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Uptake of DNA fragments from dying cells could redefine mammalian evolution and genomics

For decades, scientists have known that bacteria can exchange genetic material, in a process called horizontal gene transfer. This allows bacteria to rapidly evolve new traits, such as antibiotic ...
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DNA has an expiration date. But proteins are revealing secrets about our ancient ancestors we never thought possible.

The moment a creature dies, its DNA begins to break down. Half of it degrades every 521 years on average. By about 6.8 million years, even under ideal preservation conditions in cold, stable ...