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Neanderthal DNA Boosts Jaw Development, Study Reveals

11/12/2025

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Summary

Story summary

A study from the University of Edinburgh finds that a region of Neanderthal DNA activates jaw-forming gene SOX9 more than the human version.
Researchers identified three single-letter variations in a 3,000-letter region linked to facial development.
In zebrafish embryos, inserting Neanderthal and human DNA showed the Neanderthal version was more active in jaw formation.
The findings may help explain facial variations in humans and were published in the journal Development.

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Story summary

A study from the University of Edinburgh finds that a region of Neanderthal DNA activates jaw-forming gene SOX9 more than the human version.
Researchers identified three single-letter variations in a 3,000-letter region linked to facial development.
In zebrafish embryos, inserting Neanderthal and human DNA showed the Neanderthal version was more active in jaw formation.
The findings may help explain facial variations in humans and were published in the journal Development.