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摘要

A New World monkey joins a growing list of primate species with sequenced genomes, improving genomicists' ability to tell what genes make primates-and humans-unique. Brazil's common marmoset is unusual among primates: It is tiny-the size of a guinea pig-and always produces twins. During development, the twins share placental blood supply; after birth, each carries stem cells from the other that produce foreign blood cells with no ill effect. The Marmoset Genome Sequencing and Analysis Consortium fouwnd five genes likely involved in making the monkey small and eight genes that may help it adjust its metabolism and temperature control to deal with being tiny.