Neanderthals used to ... debate

Neanderthals are often pictured as brutal guys carrying axes and growling. But a new study by German scientists suggests that Neanderthals seem to be able to speak complex language structures.

In the study, scientists from the Max Planck Institute in Leipzig (Germany) conducted DNA analysis from several recently excavated Neanderthal remains in northern Spain. Analysis results show that in the FOXP2 genome, thought to be related to the ability to speak, of Neanderthals also have two important transformations like modern humans.

(Photo: VTC) 'With this finding, Neanderthals may at least have the same language as we do,' said Johannes Krause, the leader of the study. However, Krause thinks there may be some unknown genes that affect this ability.

FOXP2 produces a protein that makes other dominant or recessive genes and people who carry a lack of functional copies of the genome may have speech and language problems.

Many scientists believe that many animals, from rats to orangutans, also have this genome, so there has been a relatively small transformation in FOXP2 for humans nearly 200,000 years ago. However, the study suggests that this transformation took place a long time ago, about 400,000 years.

"We were surprised to find some similar FOXP2 gene fragments that modern humans have ," Krause said. 'This suggests that it is possible for Neanderthals and modern people to have this genome.'

The Neanderthals are the last in the genealogy of human beings that settled in Europe and parts of Western and Central Asia. They are said to be experts in manipulating tools, using animal skins to keep warm and take care of each other.

Most researchers now believe that Neanderthals still live in Europe until the modern people appear completely 30,000 years ago, although a controversial study published last year said they continued persisted until 24,000 years ago.

Nobody knows whether Neanderthals can say it, but this latest study shows that at least they have important transgenic codes needed for that ability - important evolution of humans.

NH