272: Neanderthal Grabby Hands

In Northern Europe, up to 30% of men over the age of 60 can be affected by Dupuytren's Disease. Hand and finger tendons thicken and contract causing permanent loss of mobility. Turns out this disease is a leftover from Neanderthal genes. Show notes: Molecular Biology and Evolution article: Major Genetic Risk Factors for Dupuytren's Disease Are Inherited From Neandertals June 2023 Dupuytren Contracture: what exactly is it and how does it affect a person's hands Nature Ecology and Evolution article: Encounters with archaic hominins Nov 2018 The sailor's handshake and syphilis Amy mentioned the book The Swifts: A Dictionary of Scoundrels and how it led her on a deep dive into handshakes