A team of scientists from around the world spent years studying some of the most unusual creatures on Earth to gain a better understanding of humans. They collected DNA from a one-tusked narwhal on an Arctic ice floe, captured a tiny bumblebee bat in a cave-rich region of Southeast Asia, and drew blood from the venomous slender-snouted solenondon at a Caribbean zoo.
By comparing the genomes of these mammals with those of other diverse species, including humans, meerkats, aardvarks, and star-nosed moles, the researchers identified stretches of DNA that have remained unchanged over millions of years of mammalian evolution. These regions are likely to be crucial to human health and functioning.
The team compiled a genetic database that includes the complete genomes of 240 species, covering over 80% of the world’s mammalian families, including humans. This database could help scientists answer a wide range of questions…
Post from www.nytimes.com
2023-04-27 13:51:54