Scientists at Sirius have found a gene linked to fructose intolerance in the gene pool of the Scythians.
In a groundbreaking discovery, a large-scale genomic study led by Sirius University has shed light on the origins, social structure, and physical appearance of the enigmatic Scythian nomads. The project, which also involves the Institute of Archaeology, the Bioengineering Center, the Institute of General Genetics named after N.I. Vavilov, and Moscow State University of the Russian Academy of Sciences, analysed over 130 ancient Scythian genomes from Great Scythia and surrounding regions.
The study uncovered a diverse genetic composition for the Scythians, predominantly composed of European Bronze Age ancestry, with minor Asian and steppe genetic components. This finding challenges the previous beliefs about the Scythians' origins, suggesting a closer connection to ancient Europeans rather than Asian populations.
The research also revealed a degree of endogamy within Scythian clans, indicating a level of social and genetic isolation, particularly among the elite groups. This practice of consanguineous marriages may have contributed to the formation of distinct Scythian subgroups.
Interestingly, the study also identified a harmful gene mutation causing fructose intolerance, which originated in the ancient Scythians and spread widely across West Eurasia. This mutation is now a common genetic cause of the condition in modern Europeans.
Regarding the physical appearance of the Scythians, the study found that they had light hair, blue eyes, and skin with a bronze tint, further adding to our understanding of these ancient nomads.
This comprehensive study provides valuable insights into the Scythians, offering a glimpse into their past and contributing to our broader understanding of human history.
[1] Source for the genetic origin and composition of the Scythians [2] Source for the endogamy within the Scythian clans [3] Source for the harmful gene mutation causing fructose intolerance [4] Source for the physical appearance of the Scythians [5] Source for the connection between the Scythians and ancient Europeans rather than Asian populations.
- The genetic composition of the Scythians, predominantly composed of European Bronze Age ancestry and minor Asian and steppe genetic components, was discovered through a large-scale genomic study led by Sirius University and several Research Institutions, challenging previous beliefs about the Scythians' origins.
- The practice of consanguineous marriages among the Scythian elite groups, leading to a degree of endogamy within Scythian clans and the formation of distinct Scythian subgroups, was indicated by the same groundbreaking genomic study conducted at Sirius University and other institutions.
