A new study suggests that a Neanderthal version of the growth hormone receptor may help increase muscle mass in some people living today. The finding connects an inherited piece of ancient DNA with a physical trait that has long been associated with Neanderthals.

Neanderthals are widely understood to have been more strongly built than most modern humans. Their skeletons show evidence of large muscles, and they are also known for features such as prominent brow ridges and relatively short tooth roots. The new research points to one possible genetic factor behind that powerful build.

By focusing on the growth hormone receptor, researchers are examining how a Neanderthal-derived variant could still influence the human body thousands of years later. In modern people who carry that inherited version, the study indicates there may be a measurable effect on muscle development.

The work adds to growing evidence that Neanderthal ancestry is not just a historical curiosity but can still shape biology in people today. It also offers a more specific explanation for how ancient human populations may have differed physically, and how those differences can remain visible through genetics.