VARANASI, Nov. 15 -- Scientists at Banaras Hindu University (BHU) have developed the world's most comprehensive database of genes that determine human skin, hair and eye colour. The digital platform, titled the 'Human Pigmentation Database' (HPDB), is expected to serve as a vital resource for dermatologists, genetic researchers and medical scientists globally. The research was conducted by a team from the Centre for Genetic Disorders (CGD) at the BHU Institute of Science. The findings were recently published in the scientific journal Frontiers in Bioinformatics in a special issue titled "Women in Bioinformatics." The research team includes Shwetotpal Mrinal (CGD, BHU), Pooja Rani (CGD, BHU), Dr Prashanth Suravajhala (Manipal University, Jaipur) and Dr VS Sundararajan (Bioclues.org). Human pigmentation, one of the most visible and variable human traits, is shaped by genetics, evolutionary adaptation to ultraviolet radiation and population history. While hundreds of studies have previously identified genes and variants linked to normal pigmentation and disorders such as albinism and vitiligo, that information has remained fragmented across scientific literature. The HPDB systematically curates findings from 663 peer-reviewed publications into a single, searchable platform. It integrates data on 5,146 genetic variants and 111 pigmentation disorders. Prof Rajiva Raman, founder director of the Centre for Genetic Disorders, BHU, highlighted the project's significance: "The development of HPDB is an important contribution towards consolidating scientific knowledge on human pigmentation and creating a valuable resource for the global research community. Such initiatives strengthen the Centre's commitment to advancing genetics research through interdisciplinary and collaborative approaches."...