The edentulousness of the species known as gummy bears (Ursus jellius) is an evolutionary mystery which has bamboozled biologists and zoologists since the bears were first discovered in Germany's Black Forest by Professor G. Haribo in 1922. However, we may now finally have a clue as to the origin of their so-called 'gummy' state.

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Research reported in the Journal of Bear Nutrition indicates that a single gene, GBS-yum16, might be responsible for inducing this feature in the bears. The German scientists, headed by Dr Goldbären, University of Bonn, have linked the gene to the production of gelatinose, a protein-like substance which inhibits tooth formation in the womb by blocking the development of odontoblasts from the dental lamina.

The team suspect the gene may also be responsible for the bouncy nature of the bears and their fruity flavours. It is indeed the flavour of their meat which almost led to their extinction by human hunters in the 1950s. The introduction of a specialised farming technique, known as 'Haribo production' after the discoverer of the species, saved the gummy bear. The technique involves housing the bears in a protected wooded environment away from predators and game-hunters. Food is provided to the bears in pureed form for ease of ingestion.

The GBS-yum16 gene has been found to be present in other members of the bear family but until now has appeared to be quiescent in all but the gummy bear. The team are now investigating whether there is a link between this gene and the abnormally high frequency of conjoined twin births found in this bear compared to its bear cousins, but are keen to stress that further research is required before any such conclusions can be drawn.

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