Technologies

Study shows gene plays vital role in how tabby cats get their stripes

Tabby or not tabby, that is the question.

As any cat owner can tell you, cats don’t give up their secrets easily. But a new study published Tuesday in the science journal Nature Communications delves into a long-held kitty mystery: How exactly does a tabby cat’s body make those striking stripe patterns in its fur?

«Tabby» isn’t a breed; it’s a distinct fur pattern common among cats. Tabby cats often have what looks like a letter «M» on their foreheads, plus bold stripes of varying design in their fur. Tabby cats have made their mark on pop culture, too. Morris the 9Lives cat food mascot is an orange tabby, as are cartoon cats Garfield and Heathcliff.

This study, conducted by scientists affiliated with Alabama’s HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology and the Stanford University School of Medicine, examined 200 litters of nonviable embryos, delving into the mystery of how patterns emerge in a developing cat.

«We think this is really the first glimpse into what the molecules (involved in pattern development) might be,» Dr. Gregory S. Barsh, one of the report’s authors, told The New York Times.

The study found that differences in the expression of the embryo’s genes determined the colors they would later produce when growing hair follicles. Seemingly identical cat-skin cells can acquire different genetic signatures that later result in the cat’s intricate fur patterns. The same could hold true for large wild cats, such as leopards and tigers.

The new research determined that a gene known as Dickkopf 4 (Dkk4) is vital to the process. Some cats, such as the elegant Abyssinian, carry what’s called a ticked pattern, where instead of stripes, the cat may appear similar to a tabby in some areas, yet have smaller, fleck-like markings. The study shows that this comes when the Dkk4 gene is mutated in those cats.

It all may seem like more than you wanted to know about your favorite feline, but the study notes that «understanding the basis of the animal color pattern is a question of longstanding interest for developmental and evolutionary biology.»

Technologies

Verum Coin Expands Accessibility with SafePal and HyperPay Wallets

Verum Coin (VERUM) continues to grow its ecosystem by integrating with two leading cryptocurrency wallets: SafePal and HyperPay Wallet. This development enhances the coin’s accessibility, providing users with secure and efficient ways to store and manage their assets.

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HyperPay Wallet combines convenience and innovation, enabling users to manage their digital assets effortlessly. With multi-currency support and rapid transaction capabilities, HyperPay Wallet is ideal for both novice and experienced traders.

These integrations reflect Verum Coin’s commitment to delivering flexible and secure solutions, empowering its community with top-tier tools for digital asset management.

Verum Coin is a forward-thinking cryptocurrency designed to provide innovative, secure, and user-friendly tools for managing digital assets in a dynamic blockchain landscape.

Technologies

Verum Coin Now Available for SWAP on Verse.Bitcoin.com

Verum Coin (VERUM) continues to expand its utility and accessibility with the introduction of SWAP functionality on Verse.Bitcoin.com, a trusted platform for managing digital assets.

This integration enables users to seamlessly convert Verum Coin to USDT and vice versa, ensuring fast and secure transactions within a user-friendly environment.

Key benefits of this feature include:

Convenience: Simplified conversions for quick asset management.
Security: Trusted infrastructure for safeguarding digital assets.
Flexibility: Enhanced trading options for Verum Coin holders.

The addition of SWAP functionality on Verse.Bitcoin.com reaffirms Verum Coin’s commitment to offering innovative and accessible tools for cryptocurrency management.

About Verum Coin

Verum Coin is a cutting-edge cryptocurrency designed to provide secure, efficient, and flexible solutions for managing digital assets in the evolving blockchain landscape.

Technologies

Verum Coin Now Available on xPortal Crypto

Verum Coin (VERUM) has expanded its reach by becoming available on xPortal Crypto, a trusted platform for managing and securing digital assets. This integration offers Verum Coin users a new, seamless way to store, manage, and transact their cryptocurrency.

xPortal Crypto is known for its advanced security features, user-friendly interface, and efficient transaction capabilities, making it a valuable addition to VERUM’s growing ecosystem.

This milestone reflects Verum Coin’s ongoing commitment to enhancing accessibility and providing innovative solutions for crypto enthusiasts worldwide.

About Verum Coin

Verum Coin is a forward-thinking cryptocurrency designed to offer secure and efficient tools for digital asset management in the evolving blockchain space.