Set up a genetic database of 10,000 animals

A group of about 70 scientists worldwide have proposed the establishment of a "gene zoo", considering it a genetic database of 10,000 mammal, bird, reptile, amphibian and fish species. all around the world.

Project "10K Project Genome" was born in April 2009 with the participation of scientists working in zoos, animal museums, research centers and major universities in the world. .

Platypus.Photo: Internet

Professor David Haussler of the University of California (USA) said the knowledge and understanding of the evolution of vertebrate animals is one of the greatest discoveries of science.

With the establishment of "gene zoo", the scientific community will have a more authentic view of evolution as well as genetic changes of animals over time so that they are suitable for the environment and the living conditions.

This data warehouse will also contribute to conservation, such as comparing genetic diversity, and helping scientists to more accurately forecast animal responses to environmental changes. schools such as pollution, climate change, biological changes .

The goal of the $ 50 million "10K Project" Genome project is to assemble and decode the entire genome of about 10,000 species of vertebrates on Earth. Scientists estimate that there are about 60,000 vertebrate species in existence on the planet.

This project is considered feasible because with the current gene decoding technology, the cost to decode the genes of an animal is only from 50,000 to 100,000 USD. However, the biggest difficulty to implement the project is the collection of genetic samples and bringing them to research centers to conduct decoding, as well as mobilize funding sources.