Evolution based on collaboration and human superpowers

Scientists from the University of California have discovered that some individuals possess abilities that go beyond the norm and can be considered “superpowers”. For instance, sherpas living in the Himalayas have the ability to survive in an atmosphere with 40% less oxygen than sea level regions. They have evolved to maintain low levels of red blood cells in their blood. Meanwhile, Bajau from the Philippines, Malaysia, and Indonesia can dive underwater longer than most without diving equipment. Studies indicate that they can stay submerged for up to 13 minutes and dive to a depth of up to 70 meters, probably due to their larger spleen, which stores a reserve of oxygenated red blood cells.

Evolutionary biologist Jonathan Silvertown suggests that many phenomena in the natural world, including certain types of predation and parasitism, are based on cooperation. The fact that humans, animals, and even single-celled organisms work together to survive indicates that there is more to life than just competition and natural selection. Cooperation occurs because, from a biological standpoint, mutual benefits are better than working alone, as demonstrated by the example of humpback whales grazing herring and other fish before feeding on them.

Research conducted at the Max Planck Institute of Psycholinguistics in the Netherlands indicates that genes involved in early brain development can influence brain asymmetry and mental health. Individuals with schizophrenia are almost twice as likely to be left- or ambidextrous, and they are about three times more likely to develop autism.