NEWS In Brief
Early humans became hairless in order to avoid bugs and become sexier, according to a new theory put forward by an Oxford biologist.
Humans are one of the few mammals to have evolved a hairless skin, and this was originally thought to have occurred to reduce body temperature in the African heat. However, Professor Sir Walter Bodmer from Oxford University, working with Professor Mark Pagel from the University of Reading, has now proposed that we lost our hair in order to ward off the parasites that live in it, with the bonus of increasing sexual attractiveness.
The theory claims that when humans gained the ability to control their environment, hair became an undesirable feature, because it could not be removed or changed to get rid of the parasites.
Hair was not lost from the top of the head and face due to their importance in sexual attraction and selection. Pubic hair does present a problem for the theory. Pagel, however, commented "There is some evidence that pubic hair enhances pheromone signals involved in mate choice."
The striking 1960's architecture of St Catz is set to be ranked artistically alongside our dreaming spires and antique cloisters as part of Britain's educational heritage.
English Heritage have descibed the post-war college as "a triumph of what was seen as rational, civilized and peaceful Scandinavian design" in a survey of buildings to recommend to the government for listing.
Other recommendations include the University of Sussex and the Engineering Faculty at Leicester.
St Catz building has incited mixed feelings since its opening in 1962. According to the Oxford Handbook, "Some think it looks like an enormous concrete monstrosity. Others will embrace...[it]...as a brave, triumphant embodiment of the college's motto, Nova et Vetera (the new and the old)."
12th Jun 2003