Back to today’s briefing

Story perspectives

Turkana's Rare Gene Variant Boosts Survival in Dry Climate

9/28/2025

33 4

Summary

Story summary

The Turkana of Northern Kenya possess a rare STC1 gene variant aiding dehydration survival, per Cornell University-led study.
The variant evolved 5,000–8,000 years ago as climate dried, enabling kidney water conservation.
Carriers showed about 5% higher reproductive rate, with similar STC1 adaptations among the Daasanach.
Urban migration could raise health risks by increasing susceptibility to chronic diseases like hypertension.

1 of 1

Story summary

The Turkana of Northern Kenya possess a rare STC1 gene variant aiding dehydration survival, per Cornell University-led study.
The variant evolved 5,000–8,000 years ago as climate dried, enabling kidney water conservation.
Carriers showed about 5% higher reproductive rate, with similar STC1 adaptations among the Daasanach.
Urban migration could raise health risks by increasing susceptibility to chronic diseases like hypertension.