Cacao plant genome to be sequenced

This project will take 5 years and cost $10million to sequence the estimated 500million letters that make up the genome,this may help scientists develop hybrid cacao trees that are more robust,have huigher yields and possibly resistant to diseases like funguses that have cost cocoa growers over £300 million a year.

genetics of mammoths and elephants

DNA has been analysed from a woolly mammoth hairball, as well as 17 other mammoth reveals that there were two genetically different species.

One was extinct before human arrived in the area.

The first draft genetic code of mammoths has been unveiled(19th november 2008).

It suggests that mammoths split into two species about 2 million years ago, one of which become extinct about 45,000 years. the other about 10,000 years ago.

The mammoth genome was read at a cost of $1million and revealed 3.3 billion letters of the mammoth's genome.

The mammoth's genome differs from that of the African elephant by only 0.6%.

Haemoglobin found in a 43,000 years old woolly mammoth differs from that of an asian elephant in three genetic sequences.

Genes linked with ADHD and hyperactiviy

The 7R version of DRD4 has been linked to ADHD.

Among nomads, this gene is linked to being well nourished,however among settled people, such people were worse nourished.

Genes linked with huntington's disease

The disease is related to mutations in tthe HTT gene which causes 36 to 180 CAG repeats.

Genes linked to IQ

A `C' version of a gene/enzyme called succinic semialdehyde dehydrogenase has been linked to higher IQ in cognitive ability tests.

The epsilon 4 variant of the apoe gene has ben linked to better cognitive ability,87% of those carrying the gene variant go on to university.