️ Episode 135: Global impact of micronutrients in modern human evolution

In this episode of PaperCast Base by Base, we explore how dietary micronutrients have influenced modern human evolution. The study investigates the role of essential minerals in shaping genetic adaptation and highlights the health risks posed by imbalances in micronutrient availability worldwide.

Study Highlights:
Researchers analyzed 276 genes linked to 13 micronutrients across 40 diverse human populations. Using whole-genome data and evolutionary simulations, they identified widespread signatures of positive selection in genes associated with nutrient uptake, metabolism, and regulation. Their findings suggest that deficiencies in elements such as selenium, iodine, iron, and zinc have repeatedly driven local adaptation across global populations. The study also reveals that oligogenic selection, acting on multiple genes at once, may have been a common mechanism of adaptation. Importantly, patterns of selection often correspond with geographic differences in soil composition and diet, underscoring the deep link between human genetics and the environment.

Conclusion:
This research shows that micronutrient deficiencies have been a powerful selective force in human history and remain relevant today as soil depletion and climate change continue to shape global health risks.

Reference:
Rees, J., Castellano, S., & Andrés, A. M. (2025). Global impact of micronutrients in modern human evolution. *The American Journal of Human Genetics*, 112, 1–24. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ajhg.2025.08.005

License:
This episode is based on an open-access article published under the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (CC BY 4.0) – https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

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On PaperCast Base by Base you’ll discover the latest in genomics, functional genomics, structural genomics, and proteomics.