Sea urchins genetically close to humans - 10 November

SCIENTISTS have sequenced the genome of the sea urchin, an invertebrate surprisingly similar to humans, a step that could help develop new treatment for human disease such as cancer, a new study says.

After identifying the 23,300 genes of the Strongylocentrotus purpuratus (California purple sea urchin) genome, researchers found humans shared 7077 of their genes with the arguably different-looking brainless and limbless invertebrate.

The genetic ties were far closer than scientists expected and make the sea urchin a closer genetic cousin of man than the worm or fruit fly, the study in the November 10 issue of Science found.

More at http://www.news.com.au/story/0,23599,20733535-1702,00.html

Contributed by Tim Hochgrebe added 2006-11-12

Fantasea Australia
Fantasea Line is an international company that has been involved in diving, water sports and photographic industries for nearly 40 years.

Gallery

Window Seat

Shopfront

Sealife Sea Dragon Flash - Strobe: Price A$ 699.00

Kraken 7-inch Ultra Bright Underwater Monitor KRM07-2200: Price A$ 2,999.00

Inon UCL-165 M67 Underwater Close-up Macro Lens +6: Price A$ 249.00

Backscatter Dual Hybrid Flash Underwater Strobe Bundle with FREE Diffusers: Price A$ 3,449.00

Doris Smarthousing: Price A$ 8,570.00

Yamaha Seascooter 350Li: Price A$ 1,999.00

Stickon Bifocals - StickTite Lenses - 40mm: Price A$ 69.95

Inon UCL-G165 II SD Underwater Wide Close-up Lens: Price A$ 349.00

Articles

It Couldn't Happen To Me!: by Sue; Last July I had a fabulous trip to Kavieng, PNG. Not only was it memorable for the excellent diving, it was also unforgettable for the aftermath.