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81Redheads: The Genetics of Hair Color
Hair color is primarily genetic, and red hair is caused by mutations in the MC1R gene. The gene for red hair also causes an increased sensitivity to sunlight and a reduced sensitivity to anesthesia. Contrary to internet rumors, redheads are not going extinct! Famous redheads include Queen Elizabeth I and Malcolm X.
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82The Heterozygote Advantage: Examples of Disease Causing Genes that Give Humans an Edge
The heterozygote advantage is shown in several genetic diseases: cystic fibrosis heterozygotes are resistant to cholera, thalassemia trait confers a benefit for coronary artery disease.
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80The Y Chromosome: Ancestry, Genetics, and the Making of a Man
The Y chromosome contains haplogroups which allow people to trace their family history, genes which control male development, and may actually be disappearing.
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73What Sound Does a Giraffe Make?
They're talking... we just can't hear them! Adult giraffes do vocalize, but the sound is low frequency, and below the hearing range of a human's ear. Baby giraffes make audible sound, similar to a cow's moo!
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82How to Make a Dinosaur (from Chickens)
Paleontologist Jack Horner has a plan to reverse-engineer dinosaurs from modern birds. Believe it or not, a chickenosaurus (or, more likely, an Emu-Saurus) may be headed to a laboratory near you!
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79Chimeras: Transplants, Failed Paternity Tests, and Spider Goats
Genetic testing isn't perfect, as revealed by the case of Lydia Fairchild - a result of human chimerism, her children did not share her genetic material. The result of a court case gone wrong, Lydia's children were removed from her home and were not reunited until the reason behind the mismatched DNA test results was discovered. Chimeras occur in nature and can be induced in the lab: the Nexia Spider Goats are an example of using chimeras for commercial and defense purposes.
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78Coming Soon, to a Lab Near You: Cloning the Woolly Mammoth
Scientists in Japan are close to attempting a mammoth cloning project (literally). This article discusses cloning technology growth and the plan to clone a woolly mammoth.
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