Mammals evolved placentas from ancient viral DNA.
Evidence suggests that the development of the mammalian placenta was made possible by an ancient viral infection. We trace how bits of 'junk' DNA from prehistoric viruses were hijacked to protect a growing fetus from the mother's immune system.
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Exploration of Endogenous Retroviruses (ERVs) and their role in human evolution.
The discovery of Syncytin-1 and Syncytin-2 in the human placenta.
How viral 'cell-fusion' and 'immunosuppression' were repurposed for mammalian reproduction.
Convergent evolution examples in mice, cats, and lizards.
The link between viral gene expression and pregnancy health.
- 01Intro1 min
- 02The Genetic Stowaways2 min
- 03The Discovery of Syncytin2 min
- 04The Immune Peace Treaty2 min
- 05A Recurring Evolutionary Spark2 min
- 06Outro1 min
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