A recent study conducted by researchers from University College of London has discovered the genes which are responsible for determining the shape of human noses. The study report was published in the journal “Nature Communications” on May 22, 2016.
Researchers found that four different genes influence the width and pointiness of human nose, and each of them plays their crucial role in shaping this organ.
Dr. Kaustubh Adhikari, the lead author of the study, told that the new finding will bring about new information about gene’s role in developing our looks. He added that the discovery will also create positive impacts in forensic applications.
During the research, scientists analyzed over 6000 people from Colombia, Peru, Brazil, Chile and Mexico. Out of these 6000 people, 50% were Europeans, 45% were Native American, and 5% were African.
The diversity of cases involved in the study provided huge variations in facial features. The study also suggests that the new findings will help to understand the evolution of the human face.
Nose is a vital organ in the human body which plays a pivotal role in maintaining the humidity and temperature of the air inhaled. For years, experts believed that shape of the nose is closely related to the environment in which the person is living.
Andrés Ruiz-Linares, co-author of the study, proposed that the narrow nose of Europeans represents their adaptation to cold and dry climate.
In short, we can conclude that both ethnic background and geographical factors have its impacts in determining the nose shape of human beings.
The study findings are also expected to fetch positive benefits in treating facial abnormalities.