Because I submitted a sample, I have access to all sorts of neat information about my DNA group. I have the ability to communicate with other who share important DNA fragments that are relatives. There are a lot third and fourth cousins out there! I did connect with a second cousin from my mom's side, the Irish connection from Cork. It is eerie to make contact with someone you never knew existed through saliva. My mom had referred to this man's grandfather as a really nice person, but I never knew him myself. Now, his grandson and I can share stories about a past that we never knew. I just found out my great-grandfather, in Cork, was a harness maker. I wonder if they were purely functional, or if they had a few beads embellishing the leather?
Back to the Neanderthal problem. I received a notice yesterday saying that I did not carry the gene for red hair and had a less than one percent chance of having red hair myself. I do have two nephews that carry the Irish carrot top, so I was surprised. But, I also learned that I was 28% likely to be blonde. Ok, they are getting warmer. So, as I diddled around the site learning about my caffeine tolerance, my genetic likelihood of acquiring medical conditions, and even whether I could (I kid you not) detect the scent of asparagus in my urine, I came across the page on my Neanderthal heritage.
It seems we all carry some genetic material from our Neanderthal ancestors and it is not clear to the people who study these things why it is there. The average European profile carries 2.7% of the "caveman" DNA. I carry 2.9%. I am above average in my primitivism. TO make matters even less flattering, 23andMe made a chart comparing me to all of their subscriber relatives, and my level of Neanderthal DNA is the highest. I am not sure how I feel about this. Does this mean I am more boorish than the average bear? Thick headed and base in nature? Or does it mean I am more resilient to challenge and can wield a club with greater accuracy than others in my clan? Not sure, but as I always feel compelled to study prehistoric art, I am confident that that tiny .02% lurks in my artistic brain and loves to be tickled with photos of the cave art made by early man. I just dig it. After all, Neanderthals liked to make beads! Maybe I can blame my serious bead addiction on them. Damn Neanderthals.
What will you make today?