Ingenious

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Ingenious: The Milkshake Gene

The Milkshake Gene

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Find out what you're made of, one gene at a time - with Dr Kat Arney

Why have some humans evolved the lifelong ability to tuck into dairy foods, when no other mammals have? And why is farting a vital part of the story? With Dr Kat Arney.

Are you dairy intolerant? If so, you’re not alone – more than two-thirds of adults in the world are unable to digest delicious milkshakes and other dairy products properly. 10,000 years ago all humans were like that. So why on earth did some of us evolve the ability to tuck into cheese, butter and cream with a vengeance? And why are farming - and farting - vital parts of the story?

Dr Kat Arney finds out, with the help of evolution expert Professor Mark Thomas of UCL. 

Presenter: Kat Arney
Producer: Beth Sagar-Fenton

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