New genes can arise from nothing

Origin of MicroRNA Genes: Researchers at the University of Helsinki have uncovered the origin of microRNA genes, which play a crucial role in regulating gene expression.

DNA Replication Errors: They identified a mechanism involving DNA replication errors that can create complete DNA palindromes.

Universal Mechanism: This mechanism is found to be universal across different evolutionary lineages, explaining the emergence of a significant portion of new microRNA genes.

Insights into RNA Gene Evolution: The findings provide valuable insights into the evolution of RNA genes, particularly microRNA genes, shedding light on their simple structure and function.

Broad Biological Implications: The research has broader implications for understanding the basic principles of biological life, suggesting that similar mechanisms could lead to the development of novel genes with potential impacts on human health and biology.