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4d ago

Study Reveals Genetic and Physiological Adaptations in Jeju’s Haenyeo Divers

Research identifies gene variants and training effects that enhance diving abilities, with implications for health and evolutionary science.

Image
(Credit: Melissa Ilardo)
A group of Haenyeo pose for photographers as they perform a demonstration during a media event on November 6, 2015. The term "Haenyeo," or "sea women," refers to women who use free-diving techniques to retrieve shell fish from the sea floor.
Legendary Female Free-Divers Reveal Evolution in Action on South Korean Island

Overview

  • A study published on May 2, 2025, in *Cell Reports* highlights genetic adaptations in Jeju's Haenyeo divers, including variants linked to cold tolerance, reduced diastolic blood pressure, and red blood cell regulation.
  • Haenyeo divers exhibit pronounced bradycardia—a significant slowing of heart rate during dives—attributed to lifelong training rather than genetics.
  • The research suggests that lower blood pressure adaptations may have evolved to protect divers and their unborn children during pregnancy, mitigating risks like preeclampsia.
  • Jeju Island residents, including non-divers, share these genetic traits, which may contribute to the region's notably low stroke mortality rates.
  • The findings open avenues for medical research into hypertension and stroke treatments while documenting the physiological legacy of a declining cultural tradition.