Last week, Ms Stockhorst’s advanced biology class visited the ‘explain-OS’ student laboratory in Osnabrück. There, they explored the question: ‘How much Neanderthal is in you?’
To do this, DNA samples were first taken from ten volunteer pupils. These were then amplified using polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The desired DNA segments were subsequently separated using gel electrophoresis.
The result was remarkable: Neanderthal DNA was detected in six out of ten DNA segments from our pupils.
Text and photos: Sandra Stockhorst
