The Bajau tribe of Indonesia has captured the attention of scientists and researchers around the world. They are now recognized as the first known group of humans to have undergone genetic adaptations that allow them to dive with extraordinary efficiency. This remarkable ability is a result of their unique lifestyle, which has been shaped by centuries of living in harmony with the sea.
For over 1,000 years, the Bajau people have made their homes on houseboats along the coasts of Indonesia. Their lives are deeply intertwined with the ocean, and they spend a significant portion of their time underwater. This has led to the development of exceptional skills in free diving and spear fishing. Members of the tribe can dive up to 230 feet using only weights and wooden goggles, showcasing their incredible physical capabilities.
According to Melissa Ilardo, a researcher from Cambridge University, the Bajau people dive for up to eight hours a day, spending about 60% of that time submerged. However, it’s not just their training and skill that enable this feat—it’s also a genetic mutation known as the “sea nomad gene.” This mutation gives them larger spleens, which play a crucial role in the human dive response.
The tribe that evolved to stay underwater longer – BBC REEL
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When the body is submerged in water, the spleen contracts to release oxygenated red blood cells into the bloodstream. This process can increase the oxygen levels in the blood by up to nine percent, which is vital for prolonged underwater activity. The Bajau people’s larger spleens provide them with a natural advantage when diving.
Dr. Ilardo explained, “While there isn’t much information about human spleens in terms of physiology and genetics, we know that deep-diving seals like the Weddell seal have disproportionately large spleens. We believe the Bajau have an adaptation that increases thyroid hormone levels, which in turn leads to a larger spleen.”
She added, “Studies on mice have shown that thyroid hormones and spleen size are connected. If mice are genetically altered to lack the thyroid hormone T4, their spleen size is significantly reduced. However, this effect can be reversed with an injection of T4.”
Although it’s challenging to determine exactly how long the Bajau people can remain underwater, some individuals claim to have stayed submerged for as long as 13 minutes. This level of endurance is truly remarkable and highlights the unique physiological traits of the Bajau people.
Unfortunately, the traditional way of life of the Bajau tribe is currently under threat. Their nomadic lifestyle makes it difficult for them to obtain citizenship, and commercial fishing has severely impacted their food supply. As a result, their cultural heritage and way of life are at risk of disappearing.
Other recent scientific discoveries include findings about people who live past 90, the possibility that we may all live inside a computer simulation, and the discovery of a massive ocean beneath the Earth’s crust. These breakthroughs continue to expand our understanding of the world and the universe.
This article was first published on November 30, 2023.
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