Ancient humans inter-breeding with extinct Denisovans have created a genetic make-up and subsequent adaptations that have left many of us predisposed to certain mental health issues like depression, a new study claims. Tracing the evolution of a specific gene most predominantly found amongst East Asians left researchers with the findings that a certain subvariant responsible for zinc regulation and thereby metabolism might be responsible for this slight in evolution.

Around 60,000 years ago, modern humans embarked on the notable event now known as the “Out-of-Africa” migration. As they ventured into Asia, they encountered the Denisovans, a distinct human species, which likely resulted in a mix of interactions including crossbreeding between the two groups, according to the study published in PLoS Genetics.

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Throughout the course of human history, various branches of our family tree have engaged in interbreeding and gene exchange, a phenomenon referred to as ‘introgression,’ which has occurred on multiple occasions.

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