As I indicated in my previous post (also related to Lindsay Lohan), being a redhead derives from a recessive allele in the Melanocortin Receptor 1 -- a receptor from Melanocyte Stimulating Hormone.
MC1R mutations also result in the phenotype of
A) Being super hot
and
B) A higher risk for skin cancer
so it would be useful for individuals of such a genetic inheritance to identify themselves and one another (you know...by ways other than their hair...).
To accomplish this task, Realm of Redheads sells the t-shirt on the right. The geeky goodness of this shirt boggles the mind.
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...I am just concerned that she needs to stay out of the sun because being a redhead she is at high risk for skin cancer:
Fair-skinned redheads are known to have increased risk of developing melanoma. Now researchers may have pinpointed one of the reasons: variations in a gene called MC1R. This…
In the White Sands National Park of New Mexico, there are three species of small lizard that all share white complexions. In the dark soil of the surrounding landscapes, all three lizards wear coloured coats with an array of hues, stripes and spots. Colours would make them stand out like a beacon…
Sometimes science is just too cool! A Melanocortin 1 Receptor Allele Suggests Varying Pigmentation Among Neanderthals:
The melanocortin 1 receptor (MC1R) regulates pigmentation in humans and other vertebrates. Variants of MC1R with reduced function are associated with pale skin color and red hair…
Richard Sturm in Human Molecular Genetics has a really good review of the current state of pigmentation genetics, with a human centric focus:
The genetic basis underlying normal variation in the pigmentary traits of skin, hair and eye colour has been the subject of intense research directed at…
brilliant. i'm ordering one for my redheaded/super-hot friend.
wonder how it fares for them, marketing exclusively to redheaded scientists and scientist-friends of redheads...