The genetic adaptations that make South Korea's 'super divers' so special

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 shortwave@npr.org.Listen to every episode of Short Wave sponsor-free and support our work at NPR by signing up for Short Wave+ at plus.npr.org/shortwave.

Jun 20, 2025 - 08:08
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The genetic adaptations that make South Korea's 'super divers' so special
The Haenyeo, a group of female free divers who live on Jeju Island, are part of a fishing tradition that has existed for centuries. But what adaptations help them dive so far, for so long?

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 shortwave@npr.org.

Listen to every episode of Short Wave sponsor-free and support our work at NPR by signing up for Short Wave+ at
plus.npr.org/shortwave.

(Image credit: Lynn Gail/Robert Harding)