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Time of India
19 hours ago
- Health
- Time of India
Do you get frequent headaches? Study links Neanderthal DNA to headaches in modern humans
Recent research suggests that Neanderthal DNA may be linked to headaches in modern humans. When our ancestors interbred with Neanderthals, we inherited genes that may affect pain sensitivity, inflammation, and skull shape, all of which can increase the risk of chronic headaches and migraines. Some people carry Neanderthal variants that make them more sensitive to pain or more prone to inflammation, both common headache triggers. These genes, once helpful for survival, may now contribute to modern health problems. Understanding the genetic connection between Neanderthal DNA and headaches could lead to better diagnosis and treatment for headache sufferers today. What is Neanderthal DNA and how it may be the reason of headaches, study finds Source: Science Neanderthal DNA refers to the genetic material inherited from Neanderthals, our ancient human relatives who lived in Europe and Asia from around 400,000 to 40,000 years ago. When our ancestors interbred with Neanderthals, they passed on their genes to modern humans, resulting in a small but significant amount of Neanderthal DNA in our genomes. The study, which was published in the journal Evolution, Medicine, and Public Health, found that certain genetic variants inherited from Neanderthals may contribute to the development of headaches. The researchers analysed the DNA of thousands of individuals and found that those with certain Neanderthal-derived genetic variants were more likely to experience headaches. How does Neanderthal DNA affect headaches 1. Genetic pre-disposition The study suggests that Neanderthal DNA may have contributed to the development of genetic variants that predispose individuals to headaches. 2. Pain sensitivity Variants of the SCN9A gene, inherited from Neanderthals, have been shown to increase pain sensitivity. People with this gene tend to experience more intense sensations from stimuli like heat, pressure, or touch. This hypersensitivity can also extend to headaches, making everyday discomfort feel more severe 3. Altered brain and skull structure Some Neanderthal-influenced skull shapes, such as flatter or smaller occipital bones, may affect how the brain fits inside the skull. This abnormal pressure can cause severe headaches, dizziness, and vision problems. 4. Inflammatory responses Some Neanderthal genes affect how the body handles inflammation. While this may have helped ancient humans fight off infections, today it could lead to chronic low-grade inflammation, a known trigger for migraine attacks and neurological pain. 5. Evolutionary trade-offs It's important to understand that some Neanderthal traits were beneficial in ancient environments, such as increased clotting, stronger immune response, or denser bones. But in the modern world, these same traits may contribute to health issues like chronic pain, autoimmune reactions, and headaches. Also read | 12 effective ways to relieve migraine pain at home without medications
Russia Today
11-02-2025
- Health
- Russia Today
Abortion rate in Russia falls by 350% in a decade
The number of abortions in Russia has decreased by more than 3.5 times over the past decade, according to data released by the Health Ministry on Tuesday. Officials have linked the trend to policy measures, including financial incentives for families, restrictions on abortion, and support for larger households and regional cooperation aimed at improving birth rates in the country. Elena Sheshko, Director of the Department of Medical Care for Children, Maternity Services, and Public Health at the Health Ministry, stated that 'Over the past ten years, we have seen a more than 3.5-fold reduction in the number of abortions. This is a key factor in supporting birth rates,' she said. Abortions in Russia remain legal and are available on request up to the 12th week of pregnancy, with exceptions for medical and social reasons. However, the government has implemented measures to discourage the procedure, including mandatory waiting periods and counselling. Lawmakers have proposed additional policies, such as requiring private clinics to report abortion statistics and integrating abortion procedures into the Mandatory Health Insurance system to improve oversight. Some politicians have suggested further restrictions, but proposals for an outright ban have not gained significant traction. READ MORE: Nothing is more important than love and children — Putin Russia has introduced financial support programs for families, including lump-sum payments for childbirth and expanded maternity benefits while the government has also revived the Soviet-era 'Mother Heroine' award, which provides financial incentives for women who have given birth or raised ten or more children. Additionally, officials have discussed policies such as restricting the promotion of so-called 'child-free' lifestyles and potential tax incentives for families with multiple children. Late last year, Russian President Vladimir Putin also emphasized the importance of increasing birth rates, stating that it is 'an extremely important matter' and one of the 'key issues for Russia.' In order to reach the replacement fertility rate, 'we need 2.1 children per woman, and at least 2.3 for our population to grow.' Currently, Russia's fertility rate stands at 1.41 children per woman. 'We are developing a system that encompasses healthcare, childhood, and maternity, and we will continue to do everything to improve these programs,' Putin said, outlining the measures taken by the Russian government to reverse the trend.
