Humans Heal Slower Than Other Mammals, Study Reveals
A new study published in Proceedings of the Royal Society B reveals that humans take significantly longer to heal from wounds compared to other mammals, including primates like chimpanzees and baboons. Conducted by Akiko Matsumoto-Oda, an evolutionary biologist at the University of the Ryukyus, the research highlights an unusual evolutionary trade-off related to human hair loss and sweat production.
Matsumoto-Oda’s observations of wild baboons in Kenya showed that these animals frequently showed injuries and yet healed remarkably quickly. To investigate further, the study measured healing rates across different species, including humans. The research involved 24 patients undergoing skin tumor removals, five captive chimps, and several species of monkeys in Kenya, where the animals were monitored post-surgically.
Surprisingly, all the animal subjects, including primates and rodents, had similar skin regrowth rates, averaging about 0.62 millimeters per day, whereas humans regrew skin at only a quarter-millimeter per day. This significant disparity is attributed to the evolutionary loss of human hair follicles, which play a critical role in healing through the activation of stem cells.
Experts like Elaine Fuchs, a stem cell biologist, note that hair follicles contribute to a faster healing process. Our ancestors traded fur for a higher density of sweat glands, enabling better temperature regulation, especially during physical activity in hot environments. This adaptation may have outweighed the downside of slower healing.
The findings suggest that despite slower healing, support from social structures may have helped early humans survive injuries. This research not only deepens our understanding of human evolution but also highlights the complex trade-offs inherent in our biological development.
Note: The image is for illustrative purposes only and is not the original image of the presented article.
