An oft-repeated faith statement on the part of ancient astronaut theorists (or just plain old panspermia theorists) is that the “junk DNA” in the human genome is either alien DNA or DNA that had its origin in outer space, now rendered useless (vestigial). Recent science says otherwise.

Junk DNA and Evolution

Junk DNA Not Really Junk

Princeton Scientists Find Role for “Junk DNA”

Not “Junk DNA” After All

The Myth of Junk DNA

Research team finds key to childhood brain disease lies in genetic junk

Junk DNA may prove invaluable in quest for gene therapies

  • (uh, that wouldn’t be the case if it was extraterrestrial)

Study: Junk DNA is critically important

More Functions for “Junk DNA”

Another Blow to Junk DNA Myth: Encyclopedia of DNA

Nature and Heredity Report Function for Non-Coding DNA