Scientists discovered that bamboo's miRNA enters giant pandas' blood, influencing their feeding habits and taste perception.

“We showed that plant-derived miRNAs are present in the blood of giant pandas,” Feng Li, a researcher at China West Normal University, said in a statement. “Our study proved that bamboo used as food ...

Giant pandas have evolved several features, including "pseudo thumbs" to grasp bamboo and flat teeth that are well suited for crushing it, which make it possible for them to live off plants.

MiRNA plays “a role in regulating the gene expression of giant pandas,” said ... the freshest and most nutritious bamboo, which enables them to adapt to a plant-based diet.

A new study suggests that microRNA from plants can enter the bloodstream of bears and facilitate adaptation to a herbivorous ...

indicates that molecules found in bamboo may be behind their plant-based diet. Chinese researchers found miRNA – tiny bamboo molecules – could enter giant pandas’ bloodstream and enable the adaptation ...