The other day I was looking for information about a category of genetic variants called SNPs (Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms i.e. variation of a single 'letter' in the DNA code of a gene). In my hunt, I stumbled across SNPedia, which provided me with the information I needed.
Having a further look around the site, I found references to SNPs in the genes that contribute to red hair. It was at this point that I discovered that 'red hair' is categorised, alongside cancers, mental health problems and heart disease, as a 'medical condition'.
Hmph.
Saturday, 1 November 2008
Gingerism in science
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5 comments:
So is eye color, take no offense. Its simply a way for us to group related information. However do be aware that
http://www.snpedia.com/index.php/Rs1805007
is linked to red hair as well as low tolerance for medications used by dentists.
Don't worry - my posts on gingerism are rather tongue in cheek.
I trust that blonde, brown and black hair will also be listed as medical conditions in due course...
:-P
Nice find. I've posted a link-back article on my blog here: http://gingerism.com/2008/12/red-hair-categorised-as-medical.html
I figured it'd be ok to post both paragraphs as that's all there were and I've linked back to you. If this is too much let me know and I'll shorten the post.
No, that's fine. Thank you for crediting it.
I really must emphasise though that I don't take the concept of 'gingerism' very seriously. Whilst I have definitely been on the receiving end of that which could be classed as 'verbal abuse' I don't think 'gingerism' should be regarded on the same level as, say, racism, sexism or homophobia.
Others may of course disagree. But please be aware that any 'gingerism' entries on this blog are written in a lighthearted tone.
perhaps you don't get mcuh abuse as your hair looks fake even if its natural.
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