VIDEO - Wrestling crocs to develop gene therapies

David Ray and his team give a whole new meaning to the term risky research. The multidisciplinary research group from several universities is mapping crocodile, alligator and bat genomes, making sample collection a tricky business. Crocodile and alligator genomes will shed light not only on these animals, but on other reptiles, birds and even dinosaurs. Bat genomes are prized for their “jumping genes,” which can copy themselves and jump in the gene sequence. Understanding that process could lead to new genetic therapies for a host of conditions.