Tibetan people's genetic mutation enables them to survive with less oxygen
Posted: August 22, 2014 at 11:43 am
Researchers say Tibetans have a genetic variation that enables them to survive in high altitude, low oxygen environments This could explain how they can survive at heights of 14,800 feet (4,510m) The mutation is believed to have originated 8,000 years ago It gives them a selective advantage in their environment over other humans Finding could lead to novel solutions for diseases such as cancer Tibet is a high-altitude plateau region north-east of the Himalayas in China
By Jonathan O'Callaghan for MailOnline
Published: 03:43 EST, 21 August 2014 | Updated: 07:54 EST, 21 August 2014
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Sure, Wolverine's claws were impressive, but how would one of the most famous X-Men have coped if he'd tried to survive at a height of over 14,000ft (4,270 metres)?
The answer would most likely be 'not well', but while off-limits to some, it turns out that people such as Tibetans can thrive in the thin air of high-altitude areas thanks to an 8,000 year-old mutation.
Researchers say they've successfully identified this genetic variation for the first time, and it could explain how some people can survive in these extreme environments.
Researchers say Tibetans (pictured) have a genetic variation that enables them to survive in high altitude, low oxygen environments. This could explain how they can survive at heights of 14,800 feet (4,510m)
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Tibetan people's genetic mutation enables them to survive with less oxygen