2010 Science News of the Year: Genes & Cells

Credit: © Joe McNally/reconstruction by Kennis and Kennis

Gene sequencing for all, even Neandertals
An unprecedented picture of life’s diversity is emerging as researchers publish the full genetic instruction books of a growing list of species — including one that has been extinct for more than 30,000 years.

A project sequencing Neandertal DNA harvested from bones reveals evidence of prehistoric interbreeding between humans and Neandertals (SN: 6/5/10, p.