All articles tagged with #blue eyes
Scientists have discovered that all blue-eyed people are descendants of a single human who lived between 6,000 and 10,000 years ago. This genetic mutation, found in the HERC2 gene, switches off the OCA2 gene responsible for brown eye pigment, resulting in blue eyes. The mutation likely spread as humans migrated from Africa to Europe.
Every person with blue eyes on Earth is a descendant of one single human who lived between 6,000 and 10,000 years ago, as a genetic mutation from the HERC2 gene completely turns off the OCA2 gene, diluting brown pigment into blue. This discovery, made in 2008, suggests that all blue-eyed individuals share a common ancestor and that the mutation likely spread when humans migrated from Africa to Europe. The study also explains the rarity of blue eyes, estimating that 8 to 10 percent of the world's population have them, mainly among people of European descent.
Researchers from the University of Copenhagen have discovered that every blue-eyed person in the world is a descendant of one single human who lived between 6,000 and 10,000 years ago. This common ancestor carried a genetic mutation affecting the OCA2 gene, which resulted in the development of blue eyes by limiting the production of melanin in the iris. The study compared the eye color of individuals from various countries and found that they all inherited the same genetic mutation at the exact same spot in their DNA, leading to the conclusion that all blue-eyed individuals share a common ancestor.
An expert has confirmed the theory that all blue-eyed people are descendants of one person who lived near the Black Sea 6,000-10,000 years ago, with a mutation in the OCA2 gene causing brown eyes to turn blue. This single recessive gene is responsible for blue eyes, and all blue-eyed individuals are distantly related to the original founder. However, it's not the only gene that contributes to eye color, as there are about eight genes involved in determining eye color in humans.
An extremely rare white leucistic alligator with twinkling blue eyes was born in Orlando, Florida, making it one of only eight known leucistic alligators in the world. This is the first white leucistic alligator ever born in human care. The baby gator, a female, was born alongside her normal colored brother and is being kept safe and away from guests to ensure her normal growth and development. Gatorland, the alligator park where she was born, plans to put her on display next year. The public is invited to suggest names for the baby white gator and her brother on Gatorland's social media pages.
White cats are relatively rare, making up about 5% of the feline population. Their white coat is due to a lack of pigment, and they often have blue eyes and an increased chance of deafness. These genetic traits have fascinated biologists for years.
A six-month-old boy's eyes turned blue, a rare side effect, after being prescribed favipiravir, an antiviral medication used to treat COVID-19. The boy had developed a cough and fever and tested positive for COVID-19. Although the drug is commonly used for influenza, evidence suggests it has little positive effect on non-severe, early-stage COVID-19 cases. The boy's eyes returned to their usual color after discontinuing the treatment. Further studies are needed to determine the incidence and potential long-term consequences of this rare adverse effect.