Overview

• Researchers have fully sequenced the gapless genomes of six ape species, including chimpanzees, bonobos, gorillas, orangutans, and siamangs.
• The achievement identifies between 770 and 1,482 potential new genes per species and reveals novel DNA structures in previously inaccessible genomic regions.
• Advanced long-read sequencing technologies and algorithms enabled the assembly of uninterrupted chromosomal sequences.
• The data provides critical insights into human evolutionary history, highlighting genetic differences and similarities with our closest relatives.
• This milestone, the result of over 20 years of global collaboration by 123 researchers, is expected to aid conservation efforts for endangered ape species.