Story perspectives

Study Links Ginger Hair Gene to Evolutionary Adaptation

4/20/2026

Summary

Story summary

A study finds the gene for ginger hair has been selected repeatedly over the last 10,000 years in western Eurasia.
Researchers analyzed over 15,000 ancient DNA samples and 6,000 individuals, linking red hair and pale skin genes to vitamin D retention in low-sunlight areas.
Harvard researcher Ali Akbari notes that human evolution remains active, with trends toward decreased male pattern baldness and type two diabetes, and increased coeliac disease risk.

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Story summary

A study finds the gene for ginger hair has been selected repeatedly over the last 10,000 years in western Eurasia.
Researchers analyzed over 15,000 ancient DNA samples and 6,000 individuals, linking red hair and pale skin genes to vitamin D retention in low-sunlight areas.
Harvard researcher Ali Akbari notes that human evolution remains active, with trends toward decreased male pattern baldness and type two diabetes, and increased coeliac disease risk.