Neanderthal Fetus Mirrors Modern Babies, but Limbs Hint at Faster Prenatal Growth
High‑resolution micro-CT study of Sesselfelsgrotte Neanderthal remains shows an eight‑months‑along fetus whose skeleton resembles a modern human fetus, with limb bones forming somewhat faster than the skull; two other young Neanderthals’ teeth reveal early signs of a metabolic bone disease, suggesting a systemic mineral metabolism disruption between late pregnancy and early childhood. The researchers caution that the data are fragmentary and comparisons rely on modern humans, so the exact pace of Neanderthal development remains uncertain.