Some people have abilities that resemble the superpowers of comic book or science fiction movie characters. Instead, they are widespread in remote populations, as a result of adaptation and the secular work of some geniuses. Moreover, by studying these secret abilities, scientists could develop a cure for some diseases.
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Some people have abilities that resemble the superpowers of comic book or science fiction movie characters. Instead, they are widespread in remote populations, as a result of adaptation and the secular work of some geniuses. Moreover, by studying these secret abilities, scientists could develop a cure for some diseases. So here are some examples of real “superpowers“.
Eliud Kipchoge, Olympic marathon champion in Rio de Janeiro 2016 (2h03’05”) is just the latest in a long list. As many will know, the best marathon runners in the world come from Kenya. What many don’t know is that most of these runners come from a particular population. They are the Kalenjin, who live in the central Rift Valley. This is the area of East Africa where the first hominids in history would have appeared.
Scientists and researchers have been studying them for a long time to discover the secrets that allow them to dominate long-distance running. Among them, there are genetic reasons. In fact, research by the University of Copenhagen compared the physical structure of young Dutch people with that of Kalenjin. They showed that the latter have on average longer and tapered legs. This is important because individuals who have smaller ankles and calves use energy more effectively.
The Bajau Laut people of Indonesia are called sea nomads because on average they spend 60% of their life in the water. In particular, they have an uncommon ability to hold their breath. Just think that the most experienced can resist up to 13 minutes before returning to the surface to breathe.
Researchers at the University of Copenhagen have discovered that the secret of the Bajau is their spleen, which is larger than normal (up to 50%). According to the scientists, in fact, the size of the spleen is linked to the ability to make the blood richer in oxygen. And this condition allows you to stay underwater for longer. This “anomaly” is in turn due to a gene that produces higher levels of the thyroid hormone T4.
Laron syndrome is a disorder that causes mutation in the human growth hormone receptor, causing dwarfism. It is common among members of a population in a remote village in Ecuador. No one paid attention to it until Dr. Jaime Guevara-Aguirre discovered that people with this syndrome are almost immune to diabetes and cancer. On the contrary, those who do not have it are highly susceptible to cancer and diabetes.