The shared past between Neanderthals and Sapiens

The history of our species is marked by encounters and interbreeding with other human lineages, such as the Neanderthals and Denisovans, who coexisted and interbred with modern humans who came out of Africa less than 70,000 years ago. What traces have these crossings left in our DNA? What advantages or disadvantages have they brought us? What current physical traits or diseases are related to our Neanderthal ancestors?

In this conference, we will review the latest advances in the study of the Neanderthal genome and its impact on our biology. Since 2010, a dozen Neanderthal genomes of different qualities have been recovered, allowing us to reconstruct their genetic diversity and evolutionary history. Thanks to these data, we know that all modern non-African humans carry 2-2.5% of Neanderthal genes, the result of several episodes of hybridization that occurred at different times and places.

Some of these Neanderthal genes have been positively selected in Homo sapien populations, indicating that they contributed adaptively to their survival in new environments. For example, Neandertal genes associated with nose shape or skin and hair pigmentation have been identified. However, other Neanderthal genes may have negative effects on our health, such as increasing the risk of cardiac disorders, hypercholesterolemia, autoimmune diseases, diabetes or even addictions. These genes could be the result of a genetic incompatibility between the two species or an adaptation to an environment different from the current one.

In short, Neanderthals were archaic humans who have had a lasting impact on our species. We invite you to learn more about them and their legacy in this lecture.

Co-organized:

Speaker:

Dr. Carles Lalueza-Fox

Director, Museu de Ciències Naturals de Barcelona
Researcher of the Institute of Evolutionary Biology (CSIC-UPF)