Neanderthal genes could be to blame for severe cases of COVID-19, The Wall Street Journal reported. Scientists in Italy found people with Neanderthal gene variants were more likely to be hospitalized. The research suggests the variants are a "major genetic risk factor for severe COVID-19." What they found is that "Neanderthal haplotype," a set of genetic variants associated with the human ancestor, is "the major genetic risk factor for severe COVID-19." The link between health and Neanderthal DNA has been suggested by other studies.

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Persons: Mario, cdavis@insider.com Organizations: Street Journal, Street, Mario Negri Institute for Pharmacological Research Locations: Italy, Bergamo province, Nature