Ward the Beaver

https://beta.theglobeandmail.com/news/national/scientists-map-genome-of-beaver-as-gift-for-canadas-150th-birthday/article33617869/?ref=http://www.theglobeandmail.com&

SHERYL UBELACKER
THE CANADIAN PRESS
JANUARY 13, 2017


Summary:

This year (2017) is Canada's 150th birthday and to celebrate, Canadian scientists are mapping the genome of a Canadian beaver named Ward. Beavers are very smart creatures. They are the national animal of Canada and are the largest rodent. Beavers are the only other mammal besides humans that alter the environment for their benefit. By chomping down trees and moving water flows they make a better habitat in which to survive. The beaver has the same amount of genes as humans, but that is not saying much since there are many other animals that do as well. What makes the beaver truly special is the fact that it mutated in order to process information from its parents and its environment. This mapping of genomes is the first to be recorded of a Canadian beaver and will provide scientists with interesting information in years to come.


Discussion:

This was an interesting story and even though it might not sound like much this genome sequencing on Ward the beaver was important to genome sequencing technology. It was the first time scientists were trying a new technique of genome sequencing. It would not have been much of a birthday present if anything had gone wrong. But nothing did go wrong and this test will allow scientists to make some improvements on their technique before using it on humans. With the current technology used for genome sequencing there are very many genetic variants missed. When this new technology is used we will be able to gather more information when doing this process. This is a step forward for genome sequencing and the knowledge of the Canadian beaver. Thank you Ward.