genetically

Humans and Neanderthals were genetically closer than brown and polar bears

by

Neanderthals, Denisovans and Homo sapiens were so closely related that they were able to interbreed and have offspring that were fertile and healthy, a study suggests.  Analysis from the University of Oxford reveals the species were more genetically similar than brown bears and polar bears are today.  This significant overlap provided genetic compatibility and allowed … Read more

Worms genetically predisposed to die early to cut food demand

by

Some animals are genetically predisposed to die before reaching old age to benefit the rest of the colony, according to a new British study. Caenorhabditis elegans, a roundworm that shares genetic traits with humans, is programmed to die early to reduce its colony’s demand for food, scientists say.   These organisms possess a genetic ‘self-destruct programme’, … Read more