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Scientists Plan to Rebuild Neanderthal GenomeBy NICHOLAS WADE
Published: July 20, 2006Researchers at the Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Biology in Leipzig, Germany, plan to reconstruct the genome of Neanderthals, the archaic human species that occupied Europe from 300,000 years ago until 30,000 years ago until being displaced by modern humans.
The genome will initially be reconstructed using DNA extracted from Neanderthal bones that are 45,000 years old, which were found in Croatia, though bones from other sites may be analyzed later.
The project is a collaboration between Dr. Svante Paabo of the Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology in Leipzig, Germany, and 454 Life Sciences, a Connecticut company that has developed a new method of sequencing, or decoding, DNA.
The sequencing of Neanderthal DNA, long a forlorn hope, suddenly seems possible because of a combination of analytic work on ancient DNA by Dr. Paabo and a new kind of DNA sequencing machine developed by 454 Life Sciences.
Because the genome must be kept in constant repair and starts to break up immediately after the death of the cell, the DNA in Neanderthal bones exists in tiny fragments 100 or so units in length. As it happens, this is just the length that works best with the 454 machine, which is also able to decode vast amounts of DNA at low cost.
Recovery of the Neanderthal genome, in whole or in part, would be invaluable for reconstructing many events in human prehistory and evolution. It would help address such questions as whether Neanderthals and humans interbred, whether the archaic humans had an articulate form of language, how the Neanderthal brain was constructed, if they had light or dark skins, and the total size of the Neanderthal population.
The project is still at an early stage but much groundwork has already been laid. Most Neanderthal bones contain no Neanderthal DNA at all, but almost all are heavily contaminated with the human DNA of the many people who handled the bones. Dr. Paabo has developed stringent methods to address this contamination problem.
Even with the DNA that is known to be ancient, some 95 percent of that in Neanderthal bones belongs to ancient bacteria, said Michael Egholm, a vice president of 454 Life Sciences. But these bacterial sequences can be recognized and discarded, Dr. Egholm said.
Because Neanderthal DNA is so scarce, Dr. Paabo and the 454 researchers developed their methods on ancient DNA from cave bears and mammoth.
Turning to Neanderthal bones, they have already recovered considerable amounts of DNA sequence, which are derived from every chromosome in the Neanderthal cell, as judged by matching the Neanderthal DNA to the human genome sequence that was first fully decoded in 2003.
The first goal of the project will be to sequence three billion units of Neanderthal DNA, corresponding to the full length of the Neanderthal genome. This will require decoding 20 times as much DNA, because so much of the DNA in the Neanderthal bones belongs to bacteria.
Genomes must usually be decoded several times over to get a complete and accurate sequence, but the first three billion bases of Neanderthal should “hit all the essential differences,” Dr. Egholm said.
The researchers’ hope is to recover the entire sequence of the Neanderthal genome, but that will depend on which they can recover enough DNA. From sampling so far, no particular gaps in the sequence are apparent. “We are hitting all the chromosomes and getting good coverage,” Dr. Egholm said. If no single specimen yields a full sequence, the genome might be recovered by combining DNA from several individuals.
One of the most important results that researchers are hoping for is to discover, from a three-way comparison between chimp, human and Neanderthal DNA, which genes have made humans human. The chimp and human genomes differ at just 1 percent of the sites on their DNA. At 1 percent, Neanderthals resemble humans at 96 percent of the sites, to judge from the preliminary work, and chimps at 4 percent. Analysis of the DNA at the sites at which humans differ from the two other species will help understand the evolution of specifically human traits “and perhaps even aspects of cognitive function,” Dr. Paabo said.
The degree of resemblance between humans and Neanderthals is fiercely debated by archaeologists and even issues such as whether Neanderthals had language have not been resolved.
Dr. Paabo believes that genetic analysis is the best hope of doing so. He has paid particular attention to a gene known as FOXP2, which from its mutated forms in people seems to be involved in several advanced aspects of language. The human version of the gene differs at two sites from the chimp version. Knowing whether the sequence of the Neanderthal gene is closer to chimps or humans would help decide whether they had advanced speech like people or some lesser form of communication, perhaps without syntax.
“I suspect they had language in some form but perhaps not quite as we do it,” Dr. Paabo said. Asked if he had already had hit the FOXP2 gene in the Neanderthal sequencing done so far, he said “No, that would be just too lucky.”
If the Neanderthal genome were fully recovered, it might in principle be possible to bring the species back from extinction by inserting the Neanderthal genome into a human egg and having volunteers bear Neanderthal infants. There would, however, be great technical and ethical barriers to any such venture.
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We already are 15000+ posts
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Why rebuild rex and Joe Mama when they are still alive and well?
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terrible podcaster 15000+ posts
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terrible podcaster 15000+ posts
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Multiple URGs, man! Multiple URGs!!! 
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Who will I break next? 15000+ posts
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Quote:
PJP said:
*** You are ignoring this user ***
November 6th, 2012: Americas new Independence Day.
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Hey! Why not bring back the dinosaurs, and the sabre tooth cats, mastadons, and lastornes ( 7 foot tall carnivorous bird from 25 million years ago. ) while they're at it?
They could call it all "Jurassic Park", or something like that.
"I offer you a Vulcan prayer, Mr Suder. May your death bring you the peace you never found in life." - Tuvok. 
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I walk in eternity 15000+ posts
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Hey..if they DID bring back Neanderthals...then GIECO would REALLY have to apologize to them for that ad where they say "Gieco is so easy , a caveman can do it."
"I offer you a Vulcan prayer, Mr Suder. May your death bring you the peace you never found in life." - Tuvok.
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500+ posts
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Money, time and genius minds that could be better put to use curing cancer or finding Jimmy Hoffa. 
Bob Burden said:
Pie for the pirates,
wine for the dogs.
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terrible podcaster 15000+ posts
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Quote:
Beardguy57 said:
Hey..if they DID bring back Neanderthals...then GIECO would REALLY have to apologize to them for that ad where they say "Gieco is so easy , a caveman can do it."
Yeah, maybe next time do a little research. 
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Quote:
Captain Sammitch said:
Quote:
Beardguy57 said:
Hey..if they DID bring back Neanderthals...then GIECO would REALLY have to apologize to them for that ad where they say "Gieco is so easy , a caveman can do it."
Yeah, maybe next time do a little research.
"I offer you a Vulcan prayer, Mr Suder. May your death bring you the peace you never found in life." - Tuvok.
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Fair Play! 15000+ posts
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Fair Play! 15000+ posts
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Probably a dumb question but how would these scientist be able to determine true Neanderthal stuff from the other bits contaminating their bones?
Fair play!
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terrible podcaster 15000+ posts
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That was briefly touched upon in the article - the bacteria part. I'd be interested in finding out too. Depending on what sort of organic material the specimens were buried in, the DNA sequences might be quite contaminated.
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Quote:
Captain Sammitch said:
That was briefly touched upon in the article - the bacteria part. I'd be interested in finding out too. Depending on what sort of organic material the specimens were buried in, the DNA sequences might be quite contaminated.
This has ALL the makings of a REAL life horror movie. 
"I offer you a Vulcan prayer, Mr Suder. May your death bring you the peace you never found in life." - Tuvok.
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terrible podcaster 15000+ posts
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terrible podcaster 15000+ posts
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Quote:
Captain Sammitch said:
BACTERIA MAN!!!
Now THAT sounds like a bad guy from a Power Puff Girls cartoon!
"I offer you a Vulcan prayer, Mr Suder. May your death bring you the peace you never found in life." - Tuvok.
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^You watch the Power Puff Girls? DUDE! That's SO GHEY!  <ducking>
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Quote:
The Modfather said:
^You watch the Power Puff Girls? DUDE! That's SO GHEY! <ducking>
Watch it, dude! I'll sic Bubbles, Buttercup and Blossom on you! They'll get you with their ultra super powers! 
"I offer you a Vulcan prayer, Mr Suder. May your death bring you the peace you never found in life." - Tuvok.
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Quote:
The Modfather said:
Ooooh, I'm a-skeered! Next think you'll be getting the Spice Girls after me, or the Dixie Cups Chicks.
Quote:
Beardguy57 said:
Quote:
The Modfather said:
^You watch the Power Puff Girls? DUDE! That's SO GHEY! <ducking>
Watch it, dude! I'll sic Bubbles, Buttercup and Blossom on you! They'll get you with their ultra super powers!
Nah, I was thinking maybe along the lines of that guy with the chainsaw hand, or Galactus... Or Spawn...
"I offer you a Vulcan prayer, Mr Suder. May your death bring you the peace you never found in life." - Tuvok.
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"That guy with the chainsaw hand", yeesh, you know comic book characters but you can't remember Ash? (Housewares)
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Hip To Be Square 15000+ posts
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Quote:
PJP said:
Why rebuild rex and Joe Mama when they are still alive and well?
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Joined: May 2003
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I walk in eternity 15000+ posts
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Quote:
The Modfather said:
"That guy with the chainsaw hand", yeesh, you know comic book characters but you can't remember Ash? (Housewares)
Memory is full. Please upgrade now.
Stand by : Upgrading -
10 %
22%
38%
53%
76%
98%
Done!
Ash = Chainsaw Hand guy
Ash = Bad android dude in "Alien"
Ash = remnants of burning of combustibles
Ash = Ashes to Ashes, we all fall down. Reference to the Bubonic Plague.
Ash - Kish my hairy Ash!!
"I offer you a Vulcan prayer, Mr Suder. May your death bring you the peace you never found in life." - Tuvok.
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Hip To Be Square 15000+ posts
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Hip To Be Square 15000+ posts
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Quote:
Beardguy57 said:
Ash = Ashes to Ashes, we all fall down. Reference to the Bubonic Plague.
Unless its been changed for America, its "Atissue, Atissue" which has been shortened in the modern day to "Achoo" referencing to sneezing before they fall down!
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Quote:
Nowhereman said:
Quote:
Beardguy57 said:
Ash = Ashes to Ashes, we all fall down. Reference to the Bubonic Plague.
Unless its been changed for America, its "Atissue, Atissue" which has been shortened in the modern day to "Achoo" referencing to sneezing before they fall down!
Cool. "Ashes Ashes, all Fall Down" is a line from a kid's song here.....I think they sang it in England, too....
"I offer you a Vulcan prayer, Mr Suder. May your death bring you the peace you never found in life." - Tuvok.
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It's different in the UK, yes, I've heard both versions but the one we learned as a kid here in the states was "Ashes, Ashes". Dude from Alien movie was "Ashe" not "Ash".  ASH - Housewares! "Hail to the King baby!"
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Joined: May 2003
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I walk in eternity 15000+ posts
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Quote:
The Modfather said:
It's different in the UK, yes, I've heard both versions but the one we learned as a kid here in the states was "Ashes, Ashes".
Dude from Alien movie was "Ashe" not "Ash".
ASH - Housewares!
"Hail to the King baby!"
Life - size Ash figure! Chainsaw hand sold seperately, batteries not included, some assembly required.
"I offer you a Vulcan prayer, Mr Suder. May your death bring you the peace you never found in life." - Tuvok.
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The conscience of the rkmbs! 15000+ posts
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The conscience of the rkmbs! 15000+ posts
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Award-Winning Author 10000+ posts
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I say when the scientists clone an army of cavemen, we send them after Pariah first. In fact we could even disguise them as Asian Trannies so they can get close to him so's they can make with the severe pummeling.
Knutreturns said: Spoken like the true Greatest RDCW Champ!
All hail King Snarf!
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The conscience of the rkmbs! 15000+ posts
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Oh no! Asian trannies are my one weakness!!
Please mister King Snarf man! Don't sick your heshe monsters on me!
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Quote:
Pariah said:
Oh no! Asian trannies are my one weakness!!
He finally admits it!
Knutreturns said: Spoken like the true Greatest RDCW Champ!
All hail King Snarf!
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I have nothing to say to any of this, so... Here's this instead. 
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Knutreturns said: Spoken like the true Greatest RDCW Champ!
All hail King Snarf!
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Joined: May 2003
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I walk in eternity 15000+ posts
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Quote:
The Modfather said:
I have nothing to say to any of this, so... Here's this instead.
And then the Earth settled into an ice age that lasted a billion years.....
"I offer you a Vulcan prayer, Mr Suder. May your death bring you the peace you never found in life." - Tuvok.
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In that case, let me get out my scarf.
Knutreturns said: Spoken like the true Greatest RDCW Champ!
All hail King Snarf!
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Ice age? Peeshaw! I laugh at your ice age! HA!
I'm more concerned about the coming Fire Age, that's gonna be a real bitch.
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Fire Age? That sounds like an expansion pack to World of Warcraft.
Knutreturns said: Spoken like the true Greatest RDCW Champ!
All hail King Snarf!
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The conscience of the rkmbs! 15000+ posts
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The conscience of the rkmbs! 15000+ posts
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Quote:
The Modfather said:
Ice age? Peeshaw! I laugh at your ice age! HA!
I'm more concerned about the coming Fire Age, that's gonna be a real bitch.
Are you referring to ARMEGEDDON, or the time when, a few billion years from now, when our sun has used up all it's hydrogen, and expands into a red giant, engulfing all the inner planets up to and including Earth?
Or perhaps the Armegeddon referred to in the Bible is when the sun runs out of hydrogen and engulfs the Earth!
"I offer you a Vulcan prayer, Mr Suder. May your death bring you the peace you never found in life." - Tuvok.
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Quote:
Pariah said:
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Quote:
Beardguy57 said:
Quote:
The Modfather said:
Ice age? Peeshaw! I laugh at your ice age! HA!
I'm more concerned about the coming Fire Age, that's gonna be a real bitch.
Are you referring to ARMEGEDDON, or the time when, a few billion years from now, when our sun has used up all it's hydrogen, and expands into a red giant, engulfing all the inner planets up to and including Earth?
Or perhaps the Armegeddon referred to in the Bible is when the sun runs out of hydrogen and engulfs the Earth!
Or maybe he's referring to KFC's new spicy boneless chicken wings! Mmm-MMM that's spicy!
Knutreturns said: Spoken like the true Greatest RDCW Champ!
All hail King Snarf!
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Joined: May 2003
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I walk in eternity 15000+ posts
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Quote:
King Snarf said:
Quote:
Beardguy57 said:
Quote:
The Modfather said:
Ice age? Peeshaw! I laugh at your ice age! HA!
I'm more concerned about the coming Fire Age, that's gonna be a real bitch.
Are you referring to ARMEGEDDON, or the time when, a few billion years from now, when our sun has used up all it's hydrogen, and expands into a red giant, engulfing all the inner planets up to and including Earth?
Or perhaps the Armegeddon referred to in the Bible is when the sun runs out of hydrogen and engulfs the Earth!
Or maybe he's referring to KFC's new spicy boneless chicken wings! Mmm-MMM that's spicy!
So, the world ends with a bucket of chicken wings...
Not with a bang..but with a spicy whimper....
"I offer you a Vulcan prayer, Mr Suder. May your death bring you the peace you never found in life." - Tuvok.
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