New Study Suggests DNA Link Between Early Rising Humans and Extinct Species
A new study conducted by the University of California has discovered a fascinating genetic connection between early-rising humans and extinct species of archaic humans, such as Neanderthals and Denisovans. The research, which compared the genes related to early rising in present-day humans with DNA from Neanderthals and Denisovans, found interesting patterns that point towards a shared DNA lineage.
The study utilized a UK-based genetic and lifestyle database of over half a million people to identify individuals with the same early-rising genetic variants as Neanderthals. Surprisingly, those individuals were found to be more likely to prefer waking up early. Tony Capra, an evolutionary geneticist at the University of California, suggests that this genetic link may be due to the Neanderthal gene’s adaptation to life at higher latitudes in northern Europe.
Furthermore, the research indicates that being a morning person may be a signal of having a faster running internal clock that can adapt to seasonal variations in light levels. This adaptation is particularly beneficial in regions with shorter winter days. It seems that the genetic connection to extinct archaic humans may have bestowed modern humans with this advantageous trait.
Scientists have been studying the genetic differences between archaic and modern humans since 2010 when the Neanderthal genome was first sequenced. Interestingly, Neanderthal DNA has been found to influence various aspects of human health. It has even been linked to Covid-19 infection susceptibility and diseases like Duputytren’s disease.
The Neanderthals inhabited Europe and Asia for over 350,000 years, eventually disappearing around 40,000 years ago, coinciding with the emergence of modern humans. The fate and timeline of the Denisovans, another species of archaic humans, remain uncertain. Limited DNA evidence suggests they may have survived until 15,000-30,000 years ago.
Reactions to this new research have been varied, with some finding it amusing and others intrigued by the inherent connections between modern humans and our extinct relatives. The study highlights the ongoing quest to unravel the mysteries of our ancient genetic heritage and the ways it may still shape our lives today.
As scientists continue to delve into the depths of our genetic past, it’s clear that the story of our existence is far more fascinating and intertwined than we could have ever imagined. Perhaps our early-rising tendencies are not just a quirk of our individual habits but rather a legacy passed down from our long-lost relatives.
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