Mindblown: a blog about philosophy.
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Widow’s Peak Hairline & Genetics
How it works It’s a common misconception that a particular dominant gene causes a widow’s peak. Like other traits that influence hair growth, various genes work together to help determine the shape of our hairlines. Some researchers believe that hair patterns are heritable, so a close relative with a widow’s peak may increase your chances…
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Unibrows & Genetics
How it works No one is quite sure why our eyebrow hairs grow in particular patterns—or the reason why some people have unibrows. But initial findings offer some clues. The genetic link 23andMe researchers have identified more than 50 genetic variants associated with having a unibrow. Two of those genetic variants are in or near…
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Toe Length Ratio & Genetics
How it works Some people have a longer big toe, while others have longer second toes. Toe length ratio may be influenced by the amount of testosterone and estrogen present in the womb during early pregnancy. The genetic link 23andMe looks at 35 places in your DNA that can influence your toe length ratio, along…
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Sweet vs. Salty Taste Preferences & Genetics
How it works With each bite-or sip-our taste buds send signals to a brain area called the “primary gustatory cortex” that helps identify taste. Another area, the “orbitofrontal cortex”, helps judge whether you like these tastes. Other brain areas help us decide whether we want to keep munching or we’ve had enough. The genetic link…
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Stretch Marks & Genetics
How it works Stretch marks are a type of scarring that look like stripes on the skin and are commonly found on the hips, thighs, and abdomen. They often develop when the skin stretches during a quick period of growth, like during adolescence, pregnancy, or rapid weight gain. The genetic link 23andMe scientists identified 544…
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Is Irritable Bowel Syndrome Genetic?
Explore IBS and what your DNA can tell you What is irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)? Irritable bowel syndrome, or IBS, is a disorder that impacts the large intestine. It causes symptoms like abdominal pain, cramping, bloating, gas, and changes in bowel movements, including diarrhea, constipation, or both. The cause of IBS is not well understood.…
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Cat Allergy
What is cat allergy? Allergies occur when the immune system mistakes a normally harmless substance, called an allergen, for a harmful one. When the immune system detects an allergen, it triggers an immune reaction in an attempt to protect the body. In the case of cat allergy, the immune system reacts to certain proteins found…
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Saturated Fat and Weight
How can dietary fat impact our health? Fats are an important part of a healthy diet: they give you energy, help build your cells, and help you absorb certain vitamins. There are three main types of fats, but not all types are equally healthy. Saturated fats are found primarily in red meat and full-fat dairy…
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Dog Allergy
What is dog allergy? Allergies occur when the immune system mistakes a normally harmless substance, called an allergen, for a harmful one. When the immune system detects an allergen, it triggers an immune reaction in an attempt to protect the body. In the case of dog allergy, the immune system reacts to certain proteins found…
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Are Basal and Squamous Cell Skin Cancers Genetic?
Explore Basal and Squamous Cell Carcinoma and what your DNA can tell you What are basal and squamous cell skin cancers? Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) are the two most common types of skin cancer. They begin in basal cells and squamous cells, which are found in the outer layer of…
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