Study finds 'dark matter' DNA is vital for rice reproduction

(Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST) Graduate University) Researchers from the Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology Graduate University (OIST) have shed light on the reproductive role of 'dark matter' DNA - non-coding DNA sequences that previously seemed to have no function.Their findings, published today in Nature Communications, have revealed that a specific non-coding genomic region is essential for the proper development of the male and female reproductive organs in ric...