Amazing news — scientists map complete dog genome, helpful in fighting human diseases
Most of what science does regarding genetics is all a wondrous mystery to me, including this project where they mapped the entire genome of a boxer dog. This will, the article explains, help fighting the numerous diseases dogs and humans have in common.
As I understand from the story, when diseases in humans are caused by a gene mutation, or any sort of genetic problem, it usually affects a complex range of genes. But in dogs, the same disease with the same genetic factor is generally limited to one gene. The idea is that tracking down genetic causes/factors in diseases which are common to humans and dogs would be easier -- find the genetic factor in the single dog gene, then apply that finding to humans.
Or something like that.
At any rate, the "moral of the story" might be this: In so many ways, the dog really may be man's best friend!
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