Dog genomes may hold the key to unlocking new HIV-fighting therapies, according to a study published in the journal PLoS One and reported by Live Science. Researchers looking at how “endogenous retroviruses” (viruses found in the genetic makeup of all mammals) first invaded genomes found that endogenous retroviruses only seem to make up 0.15 percent of dogs’ genome, six times less than humans. This means that dogs may have better mechanisms to protect themselves against retroviruses such as HIV. Scientists are now trying to figure out how dogs might be protecting themselves—the answers may point to new leads in therapies against retroviruses.

To read the Live Science article, click here.