Did Your Ancestors Mate With Neanderthals? Your Nose Holds the Answer

Imagine unraveling the secrets of your ancient background by looking at your nose. A team of researchers recently conducted a study shedding light on the various forms of the human nose.

The research includes a mix of Native Americans, Europeans, and African descent. It helped the researchers determine genetic areas connected to facial structures.

This groundbreaking study has revealed that some of the genes responsible for our nasal structures are inherited from our Neanderthal cousins. It also determined 26 genetic areas that contributed to our face shape.

Neanderthal Gene and its Effects on Facial Features

According to Science Alert, the researchers found that individuals of Native American descent have ATF3, a Neanderthal-inherited gene. Although initially connected with nervous tissue reformation, another gene that contributes to face shape regulates the ATF3’s expression.

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In addition, the team also found that ATF3 activates as our faces develop. This suggests that it can impact the growth of noses. Surprisingly, this gene was missing and “essentially absent” in Europeans.

They have found that Neanderthal skulls have taller noses than modern individuals. In addition, they also observed that the ATF3 gene’s development might be responsible for these differences.

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The presence of ATF3 genes throughout generations in Latin America resulted in scientists concluding that these genes might offer a survival benefit in particular environments.

For example, initial studies have proved that human nose forms can evolve to suit the climate better. It regulates the humidity and the air temperature that surrounds us.

Qing Li, a geneticist from Fudan University, suggested that we might have inherited the ATF3 genes to help us adjust to colder climates as most ancestors moved out from Africa.

Neanderthal DNA and its Impact on Modern Humans

Genome observations have revealed that prehistoric humans and Neanderthals regularly blended in Asia and Europe, leaving traces of Neanderthal genes in our genomes,

Moreover, some of these inherited genes have connections to health benefits. Some of which are higher immunity to viruses or blood and skin infections and more secure births. However, the systems through which these genes offer such health benefits remain uncertain.