Tall story: Tiny gene variation influences height

By Agence France-Presse

PARIS–Scientists on Sunday announced they had uncovered the first gene that helps explain common differences in height among humans.

Just a single change in the gene’s DNA code determines whether people will be taller or shorter by up to one centimeter (0.4 of an inch), they said, adding that hundreds of other genes are also likely to play a role in height.

Genetic heritage has long been known as the driver of height — everyone knows that a child whose parents are both tall is also likely to grow up tall, too.

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