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Neanderthal Hormone Receptor Increases Muscle 40%, Common in Asians

8/7/2026

29 6 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

Karolinska Institutet and Max Planck Institute identified a Neanderthal growth-hormone receptor that boosts response.
The Neanderthal receptor caused cells to grow 40 % more, added 270 g (0.6 lb) of muscle per gene copy after age 11, and shortened lower jaw and tooth roots.
The variant, inherited ~47,000 years ago, appears in 24 % of South and East Asians and could add half a kilogram of muscle with a double copy, which does not replace training.

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Story summary

Karolinska Institutet and Max Planck Institute identified a Neanderthal growth-hormone receptor that boosts response.
The Neanderthal receptor caused cells to grow 40 % more, added 270 g (0.6 lb) of muscle per gene copy after age 11, and shortened lower jaw and tooth roots.
The variant, inherited ~47,000 years ago, appears in 24 % of South and East Asians and could add half a kilogram of muscle with a double copy, which does not replace training.