Neanderthal genes increase risk of serious Covid-19, study claims

Strand of DNA inherited by modern humans is linked to likelihood of falling severely illCoronavirus – latest updatesSee all our coronavirus coverageModern humans and Neanderthals could be forgiven for having other issues on their minds when they interbred in the stone age. But according to researchers, those ancient couplings laid a grim foundation for deaths around the world today.Scientists have claimed that a strand of DNA that triples the risk of developing severe Covid-19 was passed on from Neanderthals to modern humans. The genetic endowment, a legacy from more than 50,000 years ago, has left about 16% of Europeans and half of south Asians today carrying these genes.Continue reading...
Source: Guardian Unlimited Science - Category: Science Authors: Tags: Science Neanderthals Coronavirus outbreak Health Genetics Infectious diseases Croatia Anthropology Source Type: news