Bad hair days may have genetics to blame
Written By : Isra Zaman
Medically Reviewed By : Dr. Kamal Kant Kohli
Published On 2023-08-16 03:30 GMT | Update On 2023-08-16 03:30 GMT
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The first gene mapping study on human scalp hair whorls not only shows that hair whorl direction has a genetic basis, but also that it is affected by multiple genes. Four associated genetic variants that are likely to influence hair whorl direction are identified, as reported in the Journal of Investigative Dermatology.
As an easily observed human trait, scalp hair whorl pattern is typically defined by the whorl number (single or double whorl) and whorl direction (e.g., clockwise, counterclockwise, or diffuse). Because atypical whorl patterns have been observed in patients with abnormal neurological development, understanding the genetic basis of whorl patterns may help unravel important biological processes.
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