An analysis of genes associated with responses to burn injuries found that, of 94 total, at least 9 and as many as 19 show positive selection in humans but not in non-human primates. This suggests that human evolution has included adaptive responses to burn injuries.

Summary: https://scitechdaily.com/surviving-burns-may-have-changed-human-evolution/

Original paper: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/bies.70109

#Science #Evolution #Burns #Genetics

Surviving Burns May Have Changed Human Evolution

Frequent burn exposure may have driven human genetic adaptations that improve healing but worsen severe injury outcomes. Humans may have been shaped in part by an unexpected force: repeated exposure to high-temperature burn injuries. New research suggests this long history has influenced how the

SciTechDaily

@rdnielsen

Wow! Makes me wonder about genes related to smoke inhalation also.

@lemgandi

Good thought. There are probably numerous responses that might be looked at--not only immunological, but also genes pertaining to asthma, tracheal cilia activity, mucus production, and coughing.