Ultra-conserved element

Ok kiddo, let me try to explain what an ultra-conserved element is in a very simple way.

You know that in the DNA inside our bodies, there are small parts called genes that make us unique and define our characteristics. But, there are also some parts called non-coding regions that we don't understand very well yet. These regions don't have genes, but they are still important for our body's functions.

Now imagine a tiny part of the non-coding region that is found in humans, mice, chickens, and many other animals. This means that it has been around for a very, very long time and has not changed much over time. This tiny non-coding part that has stayed the same for a very long time is called an ultra-conserved element or UCEs for short.

Scientists have found over 200 of these UCEs that are the same in many animals, and they are trying to figure out why they are so important and how they work. Some think that UCEs may have something to do with regulating genes or even controlling how our body develops.

So, in summary, ultra-conserved elements are small parts of our DNA that have stayed the same across many animals for a very long time, and scientists are still figuring out why they are so important.