Scientists find sea sponges share human genes

If George W. Bush and other ignorant fundamentalist Christians like him who believe in “intelligent design” or “creationism” (same crap, different name) saw this article they would say that these scientists don’t know what they’re talking about. Of course, we all know who the smart, educated ones are as well as who the dumb ones who believe in faith and superstition are; don’t we? TGO

Refer to story below. Source: Associated Press

Fri Aug 6, 5:58 am ET

SYDNEY (AFP) – Mankind may be descended from apes but Australian scientists have found proof of links much closer to the sea floor, with a study revealing that sea sponges share almost 70 percent of human genes.

Genetic sequencing of sea sponges from the World Heritage-listed Great Barrier Reef showed the ancient marine animal shared many of its genes with humans, including a large number typically associated with disease and cancer.

Lead researcher Bernard Degnan, of the University of Queensland, said the findings “would shed light on a whole range of different things,” and could lay the foundation for breakthroughs in cancer and stem cell research.

“Sponges have what’s (considered) the ‘Holy Grail’ of stem cells,” Degnan told AFP.

Exploring the genetic function of sponge stem cells could provide “deep and important connections” to the genes that influenced human stem cell biology, he said.

“(It) might actually inform the way we think about our own stem cells and how we might be able to use them in future medical applications,” he said.

The study — published in the journal “Nature” this week — is the result of more than five years of research by an international team of scientists.

It required the extraction of “really pure DNA” from sponge embryos and a complex sequencing exercise, Degnan said.

About The Great One

Am interested in science and philosophy as well as sports; cycling and tennis. Enjoy reading, writing, playing chess, collecting Spyderco knives and fountain pens.
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2 Responses to Scientists find sea sponges share human genes

  1. Anonymous says:

    Since DNA in sponges is made up of the same things as DNA in humans, all I can say is “Duh”. And for your information, the belief in creation does nothing to preclude the theory of evolution. It’s not either or, it’s both/and. The only difference in Christians evolution theory is that God had His hand in our formation. Of course, Darwin, being no more than a man, puts himself at the top of the heap. But if evolution in humans is true, where is the next superior race? Humans have been around a million years or more, and nothing-nothing has evolved to make them better. So, most Christians believe in God, and also believe that evolution took place, just not that man evolved from apes. There is just no proof of that.

    • TGO says:

      Continue believing in fairy-tales; I suppose it makes needy people feel as if somehow they have someone to watch over them. Your last “point” really says it all and demonstrates what blind faith is all about:

      “So, most Christians believe in God, and also believe that evolution took place, just not that man evolved from apes. There is just no proof of that.” Let me ask you, is there proof of God? It’s a rhetorical question, I know the answer is no. Therefore, why do you believe in God?

      Unlike religion, science discards arguments when facts to the contrary can be presented. And I hate to inform you but there is zero scientific evidence against for the “hand of God” in our formation, evolution or anything else. Don’t tell me you also believe the Creation story (stories) in Genesis, including the talking snake.

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