Slashdot Mirror


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

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.

1 of 95 comments (clear)

  1. 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.