Overview
- An Imperial College London–led team reports in BioEssays that long-term exposure to fire likely selected for traits that improved survival after frequent minor burns.
- Cross-primate analyses identify accelerated evolution in human genes tied to wound closure, inflammation, immune defense, and skin architecture.
- The authors hypothesize features such as a thicker dermis, deeper hair follicles and sweat glands, faster inflammatory responses, quicker wound sealing, and stronger pain signaling.
- The study argues that adaptations beneficial for small injuries may worsen severe burns, contributing to extreme inflammation, scarring, and organ failure.
- Clinicians and researchers note potential to clarify variable healing and the limits of animal models, while stressing the need for functional validation and broader population studies.