How Perfection is Created

Look what I found on the internets! From genome.gov:

Researchers Discover Evolutionary Event Underlying the Origin of Dachshunds, Other Dogs With Short Legs

This is great news since it gives hope to all you dogs with horribly deformed long legs that perhaps someday we will find a cure for gangly limbs and save future generations from your meaningless, tall existences:

Bethesda, Md., Thurs., July 16, 2009 — A single evolutionary event appears to explain the short, curved legs that characterize all of today's dachshunds, corgis, basset hounds and at least 16 other breeds of dogs, a team led by the National Human Genome Research Institute (NHGRI), part of the National Institutes of Health, reported today. In addition to what it reveals about short-legged dogs, the unexpected discovery provides new clues about how physical differences may arise within species and suggests new approaches to understanding a form of human dwarfism.

In a study published in the advance online edition of the journal Science, the researchers led by NHGRI's Elaine Ostrander, Ph.D., examined DNA samples from 835 dogs, including 95 with short legs. Their survey of more than 40,000 markers of DNA variation uncovered a genetic signature exclusive to short-legged breeds. Through follow-up DNA sequencing and computational analyses, the researchers determined the dogs' disproportionately short limbs can be traced to one mutational event in the canine genome - a DNA insertion - that occurred early in the evolution of domestic dogs.

Together Sam and I could create a species of SUPERDOGS! They will just be giant heads and pot bellies with feet! Scienterrific!