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Sea Squirts

Scientists have decoded the genetic sequence of human beings, mice, fruit flies and many germs that cause deadly diseases. Now we can add to that list one of the most obscure creatures on the planet -- The sea squirt. An international team of scientists has labored to read out the DNA of this animal. NPR's Richard Harris explains why they bothered. (4:37)

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Award-winning journalist Richard Harris has reported on a wide range of topics in science, medicine and the environment since he joined NPR in 1986. In early 2014, his focus shifted from an emphasis on climate change and the environment to biomedical research.