Human healing rates trail behind those of other primates, according to a new study.
Rewritten Article:
Let's dive into an intriguing field of study – the disparity in wound healing between humans and our primate pals. Researchers took a closer look at recovery rates post-tumor removal in humans and compared them with chimps, baboons, and macaques who underwent surgical procedures under anesthesia.
The findings, published in the Proceedings of the Royal Society B, revealed that human wounds heal at a slower pace of roughly 0.25 mm per day compared to the apes' healing rate of around 0.6 mm. Incredulously, rats and mice showed similar healing patterns.
Why is that, you ask? It's a question that scientists have been pondering. One theory suggests our skin becoming thicker and denser due to our ancestors losing their fur called for more healing time. Furthermore, our lack of regeneration capacities has historically been compensated by our social behavior, with group members providing support and care for the injured [1].
Take, for instance, the skull of an ancient Homo erectus found at Dmanisi around 1.8 million years ago, almost entirely toothless. Its survival in such conditions was probably due to social cooperation, like food preparation and nutritional support from peers. Similarly, the remains of Shanidar-1, a Neanderthal male, showed evidence of a severe head injury, a lost right hand (possibly from childhood), and defective right foot. His survival into middle age suggests prolonged care and assistance from fellow group members, including sharing food and nursing [1].
Interestingly, American researchers discovered a correlation between wealth and left-handedness!
[1] Enrichment Data: The difference in healing rates between humans and apes is a complex topic in evolutionary biology, with various factors contributing to the slow healing of human wounds, such as evolutionary trade-offs, skin structure, and inflammation response. Historically, theories have suggested lifestyle and environmental factors play a role in these differences. However, further scientific investigation is needed to confirm these hypotheses and provide a thorough understanding of the mechanisms behind the observed healing rate disparities. Collaborative research in comparative anatomy, physiology, and evolutionary biology could provide valuable insights into this fascinating subject. The Anthropogeny Publications Exchange (APE) could serve as a useful resource for exploring these topics further.
I, as a human, am inherently different in terms of healing from medical-conditions like wounds when compared to my primate counterparts, such as chimps, baboons, and macaques. Unlike the apes who heal at a faster rate of approximately 0.6 mm per day, my wounds heal at a slower pace, about 0.25 mm per day. This can be attributed to the thicker and denser skin in humans, a result of our ancestors losing their fur, requiring more healing time. Moreover, I must prioritize health-and-wellness and invest time in fitness-and-exercise to maintain a speedy recovery and promote overall well-being.
