SLC45A2 is a melanosome-specific transporter important for maintaining proper pH and osmotic balance. It's a wonderful example of "top down" causal gene inference. From its very function we expect it to be a gwas hit for pigmentation, regardless of where it sits in the genome.

Yep, mainstream media and journalism will be relevant again...

I think you're describing science, IMO. Everything is atop a foundation of basic research. An example: at a previous company, I worked on a series of small-molecule inhibitors of Hormone-Sensitive Lipase, a possible target for Type II diabetes and related conditions. (1/10)