Electric Eels’ Shocking Ability To Alter The Genetics Of Nearby Animals

<p>Electric eels are truly amazing creatures. They can produce enough electricity to run a kitchen dishwasher or to light up your Christmas tree, but now we&rsquo;ve found that their electric pulses can also alter the genetics of nearby aquatic creatures. Yes, you read that correctly. This shocking discovery was made by a research group at&nbsp;<a href="https://en.nagoya-u.ac.jp/" rel="noopener ugc nofollow" target="_blank">Nagoya University</a>&nbsp;who just reported that electric eels&rsquo; discharges can genetically modify the larvae of small fishes.</p> <p>Using electricity to alter the genetics of microbes is a common lab technique &mdash; a technique I&rsquo;ve used hundreds (thousands?) of times to introduce specific genes into specific bacteria. The technique, known as electroporation, is a biophysical process used to create temporary pores in cell membranes that are large enough to allow DNA or proteins of interest to enter target cells. The cells heal these pores and go on living their lives &mdash; and they express this new genetic information.</p> <p><a href="https://medium.com/discourse/electric-eels-shocking-ability-to-alter-the-genetics-of-nearby-animals-12c11e9092aa"><strong>Click Here</strong></a></p>
Tags: nearby Animals