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
