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 at hubermanlab.com.
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Timestamps
Melissa Ilardo
Nature vs Nurture, Gene Expression, Eye Color
Sponsors: Joovv & Eight Sleep
Epigenetics, Trauma, Mutations; Hybrid Vigor, Mate Attraction
Globalization; Homo Sapiens, Mating & Evolution; Mutations
Sea Nomads, Bajau & Moken Groups; Free Diving, Dangers & Gasp Reflex
Cultural Traditions, Free Diving & Families; Fishing
Mammalian Dive Reflex, Oxygen, Spleen, Cold Water & Face; Exercise
Sponsors: AG1 & LMNT
Free Diving, Spleen, Thyroid Hormone, Performance Enhancement
Dive Reflex, Immune System; Swimming & Health; Coastal Regions & Genetics
Female Free Divers, Haenyeo, Cold Water, Age, Protein
Human Evolution & Diet, Lactase, Fat
Korean Female Free Divers & Adaptations, Cardiovascular, Pregnancy
Miscarriages & Genetic Selection; Bajau, External Appearance, Mate Selection
Sponsor: Function
Free Diving, Underwater Vision; Super-Performers & Genetics
Cognitive Performance, Autism, Creativity; Genetic Determinism & Mindset
Genetics & Ethics, CRISPR, Embryo Genetic Screening
Admixture, Genetics; Are Humans a Single Species?
Zero-Cost Support, YouTube, Spotify & Apple Follow & Reviews, Sponsors, YouTube Feedback, Protocols Book, Social Media, Neural Network Newsletter
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