Dna, Genome | featured news

In the hope of reconstructing a pivotal step in evolution — the colonization of land by fish that learned to walk and breathe air — researchers have decoded the genome of the coelacanth, a prehistoric-looking fish whose form closely resembles those seen in the fossils of 400 million years ago.

Bananas are difficult to breed and are under attack from a host of diseases and other pests. The DNA data from a key species provide an important step in protecting the fruit. Breeding a stronger, better banana is not for the weak-willed.