"The primary reason that organ transplants in humans fail is because the body's immune system recognises the donated organ as 'non-self'," said French. "Exploring the mechanisms that allow marmosets to maintain both self and sibling cells could speak to this question."

This unusual type of genetic exchange may not be restricted to marmosets, added Ross. "It is possible for humans to exchange genetic material in this way, although it is still believed to be a very rare event.

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"http://www.pnas.org/cgi/content/abstract/0607426104v1