Genetic Adaptations and Evolution
Epigenetic changes influenced by environmental factors like trauma and starvation can
be passed down through generations, affecting gene expression without altering DNA
sequence.
Hybrid vigor in humans, supported by attraction to mates with dissimilar immune
systems (MHC complex), suggests genetic diversity from globalization can lead to
increased resilience and disease susceptibility.
Bajau and Moken sea nomads have evolved 50% larger spleens and genetic
adaptations enhancing diving ability, allowing breath-holds up to 13 minutes and dives
to 100 feet or more.
Denisovans contributed advantageous high-altitude survival genes to Homo sapiens
over 10,000 years ago, benefiting ancestral Tibetan populations.
Diet drives natural selection, exemplified by lactase persistence in Africa and Europe,
and lipid metabolism adaptations in Greenlandic Inuit consuming marine mammals.
Physiological Adaptations and Performance
The Mammalian Dive Reflex, triggered by breath-holding in cold water, alters spleen
physiology, increasing red blood cell count and oxygen availability by 10%.
Ethiopian highland runners may have biomechanical advantages and physiological
adaptations to high altitude, contributing to exceptional running abilities.
Korean Haenyeo sea women divers, with larger spleens and higher thyroid hormone
levels, exhibit enhanced cardiovascular health and longevity into their 70s and 80s.
Cold water facial immersion at 10°C/50°F triggers the mammalian dive reflex,
contracting the spleen to release oxygen-rich red blood cells.
A thyroid hormone gene variant in Bajau and Europeans correlates with larger spleens,
increased red blood cell count, hemoglobin, and hematocrit.
Behavioral and Cultural Influences
Cultural knowledge and traditional practices related to breath-hold diving are passed
down through generations in Bajau and Moken communities.
Bajau sea nomads test innate breath-hold diving ability by passing babies under
canoes, stimulating the vagal nerve to trigger the dive reflex.
Behavioral selection in dogs demonstrates that genes can influence both physical traits
and behavioral types, as seen in breeds like the Bolognese.
Mindset effects are powerful; telling people stress is good improves health, while
saying it's bad worsens health, significantly impacting well-being and performance.
Breath-hold training to activate the dive reflex can be used to optimize physiology and
health, as shown by Dr. Melissa Ilardo's research at the University of Utah.
Genetic Diversity and Mate Selection
Mate selection in humans may be influenced by smell, with attraction to individuals
having dissimilar immune system genes to produce offspring with broader pathogen
resistance.
Standing genetic variation in human populations allows for rapid evolution when
beneficial traits become advantageous in specific environments.
Attraction to potential mates' smells can indicate immune system compatibility and
influence genetic selection, even without the intention of having children.
Cognitive abilities like hyperfocus in autism may have genetic factors providing
advantages in STEM fields, correlating with higher proportions of engineering students
at Princeton University.
Genetic variations in populations like Bajau sea nomads may correlate with physical
traits considered attractive, suggesting a connection between genetics and mate
selection.
Medical and Ethical Considerations
CRISPR gene editing raises ethical concerns for use in humans, particularly for curing
diseases in babies and adults.
Embryo genetic screening and CRISPR technology blur the line between disease
prevention and enhancement, raising questions about genetic determinism.
Miscarriages often result from mutations creating non-viable embryos, acting as a
"genetic veto" on problematic mutations in multiple systems.
A genetic variant in Henyo women lowers diastolic blood pressure while diving,
protecting against hypertensive disorders in pregnancy, a strong driver of evolution.
Admixture occurs when different ancestry populations mix, creating challenges for
genetic studies and highlighting the lack of distinct human subspecies.
Research and Technology
Function's comprehensive lab testing analyzes over 100 biomarkers related to physical
and mental health, providing insights into genetic predispositions for traits like athletic
abilities.
A study showed that telling people their DNA indicates better performance led to
improved results and measurable biological changes, despite no actual genetic
differences.
Dr. Melissa Ilardo's pioneering research at the University of Utah focuses on breath-
hold training and its effects on spleen size and function.
Genetic variations can result from single base pair differences, like eye color, but most
often involve multiple genetic changes.
Bajau divers in Indonesia have been documented diving deeper than 200 feet, while
Henyo women in Korea dive to 30 feet without wetsuits until their 80s.
Human Evolution and Diversity
Humans have genetic variation, but no group has enough differences to be considered
a separate species, with even single base pair changes creating significant
differences.
Natural selection in diving populations favors individuals with genetic variations
enhancing diving safety and resource acquisition, impacting reproductive success.
The threshold for considering a group a separate species is unclear and not observed
in humans, despite genetic variations between populations.
Genetic adaptations in Henyo women include a phosphodiesterase variant allowing for
greater oxygen utilization and a significant drop in heart rate during dives.
Henyo women divers in Korea dive in extremely cold water without wetsuits until their
80s, shaping the population through natural selection acting on pregnant women.
Genetic variation in human populations allows for rapid adaptation to specific
environments, such as the ocean for diving populations.
