News From the Field
Mutant Gene Gives Pigeons Fancy Hairdos

January 31, 2013

University of Utah researchers decoded the genetic blueprint of the rock pigeon, unlocking secrets about pigeons' Middle Eastern origins, feral pigeons' kinship with escaped racing birds, and how mutations give pigeons traits like a fancy feather hairdo known as a head crest. Full Story

Source
University of Utah

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The National Science Foundation (NSF) is an independent federal agency that supports fundamental research and education across all fields of science and engineering. In fiscal year (FY) 2012, its budget was $7.0 billion. NSF funds reach all 50 states through grants to nearly 2,000 colleges, universities and other institutions. Each year, NSF receives about 50,000 competitive requests for funding, and makes about 11,500 new funding awards. NSF also awards about $593 million in professional and service contracts yearly.

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