Half of our genome is made of transposons—DNA snippets that can move and copy themselves. Far from being mere "jumping genes" or "junk DNA," these sequences have proven to be much more than genetic parasites. Recent research suggests that transposons have played a crucial role in the evolution of species, including our own, acting as collaborators rather than simple intruders.

Traditionally, transposons have been viewed as selfish elements, capable of inserting themselves into different points of the genome and, at times, causing harmful mutations. However, their omnipresence and persistence throughout evolution indicate a more complex function. It has been discovered that they can influence gene regulation, chromosomal structure, and the creation of new genetic functions, thus contributing to the diversity and adaptability of organisms. Their study opens new avenues for understanding how genomic plasticity drives evolutionary change.