A study by researchers from University College London (UCL) reveals that modern humans inherit genetic material from Neanderthals that influences the shape of our noses, specifically contributing to taller noses, a trait likely favored by natural selection as humans adapted to colder climates after migrating from Africa. This research, published in Communications Biology, involved analyzing facial data from over 6,000 volunteers in Latin America, representing a blend of European, Native American, and African ancestries. The scientists identified 33 genome regions linked to face shape, with 26 replicating across different ethnicities. A particular gene, ATF3, was notably associated with nasal height and showed signs of natural selection, indicating its potential advantage in colder environments. The study underscores the importance of diverse genetic backgrounds in understanding human evolution and adaptation, an aspect often overlooked in previous genetic studies that focused mainly on Europeans. This finding builds on past research that identified Denisovan DNA impacting human facial features, emphasizing the ongoing influence of archaic human genetics on modern anatomy. Co-authors Dr. Kaustubh Adhikari and Professor Andres Ruiz-Linares highlight the significant implications of these discoveries for comprehending human diversity and ancestry.
