The neanderthal in us all

Neanderthal genes make some of us more susceptible to Covid 19

Neanderthal genes make some of us susceptible to severe outcomes from Covid 19. Many people have a small amount of neanderthal genes, along with other genes from non-modern human ancestors, such as Denisovans. According to scientists, our ancestors interbred with Neanderthals about 60,000 years ago. Consequently many of us have some neanderthal genes. These usually are only a few percent of our overall genetic heritage. Researchers have found that about 16% of European and 50% of South Asian people have the variant of a gene inherited from the neanderthals that makes it 3 times more likely that the person will have severe breathing problems if they contract Covid 19.  See the articles below for more information:

Having Neanderthal genes could put you more at risk from severe symptoms of Covid-19, study finds

Neanderthal genes may be to blame in some severe coronavirus cases

Question: would you like to meet a neanderthal?