Hair colour in humans is largely determined by a molecule critical to stem cell function and development, according to a new study.
Researchers introduced a minor change in the DNA of mice so that the gene that encodes KITLG, which is known as its stem cell factor, was expressed more substantially, and found the normally brown-haired mice had lighter coats than those who did not have the change introduced.
Authors say the study highlights how tiny DNA changes can progress through our genome to affect evolution.
Read more at Stanford University Medical Center