An updated human DNA map captures the diversity of life

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An international team of scientists almost made the map Full For the first time two decades ago, the human genome cracked the genetic code of human life.

Globalization is a big science The feat, and journey of discovery, has enabled researchers to decode the genetic basis of complex diseases such as Alzheimer’s, cancer and multiple sclerosis.

This program also improved our understanding of Why humans evolved to have greater brain capacity than other animals and plants, and ushered in a new era of biomedical research.

But the mapping is not fully completed. Now, scientists have released a new map that better captures the richness of human diversity.

Darryl Leja/NHGRI

Researchers have published the first human pangenome, a high-quality and comprehensive reference to better diagnose genetic disease.

The original human genome was essentially based on an anonymous person who answered an advertising call. For Project Volunteers, which appeared in The Buffalo (New York) Evening News, March 1997.

Each person’s genome varies slightly — by less than a percentage point compared to the next person — but many genetic variations are hidden from researchers because of the reliance on a single reference gene.

A The new “panganome” includes the DNA of 47 individuals from On all continents except Antarctica and Oceania. Concerned scientists reported the update Improving our ability to diagnose disease and understanding genetic variants that lead to illness, Among other developments.

A good night’s rest can make all the difference. NASA requires astronauts to get 8½ hours of sleep a night to avoid long-term sleep loss, fatigue-induced errors and health problems.

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Getting proper shut-eye in zero gravity can be challenging, and astronauts on the International Space Station struggle with sleep issues just like people on Earth.

Fortunately, the Fatigue Countermeasures Laboratory at NASA’s Ames Research Center in Mountain View, California is developing tools to do just that Help astronauts overcome sleep challenges.

Dr. Led by Erin Flynn-Evans, the lab also conducts simulated space missions to understand how crew members would react to sleep deprivation while living on Mars or the Moon.

NASA/JPL-Caltech

The Voyager proof test model is a replica of the twin Voyager space probes launched in 1977.

The Voyager space probes launched in 1977. These record breakers are the only two man-made objects. Outside the protective bubble of our Sun, the galaxy is sending back invaluable data about space.

Their long-distance space treks were not planned – both spacecraft were originally designed to operate for four years. Suzanne Dodd, Voyager’s program manager at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, California, calls them her “senior citizens.”

“I describe them as twin sisters,” Dodd said. “One is deaf and needs some sense of hearing, and the other has lost the sense of touch. Therefore, they have failed differently over time. But in a general sense, the older they are the healthier they are.

With care and monitoring, Todd hopes to keep these Tracing Works that have been in operation for many years.

The world of privatized space travel is getting exciting and bold.

Virgin Galactic, the subsidiary space tourism company founded by British billionaire Richard Branson, is gearing up for its maiden voyage. Flight to the edge of space At the end of May in almost two years. The company expects this to be the final test run before Virgin Galactic opens up rides to paying customers after years of promises and missed deadlines.

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And there’s an opportunity on the horizon Michelin-starred food served on the edge of space15.5 miles (25 kilometers) above the earth’s surface. “Reservation tickets” are already on sale for upcoming trips in a pressurized dining capsule called Celeste attached to a stratospheric balloon.

B. Huertas/Trustees Natural History Museum

This specimen of a newly described butterfly, Saurona trigonum, is in the Natural History Museum, London.

An international team of scientists has discovered Butterflies new to science In the collection of the Natural History Museum, London.

Their intricate wing patterns include black-and-white eye spots on the orange-tipped hindwings, prompting researchers to name the species Saurona—a nod to the eye of Sauron, the fiery symbol of JRR Tolkien’s “Lord of the Rings.” ” trilogy.

Scientists have documented two different species within Saurona, one of nine newly identified butterfly groups they described in a recent study.

Defining new species candidates Not always straightAnd scientists have debated how to characterize Earth’s vast biodiversity since the early days of biology.

Before you go, immerse yourself in these remarkable reads.

– Giant solar-powered balloons equipped with microphones sent into the Earth’s stratosphere were taken Some unexpected noises.

– Psilocybin, find out how Psychedelic substance in magic mushroomsThe brain can be rewired to help with mental health conditions.

– Scientists have revealed how ancient giant “thunder beasts” called Brontotherus were so successful. Evolved into goblins.

– Astronomers used the James Webb Space Telescope to observe The first asteroid belt found outside our solar system.

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