“Scientists have shown for the first time that “lifeless” prion proteins, devoid of all genetic material, can evolve just like higher forms of life.
The Scripps Research Institute in the US says the prions can change to suit their environment and go on to develop drug resistance.
Prions are associated with 20 different brain diseases in humans and animals.
The scientists say their work suggests new approaches might be necessary to develop therapies for these diseases. ”
BBC (thanks, SarahWoo)
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Fascinating, ta.
Very interesting discovery. Many thanks for sharing. May I add that I am extremely impressed with the number of scientific articles and stories posted on this website. Brilliant stuff. Keep up the good work.
Evolution really only requires Reproduction, and diversity of ‘offspring’. To call this Evolution is correct, but it is not evolution of species. I believe Evolution and Intelligence function on the same dynamic, which is Natural Selection. Here is an interesting treatise on that:
http://www.yourreligionisninetyninepointnineninepercenthooey.com
I would have to question using the term “evolve” because don’t viruses over ‘adapt’ to there enviroment. I find this very intristing but am a bit sceptic to say that proteins can evolve.
Derren = über1337
Cool.