Radiogenic Leukotrichia #

“By now, everyone knows someone who has Radiogenic Leukotrichia or has a story of someone who does.”

The Science Study

Radiogenic Leukotrichia is a condition caused by the nuclear fallout of World War 3. The radiation led to genetic mutations that disrupt melanin production, resulting in hair that grows without pigment and appears white. In extremely rare cases (approximately 1 in 5 million), a specific mutation causes pink hair instead.

We first learn about the condition in detail through The Science Study, a newspaper published in New Elysium in 2037.

Background #

The condition results from high levels of radiation exposure. Most of the population was affected by the nuclear fallout of World War 3. The radiation caused genetic mutations that disrupt the production of melanin, the pigment that gives hair its colour. In the white-haired variant, the body reduces eumelanin (for dark hair colours) and pheomelanin (which produces red and yellow hues in the hair). The condition can be passed down from parent to child.

In the rare pink variant, a mutation reduces the eumelanin and increases the production of pheomelanin. In some spiritual communities (like in India and Tibet) the pink-haired children were considered blessed. In Skys’ home country Novosovia the condition was feared and individuals with the condition were treated very poorly.

Notable sufferers #

Skys #

Skys was born with the pink hair variant of Radiogenic Leukotrichia in Novosovia. In the Novosovian culture at the time of Skys’ youth (approximately the 90’s), his condition is greatly feared. Skys’ parents mistreat him and kick him out of the house at only 8 years old. After this, he flees the country and travels the world, meeting cultures that viewed the condition with a very different perspective.

He eventually dyes his hair black with leech blood to hide the condition. We learn about Skys’ early life in Unbeleevable and Skys’ scrapbook.

Selene #

Selene also has the pink hair variant, as confirmed by Sof’s journal. She is referred to as NYX-01 by Nex Gen’s FANTOM team. Her unique biology, including her exceptional pineal gland, is of great interest to Nex Gen.

Sof #

Sof suffers from the same rare pink mutation as their mother Selene and cult leader Skys. Sof wonders about their connection to Skys in their journal, noting that the condition appears to be the result of both environmental and genetic factors.