Episode 353
Adapting to Arsenic
People in the Andes have adapted to the high levels of arsenic in their surroundings.
Naked Scientists, In Short Special Editions Podcast · The Naked Scientists
March 9, 20153m 31s
Audio is streamed directly from the publisher (flex.acast.com) as published in their RSS feed. Play Podcasts does not host this file. Rights-holders can request removal through the copyright & takedown page.
Show Notes
In a remote area in the Andes mountain there exist perilously high levels of arsenic: one of the most toxic substances known to man. But people have been living there for thousands of years, and it has now been discovered that this population has adapted to this dangerous environment. The group have a DNA mutation associated with a fast metabolism- this means they can flush arsenic out of their system much more quickly than most people. Georgia Mills spoke to researcher Karin Broberg to find out more... Like this podcast? Please help us by supporting the Naked Scientists
Topics
nakscientistarsenicadaptedandhumanevolution