My latest paper, “Reconstruction of the human amylase locus reveals ancient duplications seeding modern-day variation“ has garnered significant attention from leading publications, including CNN and The New York Times, as well as praise from scientists in the field. The study, published in the journal Science, explores the evolutionary history of the AMY1 gene, which plays a critical role in humans’ ability to digest starch, shedding light on how our ancestors adapted to carbohydrate-rich diets long before the advent of agriculture.
CNN highlighted the study’s findings, emphasizing how the research challenges long-held assumptions about ancient human diets. The article notes that the duplication of the AMY1 gene likely occurred hundreds of thousands of years ago, predating the emergence of Homo sapiens and even Neanderthals. This discovery suggests that starch consumption was a key factor in human evolution, potentially fueling the growth of our brains.
In a recent article, Science delved into the fascinating evolutionary history of the salivary amylase gene (AMY1), highlighting how our work, alongside complementary findings in Nature, sheds light on the genetic mechanisms behind starch digestion and its ties to human adaptation. The article emphasizes how our research traces the origins of AMY1 duplications, revealing their role in shaping dietary adaptations as ancient humans transitioned to starch-rich diets.
The study has also sparked discussions among scientists, with experts like Taylor Hermes, an assistant professor of anthropology at the University of Arkansas, calling the findings “compelling evidence” of how humans evolved to metabolize starches efficiently. Christina Warinner, a professor at Harvard University, praised the research as “extremely impressive,” noting its success in reconstructing ancient dietary shifts that shaped human evolution.
This coverage underscores the significance of our findings in unraveling the complex interplay between genetics, evolution, and human history. We’re thrilled to see our work sparking conversations across scientific and mainstream media, furthering our understanding of the genetic legacy that continues to influence modern human variation.
EXTERNAL LINKS:
Science – How humans evolved a starch-digesting superpower long before farming
CNN – Scientists pinpoint the origins of humanity’s love of carbs
The New York Times – How Early Humans Evolved to Eat Starch
