Short Wave Sea squirts and 'skeeters in our science news roundup
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Jul 14, 2023 A fascinating discovery of a well-preserved sea squirt fossil hints at links to human evolution and reveals challenges in studying these delicate creatures. Innovative efforts to genetically modify mosquitoes using CRISPR could transform malaria research, though concerns about their ecological impact remain. Additionally, a reevaluation of ancient Copper Age remains has unveiled a female ruler, challenging historical views on gender roles and suggesting women may have wielded more power than previously thought.
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Sea Squirt Fossil Discovery
- A new, well-preserved sea squirt fossil species was found, offering insights into early evolution.
- This soft-bodied creature, a type of tunicate, is a close invertebrate relative of vertebrates.
Human-Sea Squirt Connection
- Modern sea squirts and humans share a distant genetic link.
- Gene regulatory pathways in sea squirt tissues connect to heart muscles in humans.
Potential for More Discoveries
- Karma Nanglu suggests other similar fossils may exist in museum collections, undiscovered.
- Finding these fossils could provide valuable information, akin to striking gold.