Scientists Identify Human Brain Gene Capable of Jumping Through DNA

Researchers have discovered a human gene, named BC200, that plays a significant role in brain cells while uniquely retaining its ability to move around the genome. This gene evolved millions of years ago from a mobile piece of DNA (transposon) and, unlike most genes of this origin, has not lost its mobility. The discovery was made after finding BC200 embedded within a human poxvirus, suggesting it may have jumped from infected skin cells into the virus.