A child lived 17,000 years ago. He was born with a heart problem and had the first known blue eyes.
Researchers found his remains in Italy. They believe he had blue eyes, dark skin, and curly dark brown or black hair.
This child could not digest milk as an adult. He likely had thick heart muscles because of a genetic condition. He was very small, measuring only 82 centimeters (about 32 inches) long, and he lived for about 7.5 to 18 months.
Scientists studied his teeth and found he had a difficult birth. He also faced other challenges in his short life.
The research shows he had heart disease. His mother may have had a hard time during her pregnancy and might have been not well-nourished.
The child’s remains were discovered in a cave in Puglia, Italy, in 1998. He was found without any toys or clothes.
This child’s blue eyes came from a gene change that reduces the brown pigment in eyes.
This study was published in the journal Nature Communications.
Vocabulary List:
- Researchers /rɪˈsɜːr.tʃərz/ (noun): Individuals who conduct studies and investigations to acquire knowledge.
- Remains /rɪˈmeɪnz/ (noun): The parts left after something has been removed or destroyed often referring to the body after death.
- Digest /daɪˈdʒɛst/ (verb): To process food in the stomach and intestines.
- Genetic /dʒəˈnɛtɪk/ (adjective): Relating to genes or heredity.
- Condition /kənˈdɪʃən/ (noun): A state or situation often referring to health or circumstances affecting someone.
- Published /ˈpʌblɪʃt/ (verb): To make content available to the public especially in a scientific or academic context.
