A Reexamination of Peto's Paradox: Insights Gained from Human Adaptation to Varied Levels of Ionizing and Non-ionizing Radiation

Abstract

Overview

Humans have evolved adaptations to protect against various environmental factors including UV and background ionizing radiation. This study compares such human adaptations to those of large, long-lived animals like elephants and whales which have evolved mechanisms to combat cancer.

Findings

• Comparison of cancer protection in humans and larger mammals like elephants and whales which possess multiple copies of the p53 gene.
• Discussion on the impact of genetics, lifestyle, environmental exposure, and evolutionary pressures on cancer protection strategies.
• Emphasis on regions with high background radiation such as Ramsar, Iran, highlighting local human adaptations.

Conclusion

The study suggests that understanding elephant adaptations may provide new insights into cancer prevention and treatment methodologies for humans, although more research is needed to explore these evolutionary disparities.