Original photo by andriano.cz/ Shutterstock
Author Octavia E. Butler once wrote, “The only lasting truth is change” — and this goes for our genome, too. During cell division, DNA replicates with staggering efficiency, producing only one error in around 100 million to 1 billion replicated nucleotides, the building block of the DNA molecule.
Although evolution has developed a robust system known as “proofreading” for catching these errors, some still manage to sneak through. Once established in the genome, the body no longer registers this bit of genetic code as an error, and so it survives in perpetuity as a “mutation.”
These mutations have led to detrimental health effects and relatively benign changes alike. Sometimes, though, a mutation can provide people with profound benefits. While not quite as drastic as enhanced strength, X-ray vision, or other fantastical superhuman powers, a few of these mutations have impressive side effects nonetheless.
Reduced Need for Sleep
People often describe themselves as “night owls” or “early birds,” but people with a mutation in the DEC2 gene (which plays a crucial role in regulating sleep) can enjoy the benefits of both thanks to their reduced need for sleep. Although eight hours is the most common definition of a full night’s rest, scientists have long attested that this figure can vary based on a person’s age, health, and environment, suggesting seven to nine hours as a more reasonable estimate.
However, some people with a DEC2 mutation can get by on just four hours of sleep and still feel refreshed. A 2018 study found that DEC2 helps regulate your circadian rhythm (aka your body’s “clock”), but when weakened by this gene mutation, it causes an overproduction of orexin, a hormone that maintains wakefulness. So if you’re ever frustrated there aren’t more hours in the day, feel free to blame your nonmutated DEC2 gene.
Increased Bone Density
In 2002, scientists at Yale published a groundbreaking study focused on one particular family in Danbury, Connecticut, with a gene mutation in the LRP5 gene, which regulates bone metabolism. In other words, their bones were super strong. At the time, the researchers reported to Yale Medicine Magazine that the family had “about the strongest bones on the entire planet.”
The family’s mutational benefit has proved to be a gift to the rest of us normal-boned folks, too, because another mutation of the LRP5 gene plays a major role in the development of some severe cases of osteoporosis. The exploration into this family’s genetic history could help develop novel therapies for increasing bone density in patients suffering from the condition.
The Ability To Drink Milk
Humans are the only mammals on Earth that drink the milk of other mammalian species — cow, sheep, goat, etc. We weren’t originally intended to ingest milk beyond infancy, but thanks to a mutation in the lactase gene that occurred around 10,000 years ago, 32% of humans can break down the lactose sugar found in these milks as adults.
So while a large swath of the planet can enjoy dairy worry-free (beyond environmental concerns, that is), millions of people are actually unaware of their own intolerance, as the side effects can be relatively mild. Also, some people have the ability to break down lactase sometimes — but not always. If you’re curious about your body’s lactose-nomming abilities, medical providers have a few methods, including blood sugar and hydrogen breath tests, to provide you with answers — and you can always take a supplement to give you temporary lactase-mutation powers.
More Interesting Reads
Superhuman Vision
The human eye is a wonder of evolution, but it turns out a mutated human eye is even more astounding. Typically, eyes sense color using three cones sensitive to red, blue, and green. However, a genetic mutation in the X chromosome causes some people to develop a fourth cone sensitive to the yellow-green area of the visual spectrum.
These people, known as tetrachromats (“tetra” meaning four), can see many millions more colors than a typical human. Women are more likely to have this condition due to their two X chromosomes; conversely, men (who have only one X chromosome) have increased chances of being colorblind.
Increased Diabetes Resistance
More than 30 million adults have diabetes in the U.S. alone, and researchers have long sought new ways to fight this pervasive condition. In a 2018 study, scientists reported the mutation in the gene SGLT1 (sodium glucose cotransporter 1) that causes limited absorption of glucose imparted some other profound health impacts among 6% of the 8,478 participants.
Not only did this impaired glucose uptake lower someone’s risk for developing Type 2 diabetes, but it also curtailed incidences of obesity, heart failure, and early death. At the time, the researchers hoped selectively blocking SGLT1 could help improve the average human lifespan. In the following years, scientists developed drugs capable of inhibiting SGLT1 as well as SGLT2, which also regulates blood sugar levels in the kidneys, bringing much-needed relief to millions.
Darren Orf lives in Portland, has a cat, and writes about all things science and climate. You can find his previous work at Popular Mechanics, Inverse, Gizmodo, and Paste, among others.
top picks from the optimism network
Interesting Facts is part of Optimism, which publishes content that uplifts, informs, and inspires.
