Ancient genetics are facing the coronavirus | COVID-19 Special

Researchers from the Max Planck Institute suggest that one single chromosome dpubles the risk of getting severely ill - and we can blame the pre-historic Neanderthals for that. Many of us may be completely unaware we have Neanderthal DNA. But a strange reminder has come in the form of COVID-19. Neanderthal genes are linked to how ill people get with COVID. That's what scientists are saying. Modern humans and neanderthals split hundreds of anything up to a million years ago. But their genetic remants are still with many of us today. It's thought some of the genes helped them fight infection. But today it may be a different story. Let's look at the mysterious world of some of our ancestors and the coronavirus.
Those with copies of the chromosome from both parents could face an even higher risk. This sequence of genes is more common in people from some regions of the world than others. If you're of South Asian descent, you've got a much higher chance of carrying this ancient gene. From Africa? Your chances are lower -- it appears Neanderthals never lived on the continent. It's not all bad news though. Researchers say that the Neanderthal genes can also carry benefits when it comes to Covid.

The journalists appearing together live in our show without masks both tested negative to COVID-19 immediately before recording and were separated by a transparent screen in between them.

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[dwnews]

We're looking forward to include your questions in our upcoming shows! What would you like to know about the coronavirus pandemic? #askDerrick

[andrewjgrimm]

Beating coronavirus, it’s so easy a caveman could do it!

[antares]

If you read the articles on this subject the genetics speak for themselves:
The two different variants on of Neanderthal DNA are on Chromosome 3 (that are more susceptible to severe to symptoms of Corona), and the beneficial immunity is in Neanderthal DNA Chromosome 12.
Obviously, underlying conditions effecting immune system, such as auto immune disease, age, blood diseases, heart disease, and other risk factors lowering the immune system play a role!

[a.a.]

Never been so proud of my oonga-boonga ancestry
:D

[itsjacob]

I suspect "science" hasn't said anything conclusive about this and are looking into it, but DW News prefer to say there's a confirmed link because it makes for an interesting news story.

[michellesingleton]

I worked with covid patients all year in NY. Never got sick.No one in my family had covid 19.

[elsaszuts]

I’m confused if he saying you’re more likely to get super sick or less likely ? I just got my 21 & me results back said I have 98% more Neanderthal dna then most of their customers. I haven’t had covid & I’ve been everywhere. Conferences with 5, 000 people & travel .

[BuildingCenter]

Folks still mad about “Neanderthal thinking”. /s

[greatsol]

Africa is protected, God be with You!

[moonlike]

We cannot underestimate the importance of studying of our ancestors' organism as we are having their traces. The Neanderthals had also hormonal problems and all those consequences.

[AlexanderYap]

I didn't know that Neanderthals lived in South Asia. I thought they evolved to live in the cold of Europe.

[alesh]

I remember Bill Gates et al being alarmist about the coming collapse and deaths in sub Saharan Africa about a year ago.

[nithinagumithu]

I theorized that this might be a reason and now scientists are trying to prove it....thr r othr reasons for the low mortality rate in Asia n africa apart from the genetic position.

[navajyotichetia]

Damn!!!! Now they shall say Indian technology and machines are not just old their genes are also old

[sn]

Bringing genetic and biology will trigger "certain group of people"

[darladawn]

Actually, Neanderthal genes are associated with less back hair not more. At any rate, I've wondered for a while now if I have the genetic mutation Delta32. I watched a documentary on the mutation over 1 year ago and have been waiting on research relative to said mutation and C19 resistance ever since.

Intetrstingly, I haven't had Covid nor any vaccines for it yet I've had many close exposures, some EXTREMELY CLOSE. As well, I'm a hairstylist so I have to get close enough to touch people in order to do my job. Given the odds, I'm inclined to believe some of them have come in with Covid (unknowingly) over the past 2+ years. I've also attended 2 large festivals during the height of Omicron. But one of my closest known exposures was when my partner and I were intimate the day before he got symptoms and tested positive.

Thank you for sharing this info, I found it because I am continually looking for links between Delta32 and C19 resistance.

Pardon the long post!

[silvialogan]

According to the 23 and me, I have 64 variants of Neanderthals.

[Questchaun]

Im reminded everytime I look in the mirror. 😭

[bonkersblock]

What if you have a wooly mammoth genes 🧬??

[alvinr]

So that's explain why covid 19 in India are getting lower