Chimp genome could reveal human secrets

[paineinthearse]

Levity on



Levity off

http://www.boston.com/news/science/articles/2005/09/01/chimp_genome_could_reveal_human_secrets/

Chimp genome could reveal human secrets
By Carey Goldberg, Globe Staff | September 1, 2005

What sets us apart from apes? At latest count, about 4 percent of our DNA. Scientists announced yesterday that they had completed analysis of the genome of a chimpanzee, humanity's closest genetic relative, and found that the gap between humans and chimps is about 10 times smaller than the one between rats and mice. ''The philosophical goal is that we all want to know what makes us human," said researcher Tarjei S. Mikkelsen of the Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, which helped sequence the chimp genome. ''The pragmatic goal is that it will help us understand diseases and conditions that are unique to humans."

The analysis of the chimpanzee genome, performed by an international consortium and published today in a series of papers in the journals Science and Nature, pinpoints genetic differences that have developed since chimpanzees and humans diverged from their common ancestor about 6 million years ago -- differences that could prove useful in medical research.

For example, mutations in certain genes may help explain why chimpanzees are immune to some viruses that afflict humans. Another mutation makes chimps vulnerable to a blood parasite that cannot infect humans. A human mutation turned up in a gene connected to Alzheimer's disease, important data for researchers working to seek a cure.

The chimp sequence also supports several important predictions of evolutionary theory, researchers say. For example, regions of the genome that diverged the most between chimps and humans are the same ones that tend to be the most different from human to human today, showing that the same evolutionary process is at work today. ''I can't imagine Darwin hoping for stronger confirmation of his ideas than what we see when we compare the human and the chimp genome," said Robert H. Waterston, whose University of Washington team also worked on the project.

more.....

[autorank]

1. Priceless...on the DNA of these two, how would you tell the difference.

Damn, that's funny :rofl:

[ShockediSay]

2. I'm seeing intelligent design

(in the one on the right).

[paineinthearse]

3. good one

:rofl:

[Warren DeMontague]

4. Now you MUST give equal time to the "scientists" on the "other side"

http://www.answersingenesis.org/museum/