Newly-discovered genes help understand redheads mysteryDecember 11, 2018 - 17:08 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Eight genes linked to red hair have been discovered by scientists, helping to shed light on how redheads inherit their distinctive locks, BBC reports. The Edinburgh University-led research has been described as the largest genetic study of hair colour to date. It had been thought red hair was controlled by a single gene, MC1R, with versions passed on from both parents. However, not everyone carrying two red-haired versions is a redhead, meaning that other genes had to be involved. The team examined DNA from almost 350,000 people who had taken part in the UK Biobank study. When they compared redheads with people with brown or black hair, scientists identified eight previously-unknown genetic differences that are associated with ginger locks. The team also looked at the functions of the genes they identified and found some of them work by controlling when MC1R is switched on or off. The researchers also uncovered differences in almost 200 genes associated with blondes and brunettes. Prof Albert Tenesa, of the university's Roslin Institute, said: "We are very pleased that this work has unravelled most of the genetic variation contributing to differences in hair colour among people." Prof Ian Jackson, of the medical research council human genetics unit at the university, said: "We were able to use the power of UK Biobank, a huge and unique genetic study of half a million people in Britain, which allowed us to find these effects." The study, published in Nature Communications, was funded by the Medical Research Council and the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council. Related links: Top stories Authorities said a total of 192 Azerbaijani troops were killed and 511 were wounded during Azerbaijan’s offensive. In 2023, the Azerbaijani government will increase the country’s defense budget by more than 1.1 billion manats ($650 million). The bill, published on Monday, is designed to "eliminate the shortcomings of an unreasonably broad interpretation of the key concept of "compatriot". The earthquake caused a temporary blackout, damaged many buildings and closed a number of rural roads. Partner news | Czech-Armenian military cooperation discussed in Yerevan A delegation led by the Director General for the Industrial Cooperation Division of the Ministry of Defence of the Czech Republic visited Armenia. U.S. welcomes efforts to define Armenia-Azerbaijan border The United States welcomes efforts to define the border between Armenia and Azerbaijan, says Vedant Patel. Biden honors resilience of Armenian people on April 24 U.S. President Joe Biden has issued a statement on the 109th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide. Ex-Karabakh leader moved to solitary confinement cell in Baku, his son says David Vardanyan is the son of former Karabakh leader Ruben Vardanyan who who is currently imprisoned in Azerbaijan. |