From Neanderthal DNA to the Dark Genome: Diversity Explained

Event ID: PP1162389

Tue, Mar 17, 2026 | 4:30 PM - 5:30 PM

Venue: Salon C (JW Marriott)

View on Official SXSW

Summary

What sets modern humans apart from our cave-dwelling ancestors? The answer: genetic variations that may have hindered Neanderthals from advancing socially & technologically. That's according to Alysson Muotri, PhD, whose work creating brain organoids from stem cells — & studying them on Earth & in space — is shedding light on the factors that make present-day people unique — & especially susceptible to neurological conditions like Alzheimer's & autism. Plus: how the Dark Genome might shape personality, & why it all matters for the future of human aging, medicine, & the colonization of Mars.

Contributors

Raw Event JSON

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