In a groundbreaking discovery that is baffling scientists across the globe, researchers have identified a Southeast Asian tribe with a rare genetic mutation that enables them to stay underwater for up to five hours a day — without any diving equipment.
The Bajau tribe, also known as “sea nomads,” have lived for centuries off the coasts of Indonesia, Malaysia, and the Philippines. Known for their incredible free-diving skills, recent genetic studies have revealed that members of this tribe carry a unique “mutant gene” that significantly enhances their diving capabilities.
According to researchers from Oxford University and other global institutions, the Bajau have larger spleens than average humans — a trait linked to increased oxygen storage. This adaptation allows them to hunt, fish, and forage underwater for prolonged periods, sometimes reaching depths of 70 meters (230 feet) on a single breath.
Geneticist Dr. Melissa Ilardo, who led the study, explained:
“This is the first known example in humans of natural selection acting on a gene that affects our physiology for diving. It’s like real-life evolution unfolding before our eyes.”
The gene, PDE10A, is believed to regulate spleen size, directly influencing how long a person can hold their breath. Unlike most humans who can hold their breath for 1-2 minutes, trained Bajau divers can stay submerged for up to 13 minutes per dive — and they do this repeatedly for several hours a day.
This discovery not only offers insights into human adaptability but also opens new doors for research in medicine, especially in areas like hypoxia treatment, deep-sea exploration, and even space travel.
The world may not be far from unlocking the secrets of our own evolutionary potential — and the Bajau may just be the key.
