The World's Most Talented People

Most Tibetans

Sherpas are known for guiding people up Mount Everest, the tallest mountain in the world. The Sherpas of Nepal and most Tibetans have traits that allow them to survive up in the mountains at around 4 kilometers (13,000 ft) above sea level. Just a few years ago, researchers had no idea why they were able to do this. Now, they know that 87 percent of Tibetans have a specific gene that allows them to use up to 40 percent less oxygen than the average human.