The Bajau tribe of Indonesia are now the first known group of humans to adapt genetically to deep-sea diving. Members of the tribe can dive to 230 feet (70 metres) depth without special equipment. Dr Melissa Ilardo, from the University of Utah, said '[they spend] about 60 percent of their time underwater.'
The evidence suggests that the Bajau have genetically boosted thyroid output that causes an enlarged spleen, which in turn helps to store and release oxygenated blood into the body on deep dives. The PDE10A gene, thought to be responsible for this effect, has been dubbed the 'sea nomad gene'. The findings are published in the journal Cell.
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