherited viral defenses from Neanderthals | news.Stanford.edu”)

2. Increased pain sensitivity

While heightened pain sensitivity may seem like a drawback, it actually serves a protective purpose. Neanderthal DNA has been associated with an increased sensitivity to pain, particularly due to a specific genetic variant affecting nerve receptors. This enhanced pain perception might have helped early humans detect injuries or environmental dangers more quickly, allowing them to react and survive in dangerous situations. (“Neanderthal gene linked to increased pain sensitivity | nature.com”)

3. Better adaptation to cold climates

Neanderthals evolved in ice age Europe, where they adapted to the cold. One important adaptation was how their body stored and absorbed fat. These same genes today help individuals maintain energy in colder environments. This adaptation would have been critical for early human survival also, particularly in regions with limited food supply and harsh winters.(“Neanderthal Genes Helped Modern Humans Adapt to Cold | discovermagazine.com”)

4. Improved wound healing

Some Neanderthal DNA variants have been linked to faster wound healing. Research has shown that genes associated with skin repair and blood clotting are more active in individuals with Neanderthal DNA. This trait likely provided Neanderthals with an evolutionary advantage, allowing them to recover more quickly from injuries or infections.

5. Better at digesting meat

Neanderthals were known to have a diet rich in meat and evolved to efficiently metabolism high-protein diets. Studies suggest that humans with these genes may be better at metabolizing proteins. This adaptation likely helped Neanderthals thrive in environments where plant food was scarce.

6. Protection against UV radiation

Neanderthal genes are thought to influence the body’s response to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from sunlight. Some of these genetic variants affect skin pigmentation and the production of melanin, which protects against UV damage. People with Neanderthal DNA may have a greater ability to tan or develop darker skin in response to sun exposure. (“More Neanderthal than Human | livescience.com”)

While certain traits linked to Neanderthal DNA, such as increased disease susceptibility, may be seen as negative, other traits like enhanced immune responses, improved wound healing, and better adaptation to cold climates have provided distinct evolutionary advantages, especially in early humans.