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The illustration shows floating chromosomes with a Y-shaped chromosome in the foreground.
Closing the Gaps in the Human Genome: Why Y Was the Final Hurdle
For two decades, scientists struggled to fully sequence the Y chromosome. Finally, researchers have mapped its full length thanks to recent advances in sequencing technology.
Closing the Gaps in the Human Genome: Why Y Was the Final Hurdle
Closing the Gaps in the Human Genome: Why Y Was the Final Hurdle

For two decades, scientists struggled to fully sequence the Y chromosome. Finally, researchers have mapped its full length thanks to recent advances in sequencing technology.

For two decades, scientists struggled to fully sequence the Y chromosome. Finally, researchers have mapped its full length thanks to recent advances in sequencing technology.

Y chromosome

Illustration showing assembly Versus Alignment
Infographic: The Sequencing and Assembly of the Human Genome
Brianna Chrisman and Jordan Eizenga | Sep 1, 2022 | 5 min read
With ever-advancing genetic technologies, researchers continue to document the genetic code of the human species.
Illustration showing a puzzle piece of DNA being removed
Large Scientific Collaborations Aim to Complete Human Genome
Brianna Chrisman and Jordan Eizenga | Sep 1, 2022 | 10+ min read
Thirty years out from the start of the Human Genome Project, researchers have finally finished sequencing the full 3 billion bases of a person’s genetic code. But even a complete reference genome has its shortcomings.
A single neutrophil white blood cell in the artery with red blood cells floating around it
Missing Y Chromosome in Mouse Blood Causes Heart Dysfunction
Patience Asanga | Jul 16, 2022 | 3 min read
An analysis of human data from the UK biobank also finds an association between Y chromosome loss and heart disease in men.
Five morphs of Poecilia parae—from top: melanzona yellow, melanzona blue, melanzona red, parae, immaculata—and a female (bottom) of the same species
Fish Species’ Y Chromosomes Diverged Even Without Recombination
Catherine Offord | Sep 1, 2021 | 2 min read
Researchers discover surprisingly high levels of genetic diversity among the colorful male morphs of a freshwater fish.
Y Chromosome from Early Modern Humans Replaced Neanderthal Y
Jef Akst | Sep 24, 2020 | 5 min read
A selective advantage may have led the modern human Y chromosome to sweep through the Neanderthal population after it was introduced via interbreeding more than 100,000 years ago.
Male Flies’ Y Chromosome May Contribute to Earlier Deaths
Jef Akst | Jul 13, 2020 | 2 min read
As male Drosophila grow old, selfish genetic elements that are abundant on the Y chromosome become more active, which appears to reduce longevity.
Children of Extramarital Affairs Were and Are Rare: Study
Ashley Yeager | Nov 14, 2019 | 2 min read
Using DNA data, researchers track family dynamics in Europe over the last 500 years and find socioeconomic status is related to married women having a child with a man other than their husband.
Scientists Destroy Entire Chromosome with CRISPR
Kerry Grens | Aug 1, 2017 | 1 min read
Multiple DNA breaks at either the centromere or the long arm of the mouse Y chromosome cause it to fragment and disappear.
Ancient Y Chromosome Analyzed
Tanya Lewis | Apr 7, 2016 | 2 min read
In-depth analysis of the Neanderthal Y chromosome offers insights into the ancient hominins’ split with modern humans.
Surrogate Genes Enable Reproduction
Jyoti Madhusoodanan | Jan 28, 2016 | 3 min read
Increasing the expression of two genes from non-Y chromosomes restores spermatogenesis in male mice that lack Y chromosomes.
Lost Y Chromosome Genes Found on Autosomes
Anna Azvolinsky | May 27, 2015 | 3 min read
Mammalian Y chromosome genes with important functions are transferred to autosomal chromosomes more often than previously thought, a study shows.
Why, Oh Y?
Jef Akst | Jan 1, 2015 | 9 min read
A toothpick and a bit of chance shaped David Page’s career, which he has dedicated to understanding the mammalian Y chromosome and fetal germ cell development.
Focus on Sex
Molly Sharlach | Dec 28, 2014 | 3 min read
In 2014, new research findings and guidelines brought increased attention to biological differences between males and females.
Vanishing Y Chromosomes
Molly Sharlach | Dec 4, 2014 | 3 min read
A new study reveals an association between smoking and rates of Y chromosome loss in blood cells, which may explain elevated cancer risk among male smokers.
Week in Review: April 21–25
Tracy Vence | Apr 25, 2014 | 3 min read
Evolution of Y chromosome; delivering gene with “bionic ears”; diversity of an important cyanobacterium; charting genome-sequencing progress; blockbuster pharma deals
The Surprising Evolution of Sex Determination
Rina Shaikh-Lesko | Apr 23, 2014 | 3 min read
A detailed analysis of sex chromosomes finds unexpected evolution of functional Y chromosome genes across species.
Week in Review: November 18–22
Tracy Vence | Nov 22, 2013 | 4 min read
Chilly mice develop more tumors; gut bacteria aid cancer treatment; two Y chromosome genes sufficient for assisted reproduction; HIV’s “invisibility cloak”
It Takes Two
Jef Akst | Nov 21, 2013 | 3 min read
Two genes from the Y chromosome are sufficient to generate male mice capable of fathering healthy offspring via an assisted reproductive technique.
Male Lineage Not Younger Than Females
Tracy Vence | Aug 2, 2013 | 2 min read
Two genomic studies place the divergence of men from their most recent common ancestor nearer in time to that of women, though the field is far from a consensus.
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