Humans Are Still Evolving Thanks to Microgenes
Humans Are Still Evolving Thanks to Microgenes
A study sheds light on the tiny genes that have evolved in human genomes since we split from our mammalian ancestors.
A study sheds light on the tiny genes that have evolved in human genomes since we split from our mammalian ancestors.
junk dna
Q&A: Whole Genomes of 150,000 Britons Reveal Novel Genetic Variants
Sophie Fessl, PhD | Aug 5, 2022 | 5 min read
Height and onset of menarche are among traits linked to previously unidentified genetic variants in noncoding regions of the human genome.
Our Favorite Cancer Stories of 2021
Amanda Heidt | Dec 9, 2021 | 4 min read
This year revealed just how much scientists have learned about the disease, from how animals become naturally cancer-resistant to how tumor cells harness extracellular DNA to develop rapid drug resistance.
Blind Mole Rats Use Junk DNA to Combat Cancer
Ruth Williams | Sep 30, 2021 | 3 min read
Activation of retrotransposons in the animals’ cancerous cells sets off an innate immune response that triggers cell death.
Cancer-Specific Antigens Encoded in “Junk” DNA
Carolyn Wilke | Apr 1, 2019 | 2 min read
Researchers found that allegedly noncoding genetic material carries the instructions for many peptides that may help harness the immune system to fight cancer.
Most of Human Genome Nonfunctional: Study
Kerry Grens | Jul 17, 2017 | 2 min read
An estimate derived from fertility rates concludes that at least 75 percent of our DNA has no critical utility.