ScienceDaily (July 5, 2010)
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/07/100701204354.htm
Scientists have found a adaptation in high altitude mice to use oxygen more efficiently than low altitude mice. The Andean mouse species have been able to maximize their energy while little oxygen is in the air. These mice prefer carbohydrates as a source of energy instead of fatty acids. This prefrence has made it possible for them to get the most energy while in such a low oxygen filled environment. While scientists have just recently discovered this, they believe this prefrence for carbohydrates has also been adapted into other mammals. Even high-altitude native humans have adapted this method. The increased use of carbohydrates has been proven to lead to more energy produced.
This discovery has proven to be very interesting and possibly usefull. I think we should see how low altitude humans could get the most energy produced with the oxygen amount surronding them. The method high altitude mice use could be helpfull to us and I think scientists should study more about this species.
Do you believe this adaptation could be helpful to us?
Should scientists study more about these mice and their preference for carbohydrates?
Do you think the high-altitude mice have a advantage over the low-altitude mice, while surviving?
While I think that more energy-efficient humans sounds like a good idea, I am still skeptical when it comes to modifying our tried and true bodies. As far as I know, nature tends to have "don't fix it if it ain't broke" approach. If low-altitude humans truly required this adaptation, then wouldn't they have evolved it naturally? How do we know that this won't have adverse effects as well as positive? If we are to implement this idea then careful testing will be of the utmost importance.
ReplyDeleteYes i agree with Connor. While this may seem like a good idea, you never now what nature has in store for you. Before we attempt to get humans to adapt to this nature, we should do more research just to make sure it is safe.
ReplyDeleteOverall, i do not think the high altitude mice have an advantage over the low altitude ones. They have both adapted to their environment and until they are placed in each others environment, there really isn't an advantage.
I agree with Connor and Aadit. Acquiring something like an adaptation would require genetic engineering and could prove go be dangerous. I also agree with Connor where he says "don't fix it if it ain't broke." we have already come this far as a species and it seems unnecessary to take such risks. After all, we still have technology to enhance us if our adaptations fall short. I don't think that the higher altitude mice have an advantage over the low altitude ones. I think that the high altitude mice just had to adapt to a tougher environment. If the low altitude mice need to, they will eventually evolve to make up for their disadvantage.
ReplyDeleteI think Connor said it perfectly with the "don't fix it if it ain't broke" statement. We as a species have learned to adapt to many hardships and while this method could be useful, if we need to adapt we will. I think that scientists should keep this in the back of their minds in case we need this adaption, and now we have it as an option. I think it should be studied, but scientists should also focus on matters that we need right now, rather than possibilities in the future.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Ryan and Aadit when they say that there really isn't an advantage. The higher altitude mice just had to adapt to their environment. Unlike when say, flying squrrels adapted and lived in the same environment as regular squirrels, these mice live in two different environments and they did what was right for them.