Advancing Genetic Research For Cardiac Disease By Studying Giraffes

Depending on your perspective, giraffes are either the world’s most graceful animal or a baffling, doe-eyed sloppy eater. (This could depend largely on whether you’re observing giraffes on safari or, say, feeding them pellets at the zoo.) But personal giraffe encounters aside, one thing is certain: these fascinating animals represent several truly astounding evolutionary feats. Now, researchers are working to understand those feats, as well as the genetics behind giraffes’ most interesting qualities. More than that, scientists are asking: Could the study of giraffes actually advance human genetic research?