U. researchers discover data about Neanderthals' health

A team of three University professors recently disproved a long-held belief that Neanderthals were sickly and slow-witted. After studying the largest known collection of Neanderthal bones, discovered in the Krapina caves of Croatia 100 years ago, the professors documented their findings in a newly released book, the Associated Press reported late last month. The bones, discovered in 1899 and dated to approximately 130,000 years ago, had only been examined by anthropologists until the University team, consisting of two anthropologists and one medical doctor, was brought in last year. Radiology Professor Morrie Kricun, a bone specialist at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, was the first physician to ever examine the bones. "My interest was in the health status of this population," Kricun said of the 874 bones and teeth he examined. Neanderthals, closely related to modern humans if not their direct ancestors, are believed to have lived from 250,000 to 30,000 years ago. Many anthropologists believe that they became extinct due to dietary and other health problems and were therefore replaced by modern Homo sapiens. "What I found by looking at the bones was that they were a healthy population," he added. "They did not have inflammatory arthritis, metabolic or endocrine disorders or iodine deficiency, which can lead to mental retardation." Kricun determined those findings by examining X-rays taken of the bones, looking at the thickness of the outer cortex of the bones and the nature of fractures found. "The X-rays help to determine stress on the bones and to make a diagnosis on the bones," Kricun said. Among the discoveries the team made: skull fractures, a forearm fracture, osteoarthritis of the jaw and normal changes that occur with aging. As a result, Kricun concluded, "I disagree with opinions out there that Neanderthals were sickly. Their bones were as healthy as normal people today." Anthropology Professor Alan Mann and Janet Monge, keeper of the skeletal collection at the University Museum, are co-authors of the book The Krapina Hominids: The Radiographic Atlas of the Skeletal Collection and agree that the findings are very important in the study of human evolution. Mann, like Kricun, refuted the notion that Neanderthals were unhealthy, saying, "Our study documents that they were robust and well adapted to the environment." "It brings continuing recognition to the University that the scientists here continue to be at the forefront of investigative work and are constantly challenging present-day concepts," Kricun added. The book, co-authored by the University trio and published by the Croatian government, was released on the centennial of the discovery of the bones. As for the Krapina Neanderthal population, Mann said, "We have painted a picture of healthier and smarter creatures, who are very recent in human history. "There may be a bit of Neanderthal in us all."