SAVE MONEY ON TRAVEL DEALS

Linda Holland, a research biologist at the Scripps Institution of Oceanography, located at the University of California-San Diego, led scientists in deciphering and analyzing the genetic makeup of the animal called amphioxus, also known as a lancelet -- one of the closest invertebrate relatives of vertebrates.

She and her colleagues from the United States, Europe and Asia studied the genes of the amphioxus species Branchiostoma floridae.

Since amphioxus is evolving slowly, its body plan remains similar to that of fossils from the Cambrian time, making it a comparison point for tracing how vertebrates evolved and adapted. That includes new information about how vertebrates have employed old genes for new functions.

"We are finding that todays complicated vertebrate has not invented a lot of new genes to become complicated", said Holland. "Amphioxus shows us that vertebrates have taken old genes and recombined them, changed their regulation and perhaps changed the gene function."

The study appears in the July issue of the journal Genome Research. A corresponding research paper was published in the June 19 issue of Nature.

 BREAKING STORIES

Same-Sex Marriage Ban is Losing, State Pollsters Say

California declares victory over Medflies

So. Calif. facing severe West Nile threat

California insurance bill nears completion

California nuke plant gets 3rd inspection

Carrier's top officers relieved of duties

Judge rules in favor of giant Calif. cross

Scientists test computer energy efficiency

More fatal domestic medication errors

'King' star Judge among animation honorees

Producer: Character to die in 'Chronicles'

Young firefighter killed in Calif.

Ritchie denies rumors of marriage troubles

'Torchwood' to return for third season

Woman recovering from mauling by bear

Horror directors to helm Xbox comedies

Officials look for bear that mauled woman

Parasites powerful influence, study finds

Comic-Con reveals underground hits

Rescued Calif. sea lion to be euthanized