
The Vertebrate Genomes Undertaking is a world group of scientists who plan to sequence the genomes of about 70,000 species — beginning with the platypus.
ilbusca/Getty Photographs
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ilbusca/Getty Photographs
The Vertebrate Genomes Undertaking is a world group of scientists who plan to sequence the genomes of about 70,000 species — beginning with the platypus.
ilbusca/Getty Photographs
The Vertebrate Genomes Undertaking: It is an bold effort by a world group of scientists to create a “Genome Ark” by sequencing the genomes of about 70,000 animal species. The hope is that by all of this gene sequencing, scientists will be capable of reply some fundamental however vital questions like: What makes a chicken, effectively, a chicken? What makes a mammal a mammal? Plus, with so many species on the verge of extinction, can scientists report their genetic info earlier than they go extinct – or higher but, possibly assist save the inhabitants from going extinct? Visitor host Jon Hamilton, one among our favourite science correspondents, talks to Erich Jarvis, the chair of this mission, to be taught what this ark of animal genomes might imply for our future – and why a platypus certified for early boarding.
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This episode was produced by Jessica Yung. It was edited by Rebecca Ramirez. Tyler Jones checked the details. Kwesi Lee was the audio engineer.