Tag: Neanderthals

Neanderthals, the ancient human relatives, have long been depicted as primitive and unsophisticated beings. However, recent evidence challenges this notion and suggests that Neanderthals were just as capable as Homo sapiens. In fact, there was even interbreeding between Neanderthals and Homo sapiens, leading to the presence of Neanderthal DNA in some modern humans. One surprising trait associated with Neanderthal DNA is an increased susceptibility to nicotine addiction. Studies suggest that individuals with Neanderthal ancestry may have a slightly higher risk of nicotine dependence. Although tobacco did not become popular in Europe until much later, the introduction of genetic variations from Neanderthals may have had negative consequences on the complex human brain. Corinne Simonti, a ...