For the first time, scientists at the Chengdu Institute of Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, have decoded the genome of the flowerpot snake (Indotyphlops braminus), uncovering new insights into its evolutionary mystery.
The findings, published Thursday in the international journal Science Advances, highlight the snake's unique ability to reproduce without mating and its rare genetic trait of having three sets of chromosomes instead of the usual two.
The flowerpot snake, a small species measuring only a few dozen centimeters and resembling an earthworm, is one of the smallest snakes in the world. It is often unintentionally spread through potted soil, earning its name. This unique way of spreading has helped it become widespread globally.
"We found that the genome of the flowerpot snake underwent significant changes in chromosome number during the evolutionary process. The ancestral genome of the flowerpot snake underwent a rapid speciation event approximately 41 million years ago, leading to chromosomal fusion," said Li Jiatang, a researcher at Chengdu Institute of Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences. This research provides insights into the evolutionary adaptations and genetic mechanisms underlying parthenogenesis in reptilian species, challenging traditional views on reproductive strategies and genomic evolution in asexual organisms.
Chinese scientists decode flowerpot snake genome in landmark study
The organizing committee of the Milano-Cortina 2026 Paralympic Winter Games has unveiled the titles, creative visions, and first talents of the opening and closing ceremonies, as Thursday marked 50 days before the event officially gets underway.
Scheduled from March 6 to 15 across multiple Italian cities, the Games will bring together 665 athletes from 50 countries and regions to compete for 79 gold medals across six sporting disciplines.
The opening ceremony, titled "Life in Motion," will be staged at the historic Arena di Verona, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, presenting a tribute to change and transformation that seeks to redefine disability through a new harmony between people and the environment.
"I paid close attention to the opening ceremony of the Beijing Winter Olympics, which I consider one of the three or four most beautiful in the history of Olympic ceremonies. This time at the ancient Arena di Verona, we will place greater emphasis on showcasing the human element," the ceremonies' artistic director Alfredo Accatino told a Chinese reporter at the event.
The closing ceremony, themed "Italian Souvenir," will be held on March 15 at the Cortina Curling Olympic Stadium, guiding athletes, volunteers, and fans through a journey that captures the emotions and memories of the Games after days of competition and achievement.
Craig Spence, the International Paralympic Committee's Chief Brand and Communications Officer, believes that Italy will deliver "the best Paralympic Games" following the benchmark set by the Beijing Winter Paralympics in 2022.
"I think what China did in Beijing has really set the benchmark for all future teams competing in the Paralympic Winter Games in terms of performance. That's why I think Milano-Cortina will be the best Paralympic Games we've ever seen for sports," he said.
Milano-Cortina Paralympics reveal opening, closing themes as Games draw near
