Study Finds Red Hair Gene Favored by Natural Selection Over Last 10,000 Years
A comprehensive genetics study published in The Guardian reveals that the gene responsible for red hair and fair skin has been actively favored by natural selection in Europe for over 10,000 years. Analyzing DNA from nearly 16,000 ancient human remains and more than 6,000 living individuals, scientists provided compelling evidence that human biological evolution has continued rapidly since the advent of agriculture, contradicting theories that it had plateaued. The research identified 479 genetic variants under selection, suggesting that traits like red hair likely offered survival advantages, such as more efficient vitamin D synthesis in low-sunlight regions for farmers with limited dietary sources. Additionally, the study highlighted the rise of other variants linked to coeliac disease susceptibility and immune responses, while noting negative selection against genes promoting high body fat as food availability increased. Led by researchers including Dr. Ali Akbari from Harvard University, this work utilizes advanced computational techniques and unprecedented ancient genomic data to demonstrate how evolutionary forces have shaped human biology in real time across West Eurasia.
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Study Finds Red Hair Gene Favored by Natural Selection Over Last 10,000 Years
A comprehensive genetics study published in The Guardian reveals that the gene responsible for red hair and fair skin has been actively favored by natural selection in Europe for over 10,000 years. Analyzing DNA from nearly 16,000 ancient human remains and more than 6,000 living individuals, scientists provided compelling evidence that human biological evolution has continued rapidly since the advent of agriculture, contradicting theories that it had plateaued. The research identified 479 genetic variants under selection, suggesting that traits like red hair likely offered survival advantages, such as more efficient vitamin D synthesis in low-sunlight regions for farmers with limited dietary sources. Additionally, the study highlighted the rise of other variants linked to coeliac disease susceptibility and immune responses, while noting negative selection against genes promoting high body fat as food availability increased. Led by researchers including Dr. Ali Akbari from Harvard University, this work utilizes advanced computational techniques and unprecedented ancient genomic data to demonstrate how evolutionary forces have shaped human biology in real time across West Eurasia.
The Guardian