# From Neanderthal DNA to the Dark Genome: Diversity Explained

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**Date:** March 17, 2026 · 10:30 PM  
**Location:** JW Marriott / Salon C  
**Format:** Presentation  
**Track:** Health track  
**Reviews:** 0

## Speakers

- **Dr. Alysson Muotri, PhD** — Director

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.

## Transcript

A transcript is available for this session: [Read transcript](/sessions/2026-03-17/pp1162389-from-neanderthal-dna-to-the-dark-genome-diversity-explained/transcript)

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