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THREE MAJOR GENES SET FEATHER HUE IN PIGEONS
Scientists at the University of Utah identified mutations in
three key genes that determine feather color in domestic rock pigeons. The same
genes control pigmentation of human skin.
“Mutations in these genes can be responsible for skin
diseases and conditions such as melanoma and albinism,” says Michael Shapiro,
associate professor of biology and senior author of the study published online
Feb. 6 in the journal Current Biology.