Tall and short man

Researchers claim to have discovered over 100 new gene variations affecting height.

This study, published online in Nature, analyzed more than 180,000 people.

Researchers estimate more than 80% of height variation is genetic, and only 20% is based on the environment. Until now, scientists have been missing 70% of the genetic reasoning that determines height.

While researching, more than 100 SNPs (single nucleotide polymorphisms) were identified for the first time, and over 180 were analyzed.

Originally thought to be random, scientists now believe these genes are directly related to height. Their location to other significant ‘height genes’ proves to be promising.

The goal of this study was to determine if differences in height were related to specific variations in genes. By realizing the direct location to other significant genes affecting growth, scientists believe this study was very powerful.