Novel Research finds link between Greater Genetic Diversity and Increased Height

A research involving more than 350,000 people worldwide has unveiled that greater genetic diversity leads to taller and smarter children. The study has also provided more information on the claim that more genetically similar parents have increased risk of certain health disorders.

As per the researchers, genetic diversity has no link on health conditions like diabetes and heart disease. A research team from the University of Edinburgh studied 16-health related traits gathered from more than 100 studies.

They also studied data from more than 350,000 people from urban and rural communities. Study’s co-author Dr. Peter Joshi said that their study has found answers to questions that were first put by Darwin as to the benefits of genetic diversity.

The researchers first compiled genetic data of participants who have identical copies of a single gene that they have inherited from their parents. After that they separated the information into two groups, those parents having similar and dissimilar genetic make-ups.

The study researchers have found that children born from genetically similar parents were having short height by 1.2cm on an average and they had 10 months less formal education. The study researchers have also noticed differences in lung function.

CBS News medical contributor Dr. David Agus said that the study findings are interesting, as with time, they have been noticing rise in the number of mixed marriages.

“This is really the first couple generations where people of different backgrounds are having children, and if this happens in one generation...think of it if it continues to happen”, said Agus.