Scientists Completely Map , the Human Y Chromosome , for the First Time.<br />Business Insider reports that researchers <br />once referred to the human Y chromosome<br />as a "functional wasteland.".<br />That assumption was made at a time when large <br />amounts of its genome remained unsequenced and <br />some of its protein-coding genes were a mystery.<br />Two papers published in 'Nature' have finally <br />unraveled some of the Y chromosome's mysteries.<br />Business Insider reports that the new research <br />could lead to breakthroughs in reproduction, <br />cancer, aging and even human evolution.<br />One of the papers highlights a team <br />of scientists that have completely sequenced <br />the Y chromosome for the first time.<br />The team's results have filled in significant gaps <br />pertaining to scientists' knowledge of the human genome. .<br />The second paper details another team's <br />work to sequence an additional 43 <br />Y chromosomes from people around the world.<br />The results offer scientists a more <br />complete picture, including variations <br />that exist between individuals and populations. .<br />It really took a star-studded cast of <br />people to make sure that this was <br />an accurate reference because we <br />understand how important it is, <br />every single base on that reference, Karen Miga, Co-founder of the Telomere-to-Telomere <br />Consortium, via Business Insider.<br />Business Insider reports that researchers <br />hope their work will offer insight into <br />genetic differences that impact fertility, <br />cancer and a number of other health issues
