Zebra Finch Genome Decoded (VIDEO)

WashU Medicine

Caption

An international teams of scientists has decoded the genome of a songbird -- the Australian zebra finch -- to reveal intriguing clues about the genetic basis and evolution of vocal learning. The simple melodies are rooted in tremendous genetic complexity. The new work can help scientists understand how humans learn language and sets the stage for new studies to identify the genetic and molecular origins of speech disorders, such as those related to autism, stroke, stuttering and Parkinson's disease.

Credit

Washington University

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May be used in news related to zebra finch genome analysis, published in <i>Nature</i>, April 1, 2010.

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