{
  "id": 19852563,
  "title": "New genetic atlas reveals traces of 10,000 years of sheep breeding",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/13/new-genetic-atlas-reveals-traces-of-10-000-years-of-sheep-breeding",
  "topic": "science",
  "section": "Science",
  "published": "2026-11-13T19:20:06.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Phys.org",
    "slug": "phys-org",
    "url": "https://phys.org/news/2026-11-genetic-atlas-reveals-years-sheep.html"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": null,
  "summary": "An international team of researchers, including scientists from Aarhus University, has developed the most comprehensive map to date of how genetic variation influences gene regulation in sheep, revealing traces of 10,000 years of selective breeding. The atlas, called SheepGTEx, allows scientists to connect genetic variants with specific genes, biological mechanisms, and the tissues in which they act. By combining the atlas with DNA from 52 ancient sheep spanning approximately 10,000 years, the researchers found evidence that domestication and selective breeding have shaped not only the DNA sequences of sheep but also the genetic mechanisms that regulate gene activity. The findings suggest that domestication and breeding may have altered particular traits by changing gene regulation in specific tissues, such as the skin and cervix, which are linked to wool, pigmentation, and reproduction.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}