Genetics & development of coat color patterns. Science 25 Feb 2011

http://downmagaz.com/science_magazine/3214-science-25-february-2011...

Worth it for the cute mouse on the cover alone. Ever wonder about these lovely coat patterns?

Excruciatingly technical article about how small changes in the level and location of expression of a single gene cause large changes in adult color pattern in the mouse.

These deer mice have recently colonized white sandy Florida beaches, and they've evolved a novel camouflage, basically raising the white ventral region up much higher on the back, and lightening the dorsal color. Mutations in just 3 genes are responsible for this.

And gosh they're cute.

It has photos of newborn mice, too... called, of course, "pups".

Research is urgently needed to find out why Pembroke Welsh Corgis all have unique white splashes on the head and neck. Write your senators to lobby the NIH.

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Permalink Reply by Kari & Quin on March 8, 2011 at 6:29pm

If you have never looked at Belyaev foxes before check it out it is very interesting look it up on youtube also. Or tame foxes

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Permalink Reply by Julia on March 22, 2011 at 1:34am

At least we all know why they have those lighter lines around the neck and shoulders, though I doubt your science can explain that one, John.

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Permalink Reply by John Wolff on March 22, 2011 at 1:09pm

I've heard rumors that the faeries, who really, really value their privacy, have successfully hushed-up any scientific inquiries that might reveal their existence. Allegedly, the chief editor of Nature has been given a corgi puppy; it's very suspicious.