Patchworked Platypus (IMAGE) U.S. National Science Foundation Caption The ancient, patchworked platypus is a relatively unchanged animal that may be a scientific boon for researchers, who are learning a lot from its recently decoded genome about mammalian gene regulation and immune systems, which could have huge implications for human disease susceptibility research. Credit Healesville Sanctuary. This image may be reproduced by news media and educational institutions with appropriate acknowledgement of Healesville Sanctuary. However, this does not include permission for reproduction for retail commercial purposes. Usage Restrictions None License Licensed content Disclaimer: AAAS and EurekAlert! are not responsible for the accuracy of news releases posted to EurekAlert! by contributing institutions or for the use of any information through the EurekAlert system.