Giardia Bares All: Parasite genes reveal long sexual history

While it hasn’t yet been caught in the act, a single-celled parasite has been ready for sex for billions of years. A new research finding provides evidence that sexual reproduction started as soon as life forms that have nuclei and organelles within their cells branched off from their structurally simpler ancestors.

SECRET LOVERS? Giardia intestinalis has the right genes for sexual reproduction, even though scientists have yet to get a peek.