Three genes inherited from Neanderthals slash the risk of severe Covid-19 by 22 per cent, a new study has revealed. The genes sit next to each other on chromosome 12, and this large chunk of genetic material includes 75,000 individual pieces of DNA. But the stretch of Neanderthal DNA on chromosome 12 is more common. Pictured, the percentage of people in Eurasia with the Covid-fighting genes on chromosome 12 over time. Four of these genes — TYK2 and DPP9 on chromosome 19; IFNAR on chromosome 21 and OAS on chromosome 12 — were also studied by the latest study.

Source: Daily Mail February 17, 2021 15:59 UTC