Scientists Completely Map , the Human Y Chromosome , for the First Time.
Business Insider reports that researchers
once referred to the human Y chromosome
as a "functional wasteland.".
That assumption was made at a time when large
amounts of its genome remained unsequenced and
some of its protein-coding genes were a mystery.
Two papers published in 'Nature' have finally
unraveled some of the Y chromosome's mysteries.
Business Insider reports that the new research
could lead to breakthroughs in reproduction,
cancer, aging and even human evolution.
One of the papers highlights a team
of scientists that have completely sequenced
the Y chromosome for the first time.
The team's results have filled in significant gaps
pertaining to scientists' knowledge of the human genome. .
The second paper details another team's
work to sequence an additional 43
Y chromosomes from people around the world.
The results offer scientists a more
complete picture, including variations
that exist between individuals and populations. .
It really took a star-studded cast of
people to make sure that this was
an accurate reference because we
understand how important it is,
every single base on that reference, Karen Miga, Co-founder of the Telomere-to-Telomere
Consortium, via Business Insider.
Business Insider reports that researchers
hope their work will offer insight into
genetic differences that impact fertility,
cancer and a number of other health issues