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Haenyeo Divers: Remarkable Adaptations Showcase Human Evolution

5/3/2025

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Summary

Story summary

In Jeju, South Korea, the Haenyeo—an inspiring group of elderly female divers—bravely uphold a centuries-old tradition of free diving for shellfish. Recent research reveals their remarkable genetic adaptations for cold tolerance and lower diving blood pressure, showcasing the profound connection between their extraordinary lifestyle and human evolution.

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Story summary

In Jeju, South Korea, the Haenyeo—an inspiring group of elderly female divers—bravely uphold a centuries-old tradition of free diving for shellfish. Recent research reveals their remarkable genetic adaptations for cold tolerance and lower diving blood pressure, showcasing the profound connection between their extraordinary lifestyle and human evolution.