News Genetics

Doubling up on ‘junk DNA’ helps make us human

Geneticists ID 80 duplicated regions, many of which may impact the brain

DNA illustration

SEEING DOUBLE  Some DNA is duplicated in humans. The copies may be responsible for some uniquely human traits and diseases.

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By Tina Hesman Saey

- More than 2 years ago

ORLANDO — Doubling up on some DNA may have helped make humans human — including giving us uniquely human diseases.