Danny Jones Podcast #351 - DNA Expert: New Breakaway Human Species is Evolving in Indonesia | Dr. Melissa Ilardo
Nov 24, 2025
Dr. Melissa Ilardo, an expert in evolutionary genomics at the University of Utah, dives into the fascinating adaptations of the Bajo sea nomads, revealing their incredible breath-hold diving capabilities. She discusses how their unique genetics, including spleen size, shape their diving skills and explores similarities with other global diving communities. Ilardo also touches on the potential for humans to evolve 'aquatic' features and the ethical concerns surrounding genetic editing technologies like CRISPR, making for a riveting conversation on the future of human evolution.
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Genetic Diving Adaptation In Bajo
- The Bajo sea‑nomads show genetic adaptations to breath‑hold diving, notably larger spleens and oxygen management traits.
- Melissa Ilardo found these traits present even in non‑diving Bajo, indicating heredity rather than training.
Spleen As A Biological Scuba Tank
- The spleen acts as an oxygen reservoir by storing red blood cells that get released during breath‑hold dives.
- Spleen contraction can inject ~15% more oxygen into circulation to prolong safe dive time.
Bajo Diver's Extreme Breath Holds
- One Bajo diver claimed youth could hold breath up to 13 minutes, similar to world records without oxygen prebreath.
- Bajo divers achieve deep, active hunting without fins or modern gear, often using homemade equipment.
