Genetic Mutation Identified That Skews Human Birth Sex Ratio
Researchers discover a rare genetic variant that increases the likelihood of having daughters, offering new insights into the longstanding question of sex ratio balance.
- A study by University of Michigan researchers found a genetic variant linked to a 10% higher chance of having a daughter.
- The mutation, identified as rs144724107, is rare, appearing in about 0.5% of the UK Biobank participants.
- The genetic variant is located near the ADAMTS14 gene, which plays a role in spermatogenesis and fertilization.
- The findings support Fisher's principle, suggesting natural selection balances sex ratios by favoring genes that increase births of the rarer sex.
- The study's implications extend to animal husbandry, where altering sex ratios could have significant economic benefits.
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