A new species of monkey has been identified in Africa, only the second time such a discovery has been made on the continent in 28 years. The identification of the monkey in the Democratic Republic of the Congo is significant as identification of mammals new to science is rare. Lesula (Cercopithecus lomamiensis) has a naked face and a mane of long blond hairs, and is described by the researchers who identified it as shy and quiet. It lives on the ground and in trees in a 6,500 square mile habitat of the lowland rainforests in the centre of the DRC between the middle Lomami (the inspiration for its name) and the upper Tshuapa Rivers. Its diet is mostly fruit and vegetation. There are already fears for the newly discovered species' fate despite its home in a relatively remote and underpopulated region, as it is hunted for bushmeat.

How could you not say we’re related genetically? Now it’s been discovered I don’t give it long - Good old humans eh

 

More than 400 scientists in 32 laboratories in the UK, US, Spain, Singapore and Japan were involved in the most detailed analysis to date of the human genome. They've discovered a far larger chunk of our genetic code is biologically active than was previously thought. The researchers hope the findings might lead to a deeper understanding of numerous diseases, which could lead to better treatments.

Note the use of might and could in the description. What’s the betting that we’ll just end up with cosmetic treatments and drug company money-spinners? Perhaps if they could find the part of the human genome responsible for greed we might begin to get somewhere. I wont hold my breath. My genes made me write that.