"Unraveling the Mystery of Rare Brown Pandas: Genetics Provides Answers After 40 Years"

Chinese researchers have identified the gene responsible for the rare brown-and-white fur of a few giant pandas in China, including Qizai, the world's only captive brown-and-white panda. The brown pandas are missing a specific sequence of DNA in the Bace2 gene, leading to a malfunction of the protein responsible for pigmentation. This discovery sheds light on the genetic basis of the unique fur coloration and opens up new avenues for further research into the mechanisms behind the color change in pandas.