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Research suggests mating direction bias between Neanderthals and humans

#1 out of 60.00%

1d ago

Research suggests mating direction bias between Neanderthals and humans

Theguardian.com and 4 more

X chromosome analysis shows Neanderthal DNA is scarce on human X chromosomes, supporting directional mating by human females with Neanderthal males.
The study links X-chromosome patterns to mating directionality, with more human DNA on Neanderthal X chromosomes indicating female humans mated with Neanderthal males more often than the reverse.
The 250,000-year-ago mating event window anchors the analysis in deep time, showing long-running biases in interbreeding that echo into today’s genomes.

Vote 6

Genetic analysis reveals new details on ancient human and Neanderthal couplings

#2 out of 6

22h ago

Genetic analysis reveals new details on ancient human and Neanderthal couplings

Abcnews.com and 1 more

New reference supports a sex-biased interbreeding pattern where Neanderthal males and human females contributed DNA, shaping modern genomes.
X chromosome analysis reveals asymmetric Neanderthal ancestry: humans show less Neanderthal DNA on their X chromosome, while Neanderthals carry more human DNA on theirs.
Interbreeding events likely occurred multiple times after humans migrated into Eurasia, with mating biased toward human females and Neanderthal males.
Genome-wide signals indicate that mating behavior and social dynamics, rather than purely natural selection, drove ancient interbreeding patterns.
Both Neanderthal and modern human genomes were analyzed to infer ancient interbreeding, using the X chromosome as a key indicator.
The study notes that some alternative explanations exist, and not all offspring would have survived to contribute to the gene pool.
Historical context places the split between modern humans and Neanderthals around 600,000 years ago, with subsequent Eurasian encounters driving interbreeding.
Patterns show a mirrored distribution of Neanderthal DNA between species, suggesting directional mating biases rather than uniform introgression.
Researchers aim to further explore Neanderthal population structure to understand whether one sex moved between groups more often or whether social traditions influenced partner choice.
Ancient encounters left a measurable record in modern genomes, with the X chromosome preserving signs of sex-biased interbreeding across generations.

Vote 1

Are one in 200 men alive today truly descendants of Genghis Khan?

#3 out of 650.0K est. views

18h ago

Are one in 200 men alive today truly descendants of Genghis Khan?

Independent.co.uk

New study questions the claim that 1 in 200 men are direct descendants of Genghis Khan worldwide.
Researchers in Kazakhstan analyzed tombs of Golden Horde elites to trace Y-chromosome lineage.
Findings indicate the Y-chromosome lineages in living men may not be Khan’s direct line.
The empires' Golden Horde was founded by Genghis Khan's eldest son, Joshi, and his descendants.
Ancient DNA evidence is used to advance understanding of Central Eurasian population history.
Researchers note the burial site of Khan remains undiscovered and unmarked, complicating definitive claims.
The new study focuses on local folklore and genetic evidence from Kazakhstan to identify elites.
Previous estimates of 0.5% of men worldwide as Khan descendants are challenged by new findings.
The study emphasizes that genetics alone may not reveal direct lineages to Khan.
Researchers published their findings in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.

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Emparejamiento entre neandertales y mujeres humanas podría haber sido más frecuente, dice estudio

#4 out of 6

16h ago

Emparejamiento entre neandertales y mujeres humanas podría haber sido más frecuente, dice estudio

Apnews.com

New genetic analysis finds Neanderthal-human mating was more frequent with human females and Neanderthal males.
Researchers compared Neanderthal and human DNA across a 250,000-year event to trace the interbreeding.
The study found more human DNA on Neanderthal chromosomes and less Neanderthal DNA on human X chromosomes.
The X-chromosome pattern supports the idea that maternal lines contributed more Neanderthal DNA overall to Neanderthal genomes.
Lead author Alexander Platt says the result is not a strict Darwinian survival story but shows how culture and behavior shape interactions.
AP notes the study cannot rule out other explanations, including survival differences among descendants.
The research is part of broader efforts to map how ancient admixture shaped modern human genetics.
The findings hinge on interpreting the transmission of X chromosomes from mothers to offspring.
Experts outside the study, like Joshua Akey, view the work as a meaningful step toward completing the puzzle of human-Neanderthal interactions.
The AP notes the finding adds to the understanding of how interspecies interactions influence genetic heritage.

Vote 0

Inherited diseases don't work like we thought they did

#5 out of 6

health14h ago

Inherited diseases don't work like we thought they did

Livescience.com

New population studies show many so-called disease-causing gene variants appear in healthy people as well.
Researchers use large biobanks to show disease risk is often not 100% by a single variant but influenced by other genes and environment.
Findings suggest embryo screening and gene therapies should consider the broader genetic context, not just single variants.
Huntington's disease example shows risk can be dose-dependent and affected by nearby genetic variants.
Researchers emphasize that the general population carries variants thought to cause disease yet may not express it.
The study highlights the risk of ascertainment bias when only patient samples are considered.
Population data from biobanks help quantify how often variants actually lead to disease.
The article notes that gene therapy and embryo selection must account for broader genetic interactions.
Clinicians are urged to improve genetic counseling by incorporating population-level risk insights.
Experts say population data could refine how gene therapies are targeted and measured for effectiveness.

Vote 0

What Do You Get When You Cross a Tardigrade with a Space Pioneer?

#6 out of 6

10h ago

What Do You Get When You Cross a Tardigrade with a Space Pioneer?

Nautil.us

Scientists propose editing human cells to better withstand space conditions, drawing on tardigrade genes like Dsup.
Elsewhere, researchers consider using bacteria and microbes to produce beneficial compounds for space travelers without altering human DNA.
The team discusses germline vs. somatic edits and the ethical questions of altering future generations.
Mason frames space genetic engineering as an urgent endeavor given Earth's solar aging and the need to preserve life across time.
The article notes past biotech milestones, such as recombinant DNA and gene therapy, as context for current debates.
Experts discuss the potential for synthetic human genomes and adding artificial chromosomes as a way to enable space settlement.
The piece highlights ethical cautions from eugenics history while acknowledging potential space ethics.
The article mentions progress toward CRISPR-based treatments and the limitation that current edits affect somatic cells, not germline.
The piece closes by outlining how space genetics could drive evolution and possibly divide Earth-origin and space-adapted humans.
Overall, the Nautilus feature presents a cautious but forward-looking view on engineering biology for space.

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