Does it look like DNA?

Text ｜ Feng Weiwei

A new study reveals that the height of human facial facial height is related to the common genetic mutation. Related research results were recently published in the Science Report.

"Our research shows that people with extremely similar looks have a common genotype, but the performance of the optical group and microorganisms is inconsistent. This provides new opinions for human appearance similarity." Manel Esteller at the Carreras Institute of Leukemia.

The Esteller team analyzed random crowd with the same facial features at the molecular level. They recruited participants from the photography of Canadian artist Brunelle.

Brunelle has been taking photos globally since 1999. Researchers received 32 pairs of similar head photos.

Researchers use three different facial recognition algorithms to determine the objective measurement standards of these people's similarity.

In addition, the participants completed a comprehensive biological characteristics and lifestyle questionnaire, and provided saliva DNA for multi -group analysis.

The results show that these individuals have similar genotypes, but there are differences in DNA methylation and microbial community.

Genetic analysis shows that based on 19277 common single nucleotide polymorphisms, 9 of 16 are genetic aggregation characteristics.

In addition, the physical characteristics of people with similar appearances such as weight and height, and behavioral characteristics such as smoking and education are similar.

These results show that shared gene mutations are not only related to similar appearances, but also may affect people's habits and behaviors.

"This study provides unique insights for analyzing the molecular characteristics of the potential influence on the facial structure," Esteller said.

Of course, the study also has certain limitations, such as small samples, 2D black and white images, and more European participants. Nevertheless, researchers said that these findings may provide molecular basis for related applications in the fields of biomedical, chemistry and forensic medicine.

Related thesis information:

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.celrep.2022.111257

"China Science News" (2022-08-31 The 2nd edition of the original title "People who look like may also be similar")

Edit | Zhao Lu

Capture | Guo Gang

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