Giant race 'came from mutant gene' 

  
6th January 2011 

A race of giants may have sprung from a mutant gene that first emerged around 1,500 years ago and causes uncontrolled body growth, scientists believe.

The "gigantism gene" was identified in the DNA of an 18th century man known as the "Irish Giant" who stood almost eight feet tall.

Copies of the same mutation have been found in living patients suffering from gigantism and other symptoms of over-growth.

Scientists writing in the New England Journal of Medicine said they suspect all inherited the gene from the same common ancestor who lived up to 66 generations ago. Around 200 to 300 people may be carrying the same mutation today.

http://uk.news.yahoo.com/21/20110106/tuk-giant-race-came-from-mutant-gene-f858358.html