Neanderthals Had Human‑Like Language Genes

A Science Advances study identifies tiny non‑coding regulatory sequences (HAQERs) that modulate language‑related genes like FOXP2 and shows those sequences were present — and possibly stronger — in Neanderthals. The paper argues these regulatory 'volume knobs' evolved before modern humans split from Neanderthals and that obstetric trade‑offs may have constrained further evolution in Homo sapiens. — If Neanderthals possessed similar genetic ‘hardware’ for language, public narratives about human uniqueness, education on human evolution, and cultural identity debates may need reframing.