Topic: Giant panda genome sequenced, explains taste for bamboo

[sam]

What genetic machinations are behind the much adored, bamboo-chomping giant panda (Ailuropoda melanoleuca)?

An international team of more than 120 researchers has now sequenced this rare bear's genome. It is the first genome project to rely solely on short-read next-generation sequencing technology, and the panda's sequence is the first in the bear family and only the second member of the Carnivora order (after dogs) to be decoded, report the researchers. The findings were published online Sunday in Nature (Scientific American is part of Nature Publishing Group).

http://www.scientificamerican.com/blog/post.cfm?id=giant-panda-genome-sequenced-explai-2009-12-13

[Simon]

Awww... 

[sam]

better than the jelly fish then?

[Clive]

If Rik's genome was sequenced it would explain his taste for chocolate.   

[sam]

what you are saying he looks like a panda!

[Simon]

Only in shape. 

[sam]

Only in shape. 

harsh.

[GillE]

I like bamboo shoots too, especially in chop suey.  Yet nobody in my family has a predilection for heavy eye make-up .

[Rik]

I don't resemble a panda, I'm much more your teddy bear.

[Simon]