old gene? Scientists stunned by discovery
A recent study published in Current Biology reveals that modern humans who inherited a specific Neanderthal growth hormone receptor gene variant gain functional muscle mass benefits. About 10% of people worldwide carry this ancient genetic legacy, which also influences subtle craniofacial features.
Why it matters
It provides concrete evidence of how ancient interbreeding with Neanderthals continues to physically impact modern human physiology and traits.
The interbreeding between Neanderthals and modern humans didn’t just give anthropologists lots to write about—it left functional traces in our very DNA. An August 5th study published in the journal Current Biology shines a spotlight on one especially eye-catching legacy: a variant of the gene encoding the growth hormone receptor. This genetic twist makes our cells more sensitive to growth hormone signals—think of it as the original muscle-boosting hack.
The Neanderthal version of this gene, compared to the typical human one, includes two amino acid substitutions and one deletion. According to researchers, this gene entered our species’ DNA through interbreeding approximately 47,000 years ago. That’s right—the effects of those ancient meetups still echo in a surprising way today.
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