Neanderthal genome 20 percent modern human gene pool

Neanderthal DNA survives across humanity

~20% of the Neanderthal genome

A person whose ancestry lies beyond sub-Saharan Africa may carry about 2% Neanderthal DNA. Across the modern human gene pool, roughly 20% of the Neanderthal genome appears to remain.

The asteroid that killed the dinosaurs created a hot underground habitat

The Chicxulub asteroid impact shattered rock and left enormous amounts of heat beneath the crater. Water circulated through the fractured ground, forming a hydrothermal system that may have lasted for a very long time. Researchers think such environments could have supported microorganisms even after the surface suffered catastrophic destruction.

The immune system has to learn not to attack your own body

Young immune cells that strongly attack the body's own molecules are normally destroyed or held back. Autoimmune disease can develop when this protection fails. Not attacking your own body is therefore something the immune system must actively maintain.

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Neanderthal genome 20 percent modern human gene pool

Neanderthal DNA survives across humanity

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