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researchers have recently found that DNA
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inherited from meanderthals might be
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linked to autism in modern humans let's
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break it down around 40,000 to 60,000
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years ago our ancestors Homo sapiens met
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and interbred with neanderthals as a
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result we share about 1 to 2% of our DNA
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with these ancient relatives scientists
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from Clemson University and Lola
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University in the US have discovered
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that some of this Neanderthal DNA is
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present in genes associated with autism
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spectrum disorder or ASD the study
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3,442 people with and without autism
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researchers have discovered that genetic
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combinations polymorphisms that were
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shared with Neanderthal in our DNA are
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present more frequently in autistic
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individuals they also uncovered 25
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genetic combinations involved in brain
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development that were found in 67 % of
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autistic people with epilepsy and only
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22% in people without autism this
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suggests that certain genetic traits
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from meanderthals might influence the
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likelihood of developing ASD the team
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emphasized that autistic people who have
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these sets in their DNA have the same
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amount of Neanderthal DNA as non
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atistics it is the combination of the
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DNA inherited that plays a role
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scientists say that studying the DNA We
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inherited from neanderthals we can gain
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insights into the genetic factors that
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contribute to autism and potentially
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other neurological conditions it's
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important to remember that autism is
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influenced by many factors both genetic
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and environmental the Neanderthal
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connection is just one piece of a very
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complex picture if you found this video
2:23
interesting give it a thumbs up and
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fascinating science stories thank thanks