Tibetans are still evolving, thanks to this gene variant
Tibetans living high up in Nepal are still adapting to their extreme environment, according to a new study.
Researchers followed 417 women from Upper Mustang and found that certain traits linked to oxygen use and heart health actually help them have more children.
The science behind it
Women with the most kids had just the right balance: moderate hemoglobin levels (so their blood didn't get too thick), high blood oxygen, strong lung blood flow, and bigger left heart ventricles.
These features make it easier for their bodies to handle low-oxygen mountain air.
It all comes down to 1 gene
Turns out, these helpful traits are tied to a special version of the EPAS1 gene—unique among Tibetans, inherited from Denisovans, and shaped by thousands of years of natural selection.
This genetic tweak helps them thrive where most people would struggle.
Why does this matter?
The study shows evolution isn't just ancient history—it's happening right now.
As anthropologist Cynthia Beall explains, this is "a case of ongoing natural selection," proving that humans keep changing as our environments do.