Humans in Europe Only Recently Developed Light Skin

A new study has revealed that humans living in Europe had dark skin for the majority of the time they have inhabited the continent.

The study, presented at the 84th annual meeting of the American Association of Anthropologists (AAAS), suggests that many of the characteristics associated with European genetics are a recent development in the broader history of human evolution and migration. Led by Dr. Iain Mathieson from Harvard University, the international team of researchers analysed 83 human gene samples collected as part of the ‘1000 Genomes Project’ (an initiative designed to sequence the genomes of a large number of people and allow public access to the data for scientific research).

Focusing on two genes, SLC24A5 and SLC45A2, which are responsible for de-pigmentation and pale skin, the team studied samples taken from a wide range of ancient populations spread across different periods and different locations.