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The surprising science behind doppelgängers
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The surprising science behind doppelgängers

Esteller’s conclusion was that while their epigenomes and microbiomes were completely different, the unrelated similarities in fact, they share distinct parts of their genetic makeup. He explained that the genetic sequences that control features such as bone structure, skin pigmentation and water retention all affect the way a human face looks. In the human genome, these sequences include polymorphic sites, where a single DNA base pair shows different variants throughout the population—and the similarities shared the same variations.

Genetic comparisons ensured that the “ultra-lookalikes” studied were not actually related, and that their similarities in appearance and genome were purely coincidental. Ultimately, Esteller points out, there are only so many ways to put together a human face.

“There are so many people in the world right now that eventually people who have a greater number of (genetic) variants are expected,” he explained.

By demonstrating that people who look alike share certain genes, Esteller hopes to advance diagnostic science by using facial recognition to diagnose rare genetic diseases in children earlier.

The genetic basis of personalities

Another scientist who used Brunelle’s photo project as the basis for a scientific investigation was Nancy Segal, professor of psychology at California State University, Fullerton, where she is director and founder of the Center for Twin Studies. Her research mainly focuses on twins, but when she learned about Brunelle’s project, she saw an opportunity to settle a small but vocal scientific debate.