New study refines timeline of human and Neanderthal interbreeding

New research has pinpointed the interbreeding timeline between modern humans and Neanderthals, starting around 50,500 years ago and lasting about 7,000 years. This is a more precise estimate than previous ranges of 54,000 to 41,000 years ago. The study found that non-African populations today carry 1-2% Neanderthal DNA, which has contributed beneficial traits like improved immunity and skin pigmentation. It also identified "Neanderthal deserts," areas in the genome lacking Neanderthal genes, likely due to harmful gene variants. The findings enhance understanding of human migration and adaptation. They suggest that the initial migration of modern humans from Africa into Eurasia was largely complete by 43,500 years ago.