My guest is Dr. Melissa Ilardo, Ph.D., professor of biomedical informatics at the University of Utah. We discuss the interplay between genes and behaviors, including how certain behaviors can improve resilience by changing gene and organ function, as well as natural selection events happening in humans today.

We also discuss the immune system–related reasons people find the smells of potential mates attractive—or not.

We explore how physical and psychological traits are passed from one generation to the next, and the specific behaviors that can influence gene expression to improve health and performance.

Melissa explains her lab’s pioneering research on breath-hold training and how activation of the dive reflex through breath holding can significantly improve oxygen availability by changing spleen size and function.

We also delve into the medical uses and ethics of gene editing to cure disease in both babies and adults.

For those interested in genes and inheritance, human performance, immune system function, and natural selection, this episode illustrates the remarkable interplay between human nature and nurture.

Read the episode show notes: https://go.hubermanlab.com/tceBStZ

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*Dr. Melissa Ilardo*
University of Utah academic profile: https://medicine.utah.edu/faculty/melissa-ilardo
Lab website: https://www.superhumanlab.org
Superhuman Lab – Media Coverage: https://www.superhumanlab.org/pages/5230
National Geographic article: https://www.nationalgeographic.com/health/article/jeju-korea-women-divers-genetic-adaptations
Bodies Remodeled for a Life at Sea (The New York Times): https://www.nytimes.com/2018/04/19/science/bajau-evolution-ocean-diving.html
How Asia's Super Divers Evolved for a Life At Sea (The Atlantic): https://www.theatlantic.com/science/archive/2018/04/bajau-sea-nomads-diving-evolution-spleen/558359
ResearchGate: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Melissa-Ilardo
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/superhumanscilab
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melissa-ilardo

*Timestamps*
00:00:00 Melissa Ilardo
00:02:35 Nature vs Nurture, Gene Expression, Eye Color
00:07:06 Sponsors: Joovv & Eight Sleep
00:10:24 Epigenetics, Trauma, Mutations; Hybrid Vigor, Mate Attraction
00:15:47 Globalization; Homo Sapiens, Mating & Evolution; Mutations
00:25:28 Sea Nomads, Bajau & Moken Groups; Free Diving, Dangers & Gasp Reflex
00:32:52 Cultural Traditions, Free Diving & Families; Fishing
00:35:36 Mammalian Dive Reflex, Oxygen, Spleen, Cold Water & Face; Exercise
00:42:43 Sponsors: AG1 & LMNT
00:46:00 Free Diving, Spleen, Thyroid Hormone, Performance Enhancement
00:52:00 Dive Reflex, Immune System; Swimming & Health; Coastal Regions & Genetics
00:55:17 Female Free Divers, Haenyeo, Cold Water, Age, Protein
01:03:20 Human Evolution & Diet, Lactase, Fat
01:05:07 Korean Female Free Divers & Adaptations, Cardiovascular, Pregnancy
01:10:13 Miscarriages & Genetic Selection; Bajau, External Appearance, Mate Selection
01:17:15 Sponsor: Function
01:19:03 Free Diving, Underwater Vision; Super-Performers & Genetics
01:25:01 Cognitive Performance, Autism, Creativity; Genetic Determinism & Mindset
01:36:30 Genetics & Ethics, CRISPR, Embryo Genetic Screening
01:44:36 Admixture, Genetics; Are Humans a Single Species?
01:49:39 Zero-Cost Support, YouTube, Spotify & Apple Follow & Reviews, Sponsors, YouTube Feedback, Protocols Book, Social Media, Neural Network Newsletter

Disclaimer & Disclosures: https://www.hubermanlab.com/disclaimer