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Biotech

Study: An Evolutionary "Arms Race" Shaped the Human Genome 33

An anonymous reader writes "An evolutionary race between rival elements within the genomes of primates drove the evolution of complex regulatory networks that orchestrate the activity of genes in every cell of our bodies, reveals new research. The race was between mobile DNA sequences known as 'retrotransposons' (jumping genes) and the genes that have evolved to control them. Scientists at the University of California Santa Cruz, identified genes in humans that make repressor proteins to shut down specific jumping genes. "We have basically the same 20,000 protein-coding genes as a frog, yet our genome is much more complicated, with more layers of gene regulation. This study helps explain how that came about," said Sofie Salama, a research associate at the UC Santa Cruz Genomics Institute who led the study."

Comment Lawyers worrld (Score 1) 937

In the voice of James Earl Jones ... In a world where Google cars could remove the death and danger of traffic in society, should we seriously consider the interests of lawyers who want to make us concerned about changes that could make the world a significantly safer place? For fucks sake just work it out. Human driven traffic kills people. Google cars don't. Set up some insurance or something.

Overzealous AirTran Boots 9 Passengers Off 1002

An anonymous readerwrites "On Friday the wonderfully customer centric AirTran decided to remove a family of 9 US born Muslims after a comment between two family members regarding how close to the Jet engine they had been seated. The wonderful part is that after the FBI cleared the family 2 hours later, AirTran refused to fly the family, and refused to rebook them on their way from Washington to Orlando, Florida. The family purchased additional tickets on US Airways later that day, after AirTran requested that the irate father be escorted from their booking podiums by security. This whole story highlights the pathetic customer service we are getting from the Airlines these days — they actually treat us like criminals first and ask questions later. Just don't get me started on Delta." It's nice to see that stupidity still knows no bounds.

Comment Re:What about parental responsibility? (Score 0, Offtopic) 433

So you believe it was OK to stand and hold a gun to someone on your porch? Is this the result of being taught responsibility with a gun? Perhaps there is something wrong with your community where you believe this is an appropriate response to a stranger on your property asking for water? I really don't understand your actions. Can you explain? Are strangers really so dangerous in your part of the world?

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