Today I Learned (TIL)

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TIL that 4-horned sheep and goats have existed for a long time. And that the responsible gene mutation has recently been identified. (lemmy.world)

submitted 5 months ago* (last edited 5 months ago) by BeatTakeshi@lemmy.world to c/til@lemmy.ca

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Press release on the scientific discovery: https://www.inrae.fr/en/news/mystery-four-horned-goats-and-sheep-finally-solved

Their results reveal that polycerate individuals all carry a mutation affecting the same gene: HOXD1. This is a homeotic gene, which means that it is involved in the organisation of the body plan during the development of embryos.

I hope no mad scientist ever plays with that gene 😅

Article of the photo source https://myanmarnewsfeed.xyz/la-oveja-hebridean-de-cuatro-cuernos-una-criatura-iconica-y-misteriosa/

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[–] BreadOven@lemmy.world 2 points 5 months ago

Yeah, it is pretty nightmare fuelish, but the advances in developmental biology that came from those studies was amazing. Interesting how the formation of different organisms can follow very similar processes.