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What Makes South Korea's 'Super Divers' Special?

Author
NPR ([email protected])
Published
Fri 20 Jun 2025
Episode Link
https://www.npr.org/2025/06/20/1254460259/diving-korea-genetics-science

For generations, the all-female Haenyeo divers have routinely dove into frigid waters off the coast of South Korea, holding their breath for minutes at a time, as they collect seafood to eat and sell. These women start diving as girls and continue well into old age. And recent research suggests that it's not just years of training that makes this feat possible – it's also a set of special genetic adaptations. Science reporter Ari Daniel brings us the story.

Read more of Ari's reporting here.

Have another story about biology and genetics for us to consider? Email us at [email protected].

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