According to studies, DNA is a stronger predictor of a child’s height than the height of their parents.
The greatest genetic investigation of height to date included the DNA of over five million individuals across 281 studies.
According to experts, this study significantly advances our understanding of how genetic variants account for variances in height.
Moreover one million individuals in the study area of non-European heritage – African, East Asian, Hispanic, or South Asian.
Dr. Loic Yengo from the University of Queensland and co-first author stated, “Genetic factors account for 80% of height variability between individuals.”
We’ve opened the door for DNA to be used to predict height more accurately than ever before because the 12,000 variations we discovered explain 40% of height disparities.
‘Currently, the best predictor of a child’s height is the average height of its two biological parents. However, by utilizing new genomic data, pediatricians will be able to provide a more accurate estimate.
‘It will set parents’ minds at ease if their children are growing as predicted by their genes, or it will prompt additional medical inquiry and enable earlier detection of any problems.’
Dr. Eirini Marouli, co-first author of the paper and senior lecturer in Computational Biology at the Queen Mary University of London, stated, ‘We have accomplished a feat in examining the DNA of more than five million people that was previously thought to be unachievable.
Genomic studies are groundbreaking and may hold the key to resolving many global health problems; their potential is incredibly intriguing.
If we can obtain a clear picture of a feature such as height at the genome level, we may be able to better diagnose and treat genetically-influenced diseases such as heart disease or schizophrenia, for instance.
If we can link specific regions of the genome to certain features, it will pave the way for widespread, personalized treatments in the future that could benefit everyone.
According to a study, our adult height is mostly influenced by the information recorded in our DNA.
Historically, the role of genetics in the development of a baby into an adult has been a complex and poorly understood aspect of human biology.
Scientists believe their discoveries could aid in the identification of individuals who are unable to attain their genetically projected height, so aiding in the detection of diseases or ailments that may be affecting their growth or health.
Researchers believe their findings might also be utilized by law enforcement to forecast a suspect’s height based on a crime scene DNA sample.
Now, the team intends to delve deeper to find the remaining genetic height variables.
Dr. Yengo remarked, “Finding these other factors will be difficult because each has a smaller effect, and we may require at least 20 million samples to finish this enormous endeavor.”
