CNN —The origin of modern humans’ long-standing love affair with carbs may predate our existence as a species, according to a new study. The study revealed these genes duplicated long before the advent of agriculture. Without amylase, humans would not be able to digest foods such as potatoes, pasta, rice or bread. The research also revealed duplication of the AMY1 gene existed in the genomes of Neanderthals and Denisovans, an extinct hominin first discovered in 2010 about whom relatively little is known. “This study’s genomic sleuthing is helping to finally time stamp some of those major milestones, and it is revealing tantalizing clues about humanity’s long love affair with starch.”

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Persons: ”, Feyza Yilmaz, —, sapiens, AMY1, Taylor Hermes, wasn’t, ” Hermes, “, Christina Warinner, John L, Loeb, Warinner Organizations: CNN, The Jackson Laboratory, University of Buffalo, Jackson Laboratory, University of Arkansas, Social Sciences, Harvard University Locations: Farmington , Connecticut, New York