Scientists from the University of Maryland School of Medicine (UMSOM) have successfully sequenced 64 full human genomes. These genomes were discovered as part of the Human Genome Project that began 11 years ago. The main goal of the project was to decode all DNA reading codes.
The sequence of genomes further helps in identifying and cataloging genetic differences between an individual and the reference genome. The data obtained from the study will also help to better understand the genetic predispositions to human diseases.
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According to the reports by CNN, co-author of the study, Scott Devine explains how this makes the previously inaccessible areas far within the reach of scientific study. Also, the latest technologies can detect and identify “structural changes”. Devine is also responsible for a previous study which found “mobile elements”.
‘Oldest DNA recorded’
Earlier, a million-year-old genome extracted from raspberry teeth was thought to be the ‘oldest recorded DNA’. The results showed that a new type of mammal was identified from the genomic DNA extracted from a trio of dental samples. This led to more North American species.
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The research suggests that ancient DNA could not live longer than a million years if the correct sample could be found. They explained that after an organism dies, its chromosomes break down into pieces. Over time, the DNA strands become so small that no information can be extracted from them. According to the reports by Nature, Ludovic Orlando, an ancient DNA expert at the Center for Anthropobiology and Genomics of Toulouse in France, said he was fond of paper because it had been waiting for him for more than eight years now. . Orlando co-led a study in 2013 that ordered the oldest DNA. This was a genome from 560,000-to-780,000-year-old horse leg bone. He also said he is happy to lose this record because he was pregnant.
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