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Mapping of icefish genome may offer insights into age-related health issues

White-blooded Antarctic icefishes live with anemia, oversized hearts and low bone mineral density, traits that in people would normally signal disease. These adaptations, however, help the fish survive in cold water and may offer a window on human aging, says a UO biologist.

That potential human health payoff comes with the completion of the complete genome sequence for Antarctic blackfin icefish, which was published online Feb. 25 ahead of print in the journal Nature Ecology & Evolution. Seven UO scientists are co-authors.


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