a Genome biology and evolution According to a study published this week in the journal Neanderthal DNA, it can be found in some people today and can determine whether someone is a naturally early riser. Washington Post.
According to the Smithsonian Institution’s National Museum of Natural History, Neanderthals were our closest extinct human relatives, and had specific physical characteristics such as larger noses, slanted cheekbones, and stockier bodies. They are known to have used sophisticated tools, controlled fire, were skilled at hunting, wore clothing, and lived in shelters.
We have found that Neanderthal DNA remaining in modern humans due to hybridization has a significant and directional impact on modern humans. In particular, Neanderthal DNA associated with chronotype consistently increases the tendency to wake up early
Tony Capra, co-author of the study and associate professor in the Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics at the University of California, told the newspaper.
Migration to the north was important
When the ancestors of Eurasians, who now live from the British Isles to the mountains of Siberia, began migrating from Africa about 70,000 years ago, they were exposed to a new environment at higher latitudes, where climate, temperature and lighting conditions were more diverse, according to the study.
According to the study, those who arrived in Eurasia mixed with existing populations, “first with Neanderthals” and later with others, such as the now-extinct Denisovans. This created an opportunity for humans to acquire a genetic stock that was already adapted to this new environment.
At high latitudes, seasonal variation in light and dark cycles during the year is greater than at tropical latitudes
Capra said.
It was not “immediately clear why early waking would be beneficial at high latitudes,” although the study found that in modern humans, morning lifestyles are associated with “faster rates of biological gene network,” which may be an advantage.
This discovery could help people better understand their sleep patterns today, as work and technology addiction can affect our innate sleep patterns.
Changes in circadian rhythm
Our circadian rhythm provides the body’s natural guidance through its daily cycle. It tells you when it’s time to eat, sleep and wake up. It is the “internal” rhythm that adjusts the biology of animals and plants to the cycle of light and dark, and is regulated by “a central circadian clock that adapts to the environment through exposure to light,” said Simon Archer, a professor at the university. From Surrey, Britain, and specializing in the molecular biology of sleep.
It is common for someone to have difficulty falling asleep or staying awake. This is because their circadian rhythms have been disrupted by health problems such as stress, depression, anxiety, hyperthyroidism, work or travel.
Changes like daylight saving time can also affect circadian rhythms, as the body loses an hour of early morning sunlight, which experts say is essential for maintaining sleep-wake cycles and overall health.
Sleep problems can lead to changes in metabolism and immunity that are linked to health problems such as cancer, heart disease, and fatigue.
Once again, 150 new and exciting topics with amazing answers
Follow Index on Facebook too!
