JOURNAL ARTICLE

Bones reveal first evidence of Down syndrome in Neanderthals.

  • Published In: Sciencemag.org, 2024. P. N.PAG 1 of 3

  • Database: Applied Science & Technology Source Ultimate 2 of 3

  • Authored By: Curry, Andrew 3 of 3

Abstract

Researchers studying the bones of Neanderthals at a Spanish cave called Cova Negra have discovered the oldest known evidence of Down syndrome in these ancient humans. The bones of a child who lived to about age 6 showed anomalies commonly found in people with Down syndrome today. The findings suggest that Neanderthals cared for vulnerable members of their communities, as the child's survival into early childhood indicates that extra resources and time were devoted to helping them. This adds to the growing evidence that Neanderthals were capable of complex planning and abstract thought, and challenges the notion that care in Neanderthals was solely motivated by material gain. [Extracted from the article]

Additional Information

  • Source:Sciencemag.org. 2024/06, pN.PAG
  • Document Type:Article
  • Subject Area:Geology
  • Publication Date:2024
  • Accession Number:178133542
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