Tina Lasisi, a biological anthropologist from the University of Michigan, dives into the evolution of human hair, particularly curls. She discusses why humans, unlike other mammals, have less body hair and the role of melanin in skin variation. Tina explores the genetic factors behind differing hair textures, including intriguing insights from "chemo curls." Their conversation reveals how hair can reflect health issues and captures the complex interplay between genetics and environmental adaptation throughout human history.

All the different colors in our eyes, hair and skin are made by a super special substance called melanin! In this episode, we’ll meet a melanocyte, the artistic cell that makes melanin. Plus, Molly and cohost Jeremy talk with Dr. Tina Lasisi to learn why humans have so many different colors of skin in the first place. And a scientist goes undercover to try to solve the many mysteries surrounding melanin. All that, plus a brand new mystery sound!This episode was sponsored by:Didn’t I Just Feed You (Didntijustfeedyou.com/ - A podcast to help busy home cooks feed their families.)Buy a Toyota (BuyAToyota.com - To explore Toyota SUVs.)Indeed (Indeed.com/BRAINS - To claim your ONE HUNDRED DOLLAR SPONSORED JOB CREDIT to upgrade your job post. Terms and conditions apply.)*****Don’t miss our next virtual events! In September, your favorite hosts from Brains On!, Smash Boom Best and Forever Ago are going on virtual field trips, and you can join them LIVE for just $19.99 per family. Your ticket gets you one of our limited spots to an online live-action adventure, complete with a live chat and a chance to talk with Molly, Marc, or Sanden after the show. Plus, Smarty Pass holders get 20% off (sign up today to get yours and the discount). It all starts on September 21, so go to brainson.org/fieldtrips to get your tickets!

Skin color! Hair texture! Biological anthropology! The incredibly informed and infectiously funny Dr. Tina Lasisi joins to chat sunscreen, ashiness, redheads, light skin, dark skin, in-between skin, beards, UVAs, UVBs, shower habits, cultural colloquialisms, vitiligo, melasma, medical math, ocher, freckles and more. Dr. Lasisi is about to become your new favorite science communication and internet friend. Also: sunscreen, people. Follow Dr. Tina Lasisi on Instagram, TikTok, and TwitterVisit Dr. Lasisi’s websiteA donation went to The Fieldwork InitiativeMore episode sources and linksOther episodes you may enjoy: Plumology (FEATHERS), Nephrology (KIDNEYS), Trichology (HAIR),  Cnidariology (CORAL), Kalology (BEAUTY STANDARDS), Scotohylology (DARK MATTER)Sponsors of OlogiesTranscripts and bleeped episodesSmologies (short, classroom-safe) episodesBecome a patron of Ologies for as little as a buck a monthOlogiesMerch.com has hats, shirts, masks, totes!Follow @Ologies on Twitter and InstagramFollow @AlieWard on Twitter and InstagramEditing by Mercedes Maitland of Maitland Audio Productions  and Jarrett Sleeper of MindJam MediaTranscripts by Emily White of The WordaryWebsite by Kelly R. DwyerTheme song by Nick Thorburn

Tina Lasisi, a biological anthropologist at the University of Michigan, dives into the fascinating world of human hair evolution. She unpacks why humans have varying hair types, particularly focusing on the mystery behind curls. The discussion touches on hair's role in heat regulation and how environmental factors shape its characteristics. Lasisi also explores the impact of puberty on hair texture and interesting findings about "chemo curls," revealing much about how our hair reflects our biological stories.

Dr. Tina Lasisi, a biological anthropologist, explains the evolutionary mysteries of human hair. She discusses why humans have scalp hair and why curly hair is unique. Topics include the evolution of hair to reduce heat, diversity in human hair, and the transition from cultural to biological anthropology.