Unlocking the Mystery: How a Flipped Gene Explains the Size Variations in Thorny Skates

For over a century, scientists have puzzled over the size variations in thorny skates found in the North Atlantic. These fascinating fish consistently grow into two distinct sizes, leaving researchers searching for answers. Recent studies have finally cracked this enigma by identifying a genetic inversion.

The breakthrough came during the unexpected pause of the COVID-19 pandemic. A dedicated team of researchers connected the genetic dots and revealed how this flipped gene influences the growth patterns of these skates. This discovery not only sheds light on the thorny skate’s biology but also opens avenues for further research in marine genetics.