Human's Capability to Walk with Balance: Genes Unveiled

New York: Scientists have made groundbreaking discoveries about genes that bestowed humans with the ability to stand upright and walk correctly 60 million years ago.

Researchers have identified these genes responsible for shaping the structure of early humans, from "shoulder width to the length of legs," as reported in the Journal of Science.

The study published in the journal highlights the scientists' identification of variables (changes in DNA sequence) that may be linked to possible associations with arthritis (a condition of pain and inflammation in the joints) and could significantly enhance the diagnosis of this disease for doctors in the future.

Professor Tarjinder Singh, one of the co-leaders of the research affiliated with Columbia University, stated that on a practical level, researchers have explored such genetic variables and skeletal adaptations that correspond to the hips, knees, and lumbar region.

Walking with balance on two legs, known as bipedalism, is a fundamental characteristic of humans. It is believed that this trait aided early humans in adapting to different environments and freed their hands to create tools.

Researchers from the University of Columbia and Texas were eager to understand more about this genetic alteration that led to a transformation in the way chimpanzees walk, causing them to start walking on two legs.

Scientists were also keen to find out whether this same alteration increased the risk of arthritis in humans.