[extropy-chat] Rebooting DNA

[Giu1i0 Pri5c0]

We're always being told to back up the data on our hard drives in case
of a crash. Now, in one of the most surprising developments to emerge
from genetics in years, researchers at Purdue University are reporting
that some organisms may carry around a complete backup copy of their
own genomes. The copy is apparently called into action to replace
sections of DNA that have, in effect, crashed--meaning they have
mutated beyond the point where normal DNA repair mechanisms are
effective.
http://www.technologyreview.com/blog/blog.asp?blogID=1772&trk=blog