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Human Limbs Evolved From Shark Fins Thanks To Sonic Hedgehog Gene (mirror.co.uk)

Posted by msmash on from the how-it-all-began dept.

An anonymous reader shares a report at Mirror: Scientists believe human limbs evolved from the gills of sharks -- thanks to a gene named after Sonic the Hedgehog. The discovery comes from analysis of skate, a cartilaginous fish which has much in common with sharks. Limbs, like gills, grow thanks to a vital protein known as the 'Sonic hedgehog gene' -- named after the video game character. The new discovery backs up a theory suggested 138 years ago that legs and arms evolved from prehistoric fish gills. Gizmodo has more details on this.

3 of 95 comments (clear)

  1. Laser Implants by Lead+Butthead · · Score: 4, Funny

    So we should all start looking into getting laser implants?

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    ELOI, ELOI, LAMA SABACHTHANI!?
  2. Re:a vital protein known as the 'Sonic hedgehog ge by Carewolf · · Score: 5, Funny

    FFS. Just no. NO.

    At least this discovery wasn't made aboard the research vessel Boaty McBoatFace.

  3. Circle of Life by paiute · · Score: 4, Funny

    Shark evolves gills.
    Gills evolve into arms.
    Arms evolve into man.
    Man invents laser.
    Shark gets laser on head.

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    If Slashdot were chemistry it would look like this:Cadaverine