A man who took a DNA test expecting to learn about his heritage got far more than he bargained for when the results led to a series of unexpected medical appointments
While some people take a DNA test to reconnect with long-lost relatives, others do it simply out of curiosity about their ancestry. But one man's interest in his heritage led him to a doctor's surgery for a series of medical examinations.
After receiving his results, he discovered he had more Neanderthal DNA than almost anyone else in the testing company's database. According to the man, his results showed he carried more than 4% Neanderthal DNA - significantly higher than the 1-2% typically found in modern humans. Detailing his story on Reddit, he posted: "I discovered that I have some of the highest known Neanderthal DNA, more than 99% [of] users and over 4% of my total DNA."
Rather than merely getting his ancestry breakdown, he claims he was approached by scientists and flown to a university in Australia for additional analysis.
The university footed the bill for his travel and conducted various supplementary examinations, including X-rays, to gain insight into his remarkably elevated level of Neanderthal heritage.
"[I had] three tests submitted and a flight provided to a university in Australia for testing," he said. "It was cool at first and then not."
While he originally found the whole thing thrilling, he revealed it quickly became too much.
He alleged scientists appeared more focused on examining his physique than actually engaging with him face-to-face.
"A professor wouldn't talk to me directly. He talked to 20 other people about my X-rays and stuff," he explained. "[There was] a lot about my chest, torso and arms."
His wife was also left rattled after viewing a documentary about Neanderthals, which depicted them as unintelligent and likely to die prematurely.
He said: "My wife watched a stupid documentary that kind of painted Neanderthals as crazy caveman types susceptible of dying early and being stupid and stuff.
"I'm not really known for being smart and we just had a baby. My baby likes raging out and basically looks and acts just like me and I think it freaked her out a bit.
"My kid is oddly strong and barrel chested like me so it was kind of a what the f*** moment."
After the testing concluded, the man headed back home, although he never revealed what researchers eventually uncovered.
His account generated considerable debate online, with one user commenting: "He will be avoiding contact with the subjects of his study. Personal contact complicates handling the data objectively."
Another added: "Your wife sounds kind of ridiculous." A third said: "I'm suddenly way more interested in this testing! I want to be a caveman and go to Australia!"

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