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Cultural Evolution Outpaces Genetics in Human Progress

9/23/2025

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Summary

Story summary

University of Maine researchers say cultural evolution now dominates human evolution, surpassing genetics.
Zachary Wood notes rapid cultural progress outpacing genetic change.
Timothy Waring adds that cultural practices, including technology and healthcare, impact well-being more than genetics.
Evolutionary Transition in Individuality (ETI) envisions humans becoming a culture-based superorganism, with a framework to measure the transition.

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Story summary

University of Maine researchers say cultural evolution now dominates human evolution, surpassing genetics.
Zachary Wood notes rapid cultural progress outpacing genetic change.
Timothy Waring adds that cultural practices, including technology and healthcare, impact well-being more than genetics.
Evolutionary Transition in Individuality (ETI) envisions humans becoming a culture-based superorganism, with a framework to measure the transition.