Wednesday, May 2, 2018

Diving And Genetics

A new study has found that the incredible long term diving found in the coastline communities of southeast Asia could have a genetic component that enables people to perform this feat. One such adaptation is a mutation for a larger than average spleen, which extends how long a person can wait underwater without needing air.
The study originated from the University of Utah, and included sequencing the genome of people born in two small towns in the area (one being a diving town and the other a farming community) and measuring their spleen. About 76 people participated in the study overall. During the sequencing unique mutations were found in the diving community, some having to do with the ability to stay underwater. I think its fascinating that there are people out there that have adaptations towards being able to swim for long periods of time deep underwater.

Link Article- https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/human-sea-nomads-may-have-evolved-to-be-the-worlds-elite-divers/
Link 2-http://www.peoplesoftheworld.org/text?people=Bajau

3 comments:

  1. Wow, that is really interesting how altered genetics can almost aid in "super" human abilities. I wonder what other potential enhanced abilities genetics can produce?

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  2. This was an outstanding article, and as a swimmer it's pretty cool to know that there are individuals out there with "super human" abilities as discussed.

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  3. What a great article. It makes you wonder what other adaptations populations may have developed in different parts in the world.

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