1st gene-edited snakes use mysterious ‘Turing patterns’ to achieve near-perfect hexagonal scales

For the primary time ever, scientists have created genetically modified snakes. The CRISPR-edited reptiles are offering new perception into how corn snakes (Pantherophis guttatus) develop their exactly patterned scales.

Very similar to feathers on birds or hairs on mammals, snake scales are the results of placodes — small, thickened buildings on the pores and skin that develop on the embryonic degree, based on a brand new examine printed Wednesday (June 14) within the journal Sciences Advances.