Are there beneficial human mutations? The curiosities of the human body take us on a journey of exploration through a perfect machine. A system that keeps us on our feet, that allows us to move as we please, that connects us with the stimuli and sensations of the outside world.
In recent years, the extraordinary progress in our knowledge of human genetics shows the infinite wealth that is yet to be revealed to us. But, in what we have been able to find out, the human mutationssome specific ones that make the people who own them, more resistant to disease or harsh environmental conditions.
These biological advantages are due to small genetic mutations that can occur over thousands of years, or in less than a century. Today in Supercurioso we bring out our scientific facet, to tell you about those beneficial mutations that make the most powerful and resistant human being.
7 human mutations that make us more powerful
The curiosities of genetics they remain quite far from the common population. It is a complex science, for whose understanding it is necessary to study years and years. But, in plain language, we want to talk to you today about those beneficial mutations, which have been presenting for years or centuries in some individuals of the human race, and that have helped improve your life or make your body a stronger and more resilient system. Let’s see together the human mutations that perhaps we all would like to have.
1. Sickle cell anemia
A deadly mutation that gives immunity against malaria? Yes, sickle cell anemia is a hereditary disease that consists of a deformation of red blood cells And that can have fatal consequences.
The disease arises when two genes carrying the disease are present in a person. anemiabut if you only have one, this friend could not be attacked by anemia and be resistant to malariaa disease that affects millions of people and annually kills about 600,000.
Although this gene occurs in humans of African descent, in the study of this mutation one of the cures against this disease could be found. Therefore, it is considered one of the beneficial mutations that strengthen the human race.
2. The absence of the PCSK9 gene
Sickle cell anemia can appear in four out of every thousand Afro-descendants. However, there are other human mutations in this group that many of us would like to have, such as the absence of the PCSK9 gene.
The absence of this gene allows eating all kinds of foods that normally increase cholesterol, such as fried foods and high-fat foods, without affecting the body.
The laboratories of large pharmaceutical companies have spent a decade developing a drug that inhibits the properties of this gene, so that we can take advantage of this advantage due to a genetic mutation. Without a doubt, it is a feature that we would all like to have in our systems.
3. Lack of CCR5 protein
We advance in this interesting list of the most significant beneficial mutations with another gene that could protect us in the same way as PCSK9, due to the absence. The lack of the CCR5 protein blocks the passage of the HIV virus into the cells of your body. ANDThat is to say, it provides you with some immunity or resistance to this terrible disease that has caused so much damage since the 1980s.
However, this kind of genetic mutation does not give you absolute immunity, as there have been cases of illnesses and even deaths among holders of this rare genetic advantage, which can only be found in 1% of Caucasian humans and in much smaller proportions in other groups.
4. SOST gene mutation
Not all human mutations are absent, like the previous three. For example, among the Afrikaners (South Africans of Dutch origin) the presence of a mutation of the SOST gene, inherited from one of the parents, can guarantee you a bone density that will not diminish over the years, that is, a guarantee against osteoporosis.
This gene controls sclerotin, a protein that regulates bone growth, but it has a small problem: when you receive it from both parents you can suffer from sclerostosis, a disorder associated with excessive bone growth and can lead to premature death. So this rare genetic quirk can be both positive and negative, depending on how it presents itself in the individual’s body.
5. See under water
Another of those beneficial and very curious mutations found in Asian inhabitants is the one that occurs among the Moken, also known as “sea gypsies” and who live on the coasts and islands of Burma and Thailand.
Moken children can see perfectly underwater –as the rest of us see on the surface– due to a genetic mutation that favors an adaptation of the eye when they are submerged.
This human adaptation to life in the sea could be replicated with children of other ethnic groups and even Europeans, which indicates that it is an ability that all human beings can develop, if they do so from childhood.
6. Resistance to low temperatures
Another of the most interesting human mutations has to do with the organism’s ability to adapt to the context in which its life unfolds. A clear example of this is the special resistance that the human body has been able to develop at low temperatures, through genetic mutations present in cultures as dissimilar as the Inuit, who populate the Arctic Circle, and the Australian aborigines.
Both peoples have developed organic adaptations that cannot be replicated even by inhabitants of another culture who have shared the same environmental conditions for several generations.
7. Less sleep, thanks to the DEC2 gene
Another of the most beneficial, though less common, human mutations is that of functioning well on less sleep. Most of us need seven to nine hours of rest every day for our body to function optimally.
But, less than 1% of the population manages very well with just about six hours. People with the mutated DEC2 gene have the ability to have more intense REM sleep, which makes their rest more effective. With 6 hours of sleep or less they feel fully rested and ready to face the day.
Human nature is extraordinary in its ability to transform itself and generate resistance to diseases such as osteoporosis, malaria or HIV, with just a few human mutations. But, let’s be honest, surely you are still thinking about that mutation that would allow you to eat all kinds of fried foods and foods with a high fat content with impunity, and continue to enjoy good health and maintain a stable weight. It would be great, wouldn’t it?
And you, Did you know about these beneficial mutations? Which of them would you like to have? Dare to leave us all your opinions in a comment. We will be happy to read you! And if you liked this topic, we recommend that you enjoy the article in which we tell you about Evil as a hereditary trait. We meet in a next super curious topic!