Now people will be born with red hair, redhead genes are increasing rapidly, big revelation in the study

Celebs like Ed Sheeran and Prince Harry, who are known for their red hair across the world, may now be seen becoming more common. A new study has revealed that the gene associated with redheads has been increasing rapidly over time, especially in European populations. This means that red hair, which was seen in very few people till now, may become more common in the future.

According to research, this change is a part of the continuous evolution of humans i.e. natural selection. Scientists say that many genetic changes have occurred rapidly in the last thousands of years, which also includes the increase in the red hair gene. In such a situation, in the future, people with red hair like these celebs will no longer be so rare, but can become a common sight.

Who did this study?

This research has been done by scientists of Harvard University. More than 250 archaeologists and anthropologists worked together in this study. Researchers studied the ancient DNA of about 16,000 people who lived in West Eurasia (ie today’s Europe and parts of the Middle East) during the last 10,000 years.

What came out in the study?

Research has found that the red hair gene has become more common in European people in the last 10,000 years. That is, the hair color which was earlier seen in very few people, is now gradually increasing.

2. Humans are still changing rapidly

This study challenges the fact that there has been no major change in humans in the last 3 lakh years. According to researchers, humans are still changing and this change is happening faster than previously thought.

3. What other changes were observed?

The study also revealed some other interesting changes:

• Light skin tone became more common
• Decreased chances of baldness (hair loss) in men
• people’s walking speed increased
• Increase in intelligence was observed

4. Changes related to diseases

Research also found that some health-related characteristics have changed over time:

• Immunity against HIV increased
• Increased ability to fight leprosy
• Decreased risk of rheumatoid arthritis
• Body fat percentage reduced
• However, some negative changes were also observed, such as increased risk of celiac disease (gluten intolerance).

Changes increased after farming started

According to the study, genetic changes in humans accelerated the most when they started farming. After moving from hunting and gathering life to farming, people’s lifestyle changed, due to which many new qualities became beneficial. For example, it makes sense to increase the body’s strength against some diseases. But the increase in gluten related diseases after the start of wheat cultivation is a bit surprising.

What is the benefit of red hair?

Scientists have not yet fully understood what special benefits there are from having red hair. He believes that perhaps thousands of years ago it might have been beneficial in some way. Or it may be associated with some other important trait that has increased during natural selection.

How does natural selection work?

This entire change happens through the process of ‘Natural Selection’. When small changes (mutations) occur in DNA, some of them prove beneficial for the body. People who survive longer with these beneficial qualities pass them on to their next generation. Gradually the same qualities start increasing in the entire population.

Are there still fewer redheads today?

Although the red hair gene is on the rise, redheads still make up less than 2% of the world’s population today. That means it is still a rare feature.

Some interesting facts related to redheads

• According to a medical study, the ability to bear pain in red-haired women is different from other people. This is due to a gene related to hair color, which affects a sensor receptor in the body.
• Some research also revealed that the sex life of redhead women is more active.
• According to a study, the number and activity of their partners was seen to be higher than average.

What will happen next?

Researchers are now planning to conduct such studies in other parts of Asia, Africa and America. This will help in understanding how humans have evolved in different parts of the world. This study shows that humans are still constantly changing and their evolution continues. The growth of red hair is a part of this process. Although this change happens gradually, over time it affects our body, health and lifestyle. In the coming time, more such research will not only help us understand the past of humans, but can also prove helpful in preventing diseases and developing new medical technologies in the future.