Researchers map the koala genome all in the name of saving the species

Koalas, the tree-dwelling marsupials found in eucalyptus forests and woodlands across Eastern Australia, is not just a cute and fluffy fascination for tourists.  

It’s also a perfect research subject for a group of dedicated scientists working to ensure the animal’s survival.

Publishing their findings in the journal Nature Genetics, a group of 54 scientists from seven countries successfully sequenced over 26,000 genes in the koala genome, assembling it with supercomputers. 

Why would you spend time decoding a genomic sequence when you have so much Netflix to watch? Survival, man.  Read more…

More about Australia, Science, Conservation, Koala, and Genetics