How we are evolving

The Indonesian Bajau people south of the Suwanesi live only by fishing and are able to hold their breath for up to 13 minutes and descend to a depth of 70 meters. Recent studies have confirmed that they all have a gene, PDE104, that causes them to grow a larger spleen than normal, as much as 50 percent, giving them an extra supply of oxygen during dives. Thanks to this evolutionary adaptation, the Bajau can dive up to 8 hours a day and do not suffer from typical diver illnesses such as decompression syndrome.

Himalayan Sherpas are exceptional climbers and do not suffer from hypoxia or “mountain sickness” like people living at lower altitudes. It has been found that their blood is less dense than ours but contains high doses of nitric oxide, a substance that dilates blood vessels ensuring better blood circulation, reduces oxidative stress on cells, physical recovery time and increases muscle growth. This is all due to the mutation of the EGLN1 and EPAS1 genes that allow them to have fatigue resistance unthinkable for us Westerners and to breathe smoothly at high altitudes.

The Inuit people sweat only on their faces, this evolutionary adaptation is to prevent their clothes from freezing from sweat, but that is the…