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Scientists Map DNA of Rhesus Monkeys

KingKong writes "Scientists have unraveled the DNA of another of our primate relatives, this time a monkey named the rhesus macaque — and the work has far more immediate impact than just to study evolution. These fuzzy animals are key to testing the safety of many medicines, and understanding such diseases as AIDS, and the new research will help scientists finally be sure when they're a good stand-in for humans. 'Having a third primate will allow scientists to compare the three genomes, with an added emphasis on singling out the genes possessed by humans alone. The end goal is to reconstruct the history of every single one of the approximately 20,000 genes, to determine when they first appeared in history, and in what species. All of this requires an extraordinary amount of information.'"

5 of 104 comments (clear)

  1. Comment removed by account_deleted · · Score: 4, Funny

    Comment removed based on user account deletion

  2. Next... by Mockylock · · Score: 2, Funny

    Their next feat will be to DNA map Michael Jackson, in an attempt to find out his origin. This will prove whether Michael is IN FACT a human. The problem lies within finding Michael, though DNA has been found on several African children.

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    "Please, shut up. Just when I think you can't say anything more stupid, you speak again." -Archie Bunker.
  3. Re:Yeah RIGHT by ArcherB · · Score: 2, Funny

    Like we really evolved from *monkeys*.

    Pffft.


    Well, at least not chocolate and peanut butter monkeys!

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    There is no "I disagree" mod for a reason. Flamebait, Troll, and Overrated are not substitutes.
  4. Re:Yeah RIGHT by Mockylock · · Score: 2, Funny

    I wouldn't doubt that we somehow evolved from crap-slinging, organ-grinding, spider monkeys. My 2 year old reminds me of it every day.

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    "Please, shut up. Just when I think you can't say anything more stupid, you speak again." -Archie Bunker.
  5. Re:Yeah RIGHT by Red+Flayer · · Score: 4, Funny

    Saying that we evolved from some species just because we are related to it would be like suggesting that your aunt gave birth to you.
    I'm a hillbilly, you insensitive clod!
    --
    "Trolls they were, but filled with the evil will of their master: a fell race..." -- J.R.R. Tolkien on Olog-hai