“How Neanderthal DNA Shapes Our Nose: New Study Reveals Link”

A new study has found that the shape of each person’s nose is dictated by DNA preserved from Neanderthal times. One gene that helped adapt to colder climates is particularly important. “In the 15 years since the Neanderthal genome was sequenced, we have learned that our ancestors interbred with Neanderthals, leaving us small fragments of their DNA,” in the journal Communications Biology writes the leader of the working group from the University of California Kostubs Adhikari“now we’re discovering that some DNA inherited from Neanderthals affects our facial shape. They could have helped our ancestors by being passed down over thousands of generations.”

By analyzing the genomes of more than 6,000 people from Latin America, Europe, North America and Africa, the researchers identified 33 regions with similar facial features. In-depth gene analyzes showed that the indigenous peoples of North America and peoples from East Asia share the ATF3 gene left over from Neanderthals. This has helped to adjust the size and shape of the nose to the temperature and humidity of the air to facilitate breathing. Such nose evolution has not been observed in representatives of other groups.