Have you ever bumped into someone who looked eerily similar to you? The idea of having a doppelganger, someone who looks exactly like you, has been a source of fascination for centuries. But is there any truth to the saying that we all have seven people walking around who look just like us?
Turns out, there might be some validity to that old saying. Science is now catching up with the concept of doppelgangers, and the results are intriguing.
Doppelgangers: More Than Just Folklore
The word “doppelganger” comes from a German book published in 1790 and literally translates to “double walker.” In folklore and mythology around the world, doppelgangers are often seen as harbingers of bad luck or evil twins. However, modern understanding focuses on the physical resemblance rather than any supernatural elements.
Looking Alike, Sharing DNA?
Canadian photographer François Brunelle has dedicated himself to finding and photographing doppelgangers since 1999. His project, “I’m Not a Look-Alike,” captures the uncanny similarities between strangers. But the story doesn’t end there.
A study published in the journal Cell Reports took Brunelle’s project a step further. Researchers analyzed both facial features and genetics of 32 doppelganger pairs from Brunelle’s collection. The results were fascinating:
- Half of the pairs received scores from facial recognition software that were identical to those of identical twins.
- Nine out of the 16 “identical” pairs shared significant genetic variations, making them more like virtual twins than just random look-alikes.
So, the answer is yes, doppelgangers do exist! With a global population of over 7 billion, the chances of encountering someone with an extremely similar face are surprisingly high. And, as the study suggests, these doppelgangers might share more than just a passing resemblance – they could share some of your DNA as well.
Further Exploration:
- Read more about the science behind doppelgangers: https://www.cnn.com/2022/08/25/health/doppelganger-dna-study-wellness/index.html
- François Brunelle’s “I’m Not a Look-Alike” project: http://www.francoisbrunelle.com/webn/e-project.html
