Her research lead all the way back to the ginger gene's origin in Africa, tracing its spread across ancient Greece, to the redheaded mummies of China, and to Renaissance Europe. Colliss Harvey's research found that redheaded individuals have higher levels of vitamin D, which is a source of strength.
It might not be the type of thing Marvel would take an interest in, but the bodies of redheads are incredibly resilient as their altered genes give them different DNA and by extension, a host of other unique abilities that are somewhat awe-inspiring.
However, there's scant evidence that redheads have a genetically higher tolerance for alcohol. Excessive alcohol consumption causes inflammation, so theoretically, less inflammation could mean better long-term tolerance to alcohol, but this hasn't been specifically studied.
A 2003 study showed that people with naturally red hair can tolerate pain up to 25% better than others. The results of another study conducted at the University of Louisville have shown that redheads are more sensitive to temperature changes.
Prior research has already put red-haired humans and mice into the spotlight, pointing out that they have a higher pain threshold. They also don't need as high of a dosage of pain-killing opioids, and they tend to require more anesthesia compared to people with non-red hair.
Red headed women reported more frequent diagnoses of cervical uterine cancer, cervical uterine precancerosis, ovarian cancer and other cancer. Both male and female redheads reported more frequent diagnoses of colorectal cancer.
Redheads are less likely to go grey. The pigment in red hair typically fades over time from red to blonde and white, but not grey. Redheads produce more Vitamin D in a shorter amount of time than people with other hair colors.
However, redheads are not only Celts or Caucasians. Their distribution is a testament to the global movement of DNA across societies and landscapes. Although most common in Northern Europe, parts of Russia, and among European descendants in Australia, there are redheads from all ethnicities and races.
All hail the king. Last weekend's Irish Redhead Convention in Crosshaven, Co Cork, was a celebration of all things red and hairy, from amazing afros to bristly beards. A highlight of the festival was, of course, the crowning of a King and Queen of the redheads, an honour which went to Alan Reidy and Grainne Keena.
Women with red hair color exhibited higher sexual desire and sexual activity, a higher number of sexual partners of the preferred sex, earlier initiation of sexual life, and lower sexual dominance (and therefore higher sexual submissiveness).
The prevalence of genetic alcohol sensitivity is only known to be seen in those of East Asian descent. This intolerance is usually characterized by flushed skin, stuffy or runny noses, abdominal pain, and borderline-instantaneous headaches.
Natural redheads may experience pain differently from people with other hair colors, but the research is inconclusive. Some studies have found that redheads have a lower pain threshold, but other studies have found the opposite.
Lifespan. Redheads can live as long as 21 years in the wild.
Nature's Rarest Palette: Red Hair Standing at the apex of rarity, natural red hair occurs in just 1-2% of the global population. This striking shade results from a specific genetic variant of the MC1R gene, requiring both parents to pass on the recessive trait.
Did you know? These red hair variants in MC1R likely first appeared in ancient humans around 30,000-80,000 years ago, at about the same time as early migrations out of Africa. Scientists used to think red hair evolved to help people produce Vitamin D in chilly places with little sunlight (think Ireland).
In contrast, redheads were more sensitive to cold pain perception (22.6°C [15.1, 26.1] vs. 12.6°C [0, 20], P=0.004), cold pain tolerance (6.0°C [0, 9.7] vs. 0.0°C [0.0, 2.0], P=0.001), and heat pain (46.3°C [45.7, 47.5] vs.
Seriously though, the Prose Edda describes Thor as having a head full of red hair and a bushy red beard. Plus it was common for Vikings from western Scandinavian countries to have red hair.
According to Health Magazine, redheads can produce their own vitamin D when exposed to low levels of light. 4. You may not need as much pain medication. The gene responsible for red hair (MC1R) also releases a hormone that is similar to endorphins which limit the feeling of pain.
Redheads produce more pheomelanin due to genetic changes (called variants) in the MC1R gene found on chromosome 16. This gene provides the code for a protein called melanocortin 1 receptor that is located on melanocytes and is responsible for the type of melanin produced.
According to an article by evolutionary biology professor Mark Elgar, PhD, of the University of Melbourne, blue-eyed redheads are the absolute rarest, with 0.17% of the population having that combination of hair and eye color. So if that describes you, you're most likely one in a million—or more!
After sun exposure, the melanocortin-1 receptor (MC1R) signals the pigment-producing melanocyte cells to make melanin. For most people, melanin causes the skin to tan and turn darker without DNA damage. However, people with red hair, fair skin, and freckles do not tan due to a mutation in the MC1R receptor gene.
The same mutation that makes their hair red is also what causes them to be more sensitive to temperature changes — even slight ones. They feel hot and cold temperature changes faster and with greater intensity than those with other hair colors.
One of the many facts about redheads is that their hair will never turn grey. The pigment in their hair that causes it to be red will just fade over time, causing their hair to turn blonde or white, but never grey.