Why don't elephants get cancer? New gene study aims to explain

A new genetic study shows they have genes with special powers to fix mutated DNA — and humans have slightly different versions of the same genes.

The report, published in the journal Cell Reports, could open the door to helping people fight cancer better in the future.

And the team at the University of Utah found a batch of other animal traits that shed light on human genetics.

For instance, a stretch of DNA that gives bats their distinctive pointy ears can, when mutated, cause an ear deformity in people called Stahl ear. Another mutation can also cause fused fingers in people, but may have helped bats evolve their unique wings.

And humans share genes that give ground squirrels their distinctive stripes. In people, mutations of those genes can cause Noonan or Leopard syndrome, marked in part by distinctive freckle-like spots.


Source : nbcnews