Recent research has revealed that Neanderthal gene variants may lead to greater pain sensitivity in modern humans. According to a study published in the journal Cell, Neanderthal versions of two genes — CACNA2D3 and TBX15 — are associated with higher pain sensitivity. The scientists also found that the Neanderthal gene variants are more common in East Asian populations than in European populations. This suggests that the Neanderthal variants may have helped modern humans adapt to the colder temperatures of East Asia.

The findings of this study suggest that Neanderthal genes may have a role to play in determining how sensitive humans are to pain. The two genes identified in the study are associated with higher levels of pain sensitivity, and this may explain why people of East Asian descent are more likely to have these variants compared to those of European descent. While this research is still in its early stages, it could lead to improved treatments for pain in the future.

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source: Phys.org