Researchers have found several genes that dictate skin colour in a study that also dispels some old myths about the early humans. Scientists from the University of Pennsylvania measured the melanin levels in the skin of more than 2,000 people in populations across Africa, and also tested DNA, to see what genes are associated with skin colour. The SLC24A5 gene seems to have the biggest effect – and they found its light skin variant was common in Ethiopian and Tanzanian people who have ancestors from south-east Asia and the Middle East. This indicates that light skin became common in east Africa after migration from those places. These scientists believe that instead of humans moving out of Africa and developing lighter skin to produce vitamin D better, the genes for light and dark skin evolved in Africa before humans migrated.

Source: Ethiopian News October 13, 2017 21:33 UTC