Neanderthal DNA helps explain how faces form

Neanderthals Boasted Larger Jaws Than Humans Due to a Tiny Difference in DNA

Learn how a small section in Neanderthals' DNA gave them a lower jaw that was much larger than human jaws.

Neanderthal DNA Reveals How Human Faces Form and Evolve

An image of early Homo sapiens. Credit: Neanderthal-Museum, Mettmann / CC BY-SA 4.0 Scientists studying Neanderthal DNA have uncovered new clues about how human faces form and evolve. By examining genetic differences between Neanderthals and modern humans, researchers found key DNA changes that influence jaw development, offering insights into why each human’s face is unique. A team from the MRC Human Genetics Unit at the University of Edinburgh…

Neanderthal DNA helps explain how faces form

Every human face is unique, allowing us to distinguish between individuals. We know little about how facial features are encoded in our DNA, but we may be able to learn more about how our faces develop by looking at our ancient relatives, the Neanderthals. Neanderthal faces were quite distinctive from our own, with large noses, pronounced brows and a robust lower jaw.

Neanderthal DNA Reveals Secrets of Jaw Development

Every human face is unique, allowing us to distinguish between individuals. We know little about how facial features are encoded in our DNA, but we may be able to learn more about how our faces develop by looking at our ancient relatives, the Neanderthals.