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Study Reveals Evolving Sense of Smell in Indigenous Malaysians

4/19/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Researchers report that the human sense of smell is evolving, especially among Indigenous groups in Malaysia.
A study of 50 Orang Asli genomes finds hunter-gatherers like the Negrito retain more intact smell genes than farming communities.
The findings indicate ongoing evolutionary pressure on smell genes shaped by food and environment.
Despite losing over 60% of smell genes, olfactory receptors remain crucial for survival.

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Story summary

Researchers report that the human sense of smell is evolving, especially among Indigenous groups in Malaysia.
A study of 50 Orang Asli genomes finds hunter-gatherers like the Negrito retain more intact smell genes than farming communities.
The findings indicate ongoing evolutionary pressure on smell genes shaped by food and environment.
Despite losing over 60% of smell genes, olfactory receptors remain crucial for survival.