Ancient DNA Sheds Light on Indigenous Americans’ Mucus Evolution

Quick Summary:

• Neanderthals and Denisovans, early human species, passed on a gene that enhances mucus protection against germs.
• This gene provides a “sticky shield,” helping humans combat various pathogens.
• This genetic trait has been traced in indigenous populations, connecting ancient DNA findings to modern immune responses.

Indian Opinion Analysis:
this discovery underscores the interconnectedness of human evolution and immunity traits across populations worldwide. In India,where diverse genetic backgrounds exist due to historical migrations and cultural intermixing,understanding such ancestral connections could offer insights for healthcare strategies targeting communicable diseases. Moreover, India’s burgeoning genomic research sector may benefit from these findings as it continues exploring evolutionary genetics in relation to public health challenges like antimicrobial resistance.

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