Sunday, April 4, 2010

Zebra Finch Deciphering

http://www.sciencenews.org/view/generic/id/57818/title/First_songbird_genome_arrives_with__spring

Scientists have deciphered the Zebra Finches genetic blue print. It is the first song bird to have this happen, and the second bird next to the chicken. Within the DNA they can find clues about the finches vocal chords and how it may be used for communication, like humans. They believe that vocal communication is how they learn. Understanding the vocalization can also help scientist understand communication disorders in humans, such as autism and stuttering. They can tell by seeing what part of the bird's brain is active with vocalization. This discovery could be a new step into vocal learning.


At first into reading this, I wondered why scientist were messing with these birds just to learn about they're talking. Then they mentioned understanding autism, and it made sense. I guess these people don't do these things because they feel like it. I've met autistic people, and it is easy to understand, they need a little help. Hopefully this can be the help they need. Otherwise, it'd be kind of a waste of time.

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