Gresham College Lectures A 300,000-Year History of Human Evolution - Robin May
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Feb 26, 2024 Exploring human evolution over 300,000 years, the podcast delves into genetic contributions from Neanderthals, impact of advanced genetics, lactase gene function, cat domestication mysteries, and future evolutionary pressures. It also discusses evolutionary clock speed, interbreeding in ancient humans, and the roles of language, culture, and medicine in shaping human evolution.
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Neanderthal-Homo sapiens gene mix
- Neanderthal and Homo sapiens interbred 50,000 years ago, leaving mixed DNA in modern humans.
- Some Neanderthal genes were harmful and lost, others beneficial and retained in different populations.
Neanderthal Genes Aid UV Protection
- Some Neanderthal genes help with ultraviolet radiation protection in Asian populations.
- These genes conferred survival advantages in sun-exposed environments but are rare in Europe.
Ancient Immunity from Neanderthals
- Neanderthal-derived genes help detect and fight viral infections across human populations.
- This ancient immunity likely aided survival against RNA viruses and recent pandemics like COVID-19.