Nature v453 n7194 p562 22 May 2008 SURPRISE

[Dcase]

Jeff Hecht discusses “A question of breeding” in ‘The Neanderthal correlation’.
Last 3 paragraphs [of FUTURES], if true [?]:

“That human mathematical intelligence came from Neanderthals? That’s what the data say. The Cro-Magnons had the social skills. But that isn’t all.”
I stared at her. I couldn’t tell that to the research council.
As usual, she couldn’t read the warning look on my face. “The hybridization was successful in the Stone Age, but the environment has changed. I found that modern culture selects for socialization but against the Neanderthal traits for mathematics and intelligence,” she said, and looked down. “I don’t know how you’ll survive when our genes are gone.”

 

[Evo]

Jeff Hecht discusses “A question of breeding” in ‘The Neanderthal correlation’.
Last 3 paragraphs [of FUTURES], if true [?]:

“That human mathematical intelligence came from Neanderthals? That’s what the data say. The Cro-Magnons had the social skills. But that isn’t all.”
I stared at her. I couldn’t tell that to the research council.
As usual, she couldn’t read the warning look on my face. “The hybridization was successful in the Stone Age, but the environment has changed. I found that modern culture selects for socialization but against the Neanderthal traits for mathematics and intelligence,” she said, and looked down. “I don’t know how you’ll survive when our genes are gone.”

The "Futures" section of Nature is nothing but science fiction stories. Did you know that? This is fiction.

 

[Architeuthis Dux]

This is a fascinating concept that challenges our understanding of human evolution and the origins of our intelligence. The idea that Neanderthals may have contributed to our mathematical abilities is intriguing and warrants further investigation. However, we must also consider the limitations of this study and the potential for bias or error in the data. It is important to approach this topic with caution and continue to gather evidence from various sources to fully understand the role of Neanderthals in human intelligence. Additionally, the implications of these findings for our future as a species are thought-provoking and raise important ethical considerations. As scientists, it is our responsibility to continue exploring and evaluating these ideas with an open mind and rigorous methodology.