Most people take a DNA test with the simple hope of finding out more about their roots.
But one man's life was turned upside down when he discovered he has more Neanderthal DNA than the average human being - prompting scientists to turn him into a study subject.
He explained how he has more than four per cent Neanderthal DNA, compared to the one to two per cent commonly identified in people today. Neanderthal are considered to have a more robust build and proportionally shorter limbs than the modern-day humans.
The reason for their extinction about 40,000 years ago remains disputed, with some theories suggesting climate change, disease, inbreeding, competitive replacement, interbreeding and assimilation with modern humans.
Taking to Reddit, he said: "I discovered that I have some of the highest known Neanderthal DNA, more than 99 per cent users and over four per cent of my total DNA."
After receiving his results, he was promptly invited to Australia to undergo more advanced testing, where he was considered a medical marvel.
"[I had] three tests submitted and a flight provided to a university in Australia for testing. It was cool at first and then not," he added.
He went on to explain how the experience quickly turned sour, saying he was seen to be a test subject rather than a human with thoughts and feelings.
He added: "A professor wouldn't talk to me directly, he talked to 20 other people about my X-rays and stuff. [There was] a lot about my chest/torso, and arms and stuff."
The man says the results "bothered" his wife as she carried out her own research on the subspecies of archaic humans.
"My wife watched a stupid documentary that kind of painted Neanderthals as crazy caveman types susceptible of dying early and being stupid and stuff," he added.
"I'm not really known for being smart and we just had a baby and my baby likes raging out and basically looks and acts just like me and I think it freaked her out a bit.
"My kid is oddly strong and barrel chested like me so it was kind of a what the f*** moment."
After their testing was complete, the man was free to return home - but did not share the results of their research online.
Commenting on his post, one user said: "He [the professor] will be avoiding contact with the subjects of his study. Personal contact complicates handling the data objectively.
"It's not meant as an insult, and he probably would have really wanted to meet you, but it's just good scientific practice."
Another user added: "Your wife sounds kind of ridiculous."
A third user said: "I'm suddenly way more interested in this testing! I want to be a caveman and go to Australia!"
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