Wednesday, August 11, 2010

In Which Genetics Dazzle

The website Science Daily (a favorite of the Mossy Nest) published a brief summary of a longer article on canine genetic variation today. The results of the study reported in SD indicate that 80% of canine morphological differences in height and weight are controlled by just 6 or 7 locations in the dog genome. In humans, those kinds of physical traits are controlled by hundreds of different genes. And yet, we humans differ physically far less amongst ourselves/our species than dogs do, with hundreds of different breeds.

Totally cool genetics!

Oh, and if you have time, surf on over the Scientist at Work blog on the New York Times, which always has fascinating, first hand blog entries from field scientists of all different disciplines and around the world. This week's blogs include the Congo and 800 ft below the ocean's surface.

Totally cool science!

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