A groundbreaking study from the University of Adelaide in Australia provides fresh evidence that Homo sapiens continues to evolve. Researchers have documented a significant increase in the prevalence of the median artery—a key blood vessel in the forearm—since the late 19th century.
During embryonic development, the median artery supplies blood to the forearm and hand before typically regressing around eight weeks gestation, giving way to the radial and ulnar arteries. Historically, its persistence into adulthood was rare.
The latest findings, published in the Journal of Anatomy, reveal that one in three people now retain this artery. Lead author Dr. Teghan Lucas predicts the trend will persist for at least the next 80 years, potentially becoming the norm when over 50% of the global population exhibits it.
"Anatomists have tracked this artery since the 18th century, and our analysis shows a clear rise: from about 10% in those born around the mid-1880s to 30% in individuals born in the late 20th century—a substantial shift over a short evolutionary timescale," Dr. Lucas explains. Possible drivers include genetic mutations affecting artery development or maternal health issues during pregnancy. If the pattern holds, "a majority will have a persistent median artery by 2100."
Aligning with Darwin's natural selection, the advantages of this trait remain unclear but intriguing. A persistent median artery might enhance forearm strength or finger dexterity through increased blood flow—though these are hypotheses requiring further study.
This joins other signs of ongoing human evolution, such as the declining presence of wisdom teeth and the increasing occurrence of the fabella, a small bone behind the knee.
