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Sneaky bamboo can control the genes of the pandas eating it, scientists discover
Genetic material from bamboo has been found in the blood of giant pandas, which may alter the feeding habits of these iconic bears. According to a new paper published Friday (Feb. 28) in the journal ...
Earth.com15d
Giant pandas' taste for bamboo is literally written in their genes
Scientists discovered that bamboo's miRNA enters giant pandas' blood, influencing their feeding habits and taste perception.
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Pandas Technically Could Eat Meat, So Why Do They Eat So Much Bamboo?
"We showed that plant-derived miRNAs are present in the blood of giant pandas," said Feng Li, a researcher at China West Normal University and senior author of the study, in a press release. "Our ...
CNN16d
Pandas eat bamboo instead of going with their gut. Scientists explain why
“MiRNA in bamboo is also involved in the regulation of smell, taste, and dopamine pathways of giant pandas, all of which are related to their feeding habits,” he said. The researchers believe ...
The Manhattan Mercury17d
Why giant pandas would rather chomp on bamboo than eat meat
Giant pandas don't eat meat because chemicals in the bamboo they chomp on changing their tastes, suggests new research. Despite having digestive systems typical of carnivores, the diet of the iconic ...
EL PAÍS English11d
Why pandas don’t eat meat: Bamboo molecules shed light on origins of plant-based diet
A new study suggests that microRNA from plants can enter the bloodstream of bears and facilitate adaptation to a herbivorous ...
WFMZ-TV17d
Why giant pandas would rather chomp on bamboo than eat meat
Giant pandas don't eat meat because chemicals in the bamboo they chomp on changing their tastes, suggests new research. Despite having digestive systems typical of carnivores, the diet of the ...