genetic

Genetic and proteomic data from the study showed that lead exposure in organoids with archaic gene variants disrupted multiple pathways tied to neurodevelopment, communication, and social behavior.

Genetic, transcriptomic, and proteomic analyses were combined to build a broad understanding of how lead may have influenced the evolution of hominid cognition and social behavior.

Lab-grown brain organoids with Neanderthal genetic variants reacted more strongly to lead than organoids with human genetics, hinting that Neanderthals may have been more vulnerable to lead's neurological effects.

"It's an extraordinary example of how an environmental pressure, in this case, lead toxicity, could have driven genetic changes that improved survival and our ability to communicate using language, but which now also influence our vulnerability to modern lead exposure."

These microRNAs helped confirm that the genetic signals truly originated from mammoths.