Friday, September 15, 2006
Rodent's bizarre traits deepen mystery of genetics, evolution (Vole)
West Lafayette, Indiana - A shadowy rodent has potential to shed light on human genetics and the mysteries of evolution.
Purdue University research has shown that the vole, a mouse-like rodent, is not only the fastest evolving mammal, but also harbors a number of puzzling genetic traits that challenge current scientific understanding.
"Nobody has posters of voles on their wall," said J. Andrew DeWoody (homepage), associate professor of genetics in the Department of Forestry and Natural Resources, whose study appears this month in the journal Genetica. "But when it comes down to it, voles deserve more attention." [News]
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Based on "Accelerated molecular evolution in Microtus (Rodentia) as assessed via complete mitochondrial genome sequences": Abstract yet not available but an uncorrected proof can be found via DeWoody's publications page
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