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Published online 16 February 2003 | Nature | doi:10.1038/news030210-18
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Genes sing new song
Mimic birds share brain molecules.
Scientists have zeroed in on the set of brain genes that enable parrots and songbirds to mimic tunes, heard this week's American Association of the Advancement of Science annual meeting.
Most birds sing the same old song every day; but some, such as hummingbirds and parrots, incorporate new sounds or words into their calls.
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