the "not-missing heredity" of morphological variation in dogs

New PLoSBio paper: >900dogs of 80 breeds (+wild), 61k SNPs and morphological measurements --> relatively few loci explain the majority of phenotypic (morphological) variation

(thanks Dieter!)

genetics of sled dog 'running'

New study in Ostrander lab looking at genetic variation in Alaskan sled dogs that have been phenotypically measured for endurance, speed and "work ethic"...

These data set the stage for mapping studies aimed at finding genes that are associated with athletic attributes integral to the high performing Alaskan sled dog.

will be interesting to see if Heather's candidate genes (ACE1, ACT3) stand out...

more interesting candidate genes: size, longevity, behavioral stereotypes

This dog study is > a year old, but I only just discovered it:

Candidate genes associated with size, longevity, and behavioral stereotypes of dogs (New Scientist seems esp interested in high strung chihuahuas)

genetics of dog hair (length and curl)

new Science Express paper from Ostrander lab: Variation in dog coat phenotypes largely due to mutations at just 3 genes (RSPO2, FGF5, and KRT71).

This is exciting -- for several reasons!

here is an NPR snippet about the article (thanks for tip, Monica):

http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=112292082&sc=fb&cc=fp