Slashdot Mirror


Shark 6th Sense Related to Human Evolution?

An anonymous reader writes "Scientists at the University of Florida are claiming that certain genes found in sharks that give them their 'sixth sense' and allow them to detect electrical signals could also be responsible for the development of the head and facial features in humans. From the article: 'The researchers examined embryos of the lesser spotted catshark. Using molecular tests, they found two independent genetic markers of neural crest cells in the sharks' electroreceptors. Neural crest cells are embryonic cells that pinch off early in development to form a variety of structures. In humans, these cells contribute to the formation of facial bones and teeth, among other things.'"

6 of 308 comments (clear)

  1. Definition of Science by Peter+Mork · · Score: -1, Offtopic

    I disagree that science is restricted to that which can be demonstrated using the scientific method. Humans have been engaging in scientific inquiries for millenia, yet the scientific method is a recent invention. The scientific method facilitates the acquisition of scientific knowledge, but it is not the only possibility. There are times when performing a scientific experiment is impossible or immoral. In these cases, we can still make observations and construct models, even though we cannot directly test those models.

  2. Whoa... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: -1, Offtopic

    George C. Deutsch just got fired and you can't wait a single article before you talk about evolution again?

    About time that GWB appoints some Slashdot editors...

  3. Laywers......... by PcolaLinuxDragon · · Score: 0, Offtopic

    So...... Lawyers really are landsharks...

  4. What if Humans and Sharks shared some ancestry? by palad1 · · Score: -1, Offtopic

    Would that make lawyers humans then?

    Slashdotter is confused...

  5. Wow, I expected this sooner by kadathseeker · · Score: 0, Offtopic

    I for one welcome our psychic laser-wielding shark overlords.

    --
    The 'Net is a waste of time, and that's exactly what's right about it. - William Gibson
  6. Re:I confused FOREARM w/FOREHEAD by Anonymous Coward · · Score: -1, Offtopic

    You fail anatomy class! F!