Scientists at the University of Utah and the University of Pittsburgh think they know the genes that made us lose our fur coats.
University of Utah associate professor Nathan Clark, while at the University of Pittsburgh with Amanda Kowalczyk and Maria Chikina, compared the genes of 62 mammals, including some hairless species, like us.
"What we wanted to do is determine the genetic regions of the genome. So, genes and regulatory regions that control the formation and maintenance of hair," Clark said. "We developed a very strong ability to sweat, and hair would interfere with that cooling process," Clark said.The research team compared the genomes of haired and hairless species, looking for genes in the latter that evolved at faster rates. The idea is that those genes say, for example, a gene that determines hair color, isn't important in a hairless animal and so will mutate at faster rates without impacting survival.
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
University of Utah launches center for financial technology, student entrepreneurshipThe University of Utah announced a new donor initiative meant to supercharge the student entrepreneurial experience and Utah's reputation for financial technology innovation and education.
Read more »
Controversial child welfare algorithm used in Pittsburgh faces Justice Department scrutinyThe interest comes after an AP investigation revealed potential bias and transparency issues about the opaque algorithm designed to assess a family’s risk level when they are reported for child welfare concerns in Allegheny County.
Read more »
Gigantic 'alien' comet spotted heading straight for the sunScientists think it may have come from another solar system
Read more »
Utah becomes first state in 2023 to ban gender-affirming care for transgender youthsUtah has become the first state this year to ban gender-affirming health care for transgender youths, part of a wave of anti-LGBTQ legislation brewing in statehouses.
Read more »
Utah Legislature and governor have abandoned public education, Editorial Board writes.Utah Legislature and governor have abandoned their duty to public education, the Editorial Board writes
Read more »
Ex-Jazz star Adrian Dantley makes a long-time-coming return to UtahAdrian Dantley, the Utah Jazz's former franchise centerpiece-turned-pariah, made a pre-All-Star weekend appearance Saturday night for the organization he’s on good terms with now, and recalled some of his better times here.
Read more »