Genetic defect that leaves some without fingerprints: Researchers trace cause to rare mutation
Monday, September 19, 2011 - 09:30
in Biology & Nature
Adermatoglypia, which leaves some individuals without fingerprints, is an exceedingly rare condition. Now researchers have traced the cause of the condition to a genetic mutation that affects only four documented families in the world. Despite the mutation's scarcity, the research provides unique insights into the most complex biological phenomena, such as the consequences of lacking a single protein.