Neanderthal gene makes some modern humans taller and more muscular0

• SCIENCE, Science / Health, Science Mission Directorate, scientists, Space, Space Communications & Navigation Program, Space Launch System (SLS), Space Telescope, space-x-ipo, SpaceX
• August 8, 2026

Neanderthals are known to have had physiological differences from Homo sapiens, including thicker bones and defined brow ridges, as in this model.Credit: Mike Kemp/In Pictures via Getty Two genetic changes in the genomes of Neanderthals contributed to the extinct hominin’s characteristic robust physique — and the differences persist in modern humans. The variants make carriers