April 11, 2003
Cannibalism Gene
Gene Expression tipped me off on this article which found a genetic signature for cannibalism. Apparently, the "cannibal gene", so to speak, was selected because it conferred resistance against prion diseases. I don't have access to the full study yet, but I will keep an eye for it.
Balancing Selection at the Prion Protein Gene Consistent with Prehistoric Kurulike Epidemics
Simon Mead et al.
Science 10.1126/science.1083320
News Story (Yahoo)
News Story (Reuters)
News Story (New Scientist)
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