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Scientists Decode Neanderthal Genome

By John Johnson, Newser Staff

Posted Feb 12, 2009 7:04 PM CST

(Newser) – Scientists using ancient fossils have pieced together a rough draft of Neanderthals' genetic code, the Times of London reports. The development could eventually shed light on how they thought, spoke, and functioned, and why they disappeared. Because Neanderthals are humans' closest relatives, scientists may be able to get a better sense of just what enabled homo sapiens to dominate the world. No family reunions, though: There's nowhere near enough DNA to consider cloning.

“Studying the Neanderthals and studying the Neanderthal genome will tell us what makes modern humans really human, why we are alone, why we have these amazing capabilities,” said a co-leader of the project.

A Neanderthal man. (Flickr)

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Showing 3 of 15 comments

Caps

Feb 17, 2009 1:55 AM CST

You forgot Rush Limpballs.

Doctor-Zaius

Feb 14, 2009 9:18 PM CST

Yeah, it's a great place to live. Cold as an ice cube, shit in the corner. Have at it my conservative friend. Liberals look forward, conservatives look backward. Have fun in your cave.

riffran

Feb 14, 2009 3:47 AM CST

hey wait.....Doc has a point.....caves...climate controlled enviroment, no need to heat or cool, no cutting of lumber, no tar needed for shingles, no problems with tornados.......but indoor plumbing could get to be an issue, but think of the arguments......."What are you a cave man?.......Uh well now that you mention it"....bwaaaahahahaha

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Times (UK) (Source Grid »)

No evidence so far of interbreeding with humans
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First-Ever Neanderthal Paintings Discovered

Nerja caves in Spain contain art that pre-dates Homo sapiens

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Police believe results will narrow search for Sarah Yarborough's killer

For Just $1K, You'll Soon Be Able to Map Your Genes

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Company scours genome for Neanderthal heritage

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OTHER STORIES ON OUR RADAR

DNA • genome • Neanderthals

MOST POPULAR STORIES

[ By Views ]

[ By Comments ]

More Newser Stories

First-Ever Neanderthal Paintings Discovered

Nerja caves in Spain contain art that pre-dates Homo sapiens

DNA Ties 1991 Murder to 17th-Century Family

Police believe results will narrow search for Sarah Yarborough's killer

For Just $1K, You'll Soon Be Able to Map Your Genes

Genomics company unveiling new machine today

How Much Caveman DNA Do You Have?

Company scours genome for Neanderthal heritage

Gacy Victim Identified 35 Years Later

DNA technology allows a match to be made

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Newser By Users

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What is Newser?