Scientists from Pompeu Fabra University found that modern humans inherited a better tolerance to cold from Neanderthals and Denisovans and were also more likely to develop depression, schizophrenia, anorexia or hyperactivity.
The team’s research identified the SLC30A9 gene variant that is common among all modern human populations outside Africa. This variant occurs in 70% of Europeans.
The genetic “inheritance” from the Denisovans helped modern humans better adapt to the cold. However, this gene is associated with increased susceptibility to the development of some mental illnesses. These include: depression, anorexia, hyperactivity, bipolar disorder, autism spectrum disorder, schizophrenia, obsessive-compulsive disorder.
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Source: Ferra
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