Brain Junk

In Northern Europe, up to 30% of men over the age of 60 can be affected by Dupuytren's Disease. Hand and finger tendons thicken and contract causing permanent loss of mobility. Turns out this disease is a leftover from Neanderthal genes.Show notes:Molecular Biology and Evolution article: Major Genetic Risk Factors for Dupuytren's Disease Are Inherited From Neandertals June 2023Dupuytren Contracture: what exactly is it and how does it affect a person's handsNature Ecology and Evolution article: Encounters with archaic hominins Nov 2018The sailor's handshake and syphilisAmy mentioned the book The Swifts: A Dictionary of Scoundrels and how it led her on a deep dive into handshakes This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit brainjunkpodcast.substack.com