Genetic Mutations In Our Bodies Might Be Less Random Than We Thought, Scientists Say

In a recent article on Discover Magazine, the topic of human evolution was discussed. A new technology of a map of the human genome is currently showing scientists a detailed look of how genes recombine from parent chromosomes and the random mutations that sometimes result. Data from the high-resolution map has actually shown mutations to be more likely in certain areas of some people. These findings have shown scientists that mutations are not so random as they have believed. Researchers studied whole-genome sequencing data and also the genetic variations in 150,000 people from Iceland. Results showed over 4.5 million recombinations and 200,000 mutations. This study allowed the researchers to update the human genome map with a resolution of four times better than it previously was. The analysis also revealed that the most chromosome rearrangements occur at genetic hotspots, which are areas that mutations are linked to. Another interesting discovery was that women add more to recombination and men add more to random mutations. With all the data, the researchers were able to find 35 areas in the human genome that affect recombination, such as the rate or location. This information has allowed researchers to conclude that humans have evolved to control the kind of mutations that occur in our bodies.

After reading this article, I am very surprised with learning that mutations are not so random. I have always learned that mutations are rare and have slim chances of occurring. This article has proved that to be wrong, showing that humans have actually evolved to control all the mutations that occur.