Ancient Genes Give Birth to Modern Mice

Scientists from Queen Mary University of London and the University of Hong Kong have unleashed a chimera mouse by introducing billion-year-old genes from single-celled choanoflagellates into mouse cells. Published in Nature Communications, this breakthrough challenges evolutionary timelines and paves the way for regenerative medicine advancements. By swapping the mouse's Sox2 with ancient counterparts, the resulting mouse sports unique traits like black fur patches, proving old genes still have their groove. Who knew ancient single-celled organisms had such flair?