A genome-scale CRISPR-Cas9 screen in a mouse model of non-small cell lung cancer reveals genes involved in tumor evolution and metastasis. The study highlights well-known tumor suppressor genes and identifies several microRNAs that promote tumor growth.
A study by Penn State researchers found that students from Catholic colleges were more reflective when discussing issues of faith and science, suggesting they may be better prepared to address evolution questions. The study suggests that incorporating faith into discussions about evolution can help build confidence in biology teachers,...
Researchers found that schizophrenia gene loci are linked to regions called human accelerated regions (HARs) in the genome, which control gene expression. These HAR-associated loci play a key role in regulating genes linked to schizophrenia, particularly those related to neurotransmitter GABA and brain development.
A comprehensive study of marine animal body size evolution found that the mean size of animals increased 150-fold over the past 542 million years. The research suggests that larger body sizes are advantageous, leading to increased diversity and survival.
Researchers identified a gene influencing beak shape in Galápagos finches, which varied among individuals within species. This finding highlights the genetic basis for evolution and natural selection, shedding new light on how species diverge over time.
Researchers investigate plant molecular structures for climate adaptation, discovering novel pathways subject to natural selection. The project sheds light on convergent evolution and potential applications in ecology and agriculture.
A new study by the University of Sheffield found that genetic differences between humans continue to fuel evolution, despite artificial influences like easy access to contraception and medical advances. The research showed that genetic influence on timing of reproduction and family size tends to be higher in recent times.
Researchers discovered a type of sulfur bacteria preserved in rocks over 1.8 billion years old, which remain unchanged and indistinguishable from modern bacteria found in the same region. This finding supports Charles Darwin's theory of evolution by suggesting that evolution occurs only when environmental conditions change.
Recent studies of Mesozoic mammals in China reveal a diverse range of species, with many exhibiting mammalian characteristics. The findings provide insights into the evolution of the mammalian middle ear and the origin of mammals, with implications for our understanding of vertebrate biology.
A study comparing genome sequences of 29 mammals reveals how evolution repurposes shared genes for unique traits. The research provides insights into the 'mammalian radiation,' a period of rapid morphological evolution that occurred after the asteroid impact that caused the dinosaurs' extinction.
A study identified thousands of genes expressed in the uterus during the evolution of pregnancy in mammals, with many recruited from other tissue types by transposons. These genes played a crucial role in establishing maternal-fetal communication and suppressing the maternal immune system, protecting the developing fetus.
A study discovered that genetic variations associated with psoriasis and Crohn's disease are extremely old, predating the evolution of Neanderthals. The research suggests that these genetic features may have played a role in the health and survival of our ancient ancestors.
Researchers discovered that blind predatory water beetles express opsin genes, which are usually found in species with eyes. This finding supports non-adaptive evolutionary theory and suggests that these beetles may have evolved through neutral mutations.
Scientists have found a connection between early Stone Age slaughtering tools and the emergence of modern human communication. The study suggests that teaching and perhaps even proto-language occurred around 1.8 million years ago.
Scientists have found evidence that ribosomes are not just passive translators of DNA but also have their own genetic information and may be responsible for creating proteins. The discovery challenges traditional views on the evolution of life and suggests a new spin on feeling kinship with other creatures.
Researchers found that long-lasting hosts evolved more complex defenses against parasites, providing a survival advantage. The study used the Avida platform to model co-evolution between host and virus, revealing a surprising large proportion of 'switching' mutations in co-evolved hosts.
A UT Arlington team developed a new model for snake venom evolution, suggesting that venom genes evolved independently in distinct lineages of reptiles. The study found similar expression levels of venom gene families in python oral glands and brain tissue, challenging the traditional view of a core venom system developing first.
A new study from the University of Chicago found that female birds' color vision is essential for mate selection and sexual dimorphism. The research, published in the Proceedings of the Royal Society B, suggests that the expression of a specific opsin gene is linked to the evolution of colorful plumage in males.
Researchers propose that filaments in the cosmic web played a critical role in the evolution of galaxies in the distant universe. Galaxies residing in these filaments have a higher chance of actively forming stars, with a process known as 'pre-processing' accelerating their evolution.
Rice University researchers have developed PhyloNet, an open-source software package that models more detailed evolutionary networks from genetic data. The software uses a maximum likelihood method to infer network models that better describe the evolution of certain groups of species than traditional tree models.
A landmark study published by an international team of over 100 researchers reconstructs the insect tree of life, answering longstanding questions about their origins and evolution. The study reveals that insects originated at the same time as early terrestrial plants and developed wings 400 million years ago.
A team of 100 researchers, led by Rutgers biologist Dr. Jessica Ware, has completed a groundbreaking two-year project to map the evolution of insects using molecular data. The study found that insects originated around 480 million years ago, contemporaneous with the earliest terrestrial plants, and developed wings before other animals.
Researchers found that knocking out a single enzyme is responsible for changing blue penstemon flowers to red. The study reveals a predictable genetic change behind the evolution from blue to red, with reverse changes unlikely.
A new analysis suggests a massive tectonic shift may have led to the sudden appearance of almost all modern animal groups, contradicting Charles Darwin's hypothesis of gradual evolution. Fossil records from the Cambrian explosion document rapid evolution of life on Earth.
Researchers use 'pool sequencing' to analyze entire groups of organisms, allowing for rapid evolution experiments and discovery of genetic factors influencing aging and disease resistance. The approach provides insights into how evolution works and has potential applications in understanding climate change.
Casp8 activity arose over 500 million years ago and is universally conserved throughout evolution. Key protein interactions between Casp8 and FADD are also observed across the animal kingdom, suggesting a vital cell death toolkit in animal evolution.
A comprehensive new evolutionary 'tree of life' for the tropical cotinga family has been generated, providing insight into the evolution of over 60 species. The study reveals that sexual selection appears to have played a role in the evolution of non-plumage gender differences in some cotinga species.
Researchers have uncovered how chlamydia, a leading sexually transmitted pathogen, has evolved to evade its hosts through genomic shuffling and adaptation. The study found extensive genetic variation between chlamydia families, highlighting the importance of understanding this diversity for developing new therapeutics.
Cichlids' egg-spots developed through insertion of a mobile genetic element influencing pigmentation gene expression. This discovery provides insight into the evolution of novel traits and their regulatory mechanisms.
A new study reveals the cerebellum expanded up to six times faster than expected in human and ape evolution, shifting focus from the neocortex. The findings suggest technical intelligence was equally important as social intelligence in human cognitive evolution.
The gibbon genome study provides new insights into the biology and evolutionary history of this family of apes. Factors contributing to gibbon diversity and adaptability are reported, highlighting the dynamic evolution of mobile elements in primate genomes.
A new study links groundwater availability to human evolution, proposing that springs fed by freshwater could have sustained life during extremely dry periods. The research suggests that access to groundwater may have been crucial for hominin survival and dispersal.
Rice University theorists show that energy landscapes dominate both evolution and folding of proteins. The team used computer models to compare the folding of natural proteins from eons to seconds, revealing a common connection between evolution and physics.
A study by Adrian Bejan explains how the constructal law governs the evolution of passenger jets, from small propeller-driven planes to modern behemoths. The analysis provides insights into successful design features and constraints that dictate airplane performance.
Researchers used the Constructal Law to analyze airplane designs and found they follow evolutionary trends towards larger size, greater range and efficiency. The study predicts future aerospace design with surprising accuracy.
A new study by Liza Shapiro at the University of Texas at Austin contradicts earlier claims that quadrupedal humans are a product of backward evolution. The research, published in PLOS One, shows that people with Uner Tan Syndrome (UTS) walk on all fours but use lateral sequences, not diagonal patterns characteristic of nonhuman primates.
Researchers used experimental evolution to study E. coli populations under strong and mild antibiotic selection conditions. They found higher cross-resistance in strongly selected strains with increased pathway-specific mutations.
Scientists have identified a 'weakness' in the clover genome that biases species to evolve the same trait. In six related clover species, genetic deletions led to the development of a cyanide-less trait, suggesting constrained evolution.
Researchers have identified skulls with a mix of Neandertal and primitive traits, providing new insights into human evolution. The findings support the accretion model hypothesis, suggesting that Neandertals developed their defining features in stages, not all at once.
The discovery of fossilized fish specimens from the Cambrian period sheds new light on the evolution of vertebrates. The fossils show pairs of exceptionally well-preserved arches near the front of their body, which led to the evolution of jaws in vertebrates.
Researchers propose that human faces developed robust features to protect against facial injuries during hand-to-hand combat, challenging the long-held hypothesis that these traits arose from eating hard foods. The study's findings support the idea that violence played a significant role in shaping human evolution.
A recent study suggests that the evolution of human brain and brawn are intertwined. Human muscle accumulated more metabolic change than chimpanzees, while the human brain metabolome evolved four times faster. These findings may hold clues to common human metabolic diseases.
Researchers at Michigan State University found that having somatic cells do the organism's dirty work helps explain the beneficial evolution of separating germ cells. This separation allows organisms to flourish while protecting their genetic material from damage.
A research team analyzed centipede venom protein and peptide sequences to catalog, categorize, and reconstruct their evolutionary histories. They identified 60 unique venom protein and peptide families from just five species investigated, including 11 new protein families showcasing novel centipede venom ways.
A recent study assembled a large dataset using ancient moa DNA and found convincing evidence that tinamous are closely related to extinct moas, leading to independent loss of flight. Morphological characters of ratites were mostly convergent, evolving independently as adaptations to a cursorial lifestyle.
A new study published in the Journal of Human Evolution identifies two genes that show evidence of positive selection in humans, contributing to the thickening of enamel. The research suggests that natural selection played a key role in shaping human teeth, with specific genetic changes linked to diet and environmental pressures.
Researchers identified 24 functional categories of genes with strong positive selection in ant lineages, including those related to nervous system development and immunity. Ant-specific signals on mitochondrial activity genes may be responsible for increased queen lifespan up to 30 years.
Electric fish have evolved sophisticated communication systems using modified muscle cells, allowing them to bypass predators in the dark. A gene duplication event led to the specialized Scn4aa sodium channel gene, which may have driven quicker evolution and adaptation in electric fish.
Researchers analyzed the mountain pine beetle's genome and identified potential genetic markers that enable its rapid habitat range expansion. The study found that the beetles can adjust their cellular functions to withstand cooler climates, facilitating a larger geographic dispersal area.
The fossil, Eocasea martini, provides evidence that large caseid herbivores evolved from small carnivorous ancestors. This finding contributes to our understanding of the early evolution of herbivory in terrestrial vertebrates.
Scientists have discovered a correlation between the number of duplicated genes and a species' ability to adapt to novel environments. Higher numbers of these 'small-scale duplication genes' are associated with better adaptation, while lower numbers may hinder species survival.
A new study explains how DNA methylation protects duplicate genes, allowing them to evolve into new cellular functions. The research found that young duplicate genes are heavily methylated, shielding them from natural selection.
Studies of two vesper bat species genomes reveal a link between DNA transposons and rapid evolution. The authors propose that transposable elements enabled the introduction of microRNAs, influencing gene expression and driving species diversification.
A new study on brown and polar bears found extensive male gene flow leading to the distribution of similar Y chromosomes across vast distances. The research estimated the split between male lineages of brown and polar bears to around 0.4-1.1 million years ago, confirming they are distinct species.
Correlation discovered between molecular evolutionary rates and testes weights, suggesting sperm competition fuels genetic variation. Testis size may be key factor in determining genome evolution rates among primate species.
Researchers developed a predictive fitness model for influenza, predicting optimal viral strain combinations for vaccines. The model considers innovation and conservation of viruses, providing insights into the complexity of influenza evolution.
Research on Tasmanian Devil Facial Tumour Disease reveals that human selection can accelerate the evolution of cancerous cells. The study found that tumours from devils subjected to disease suppression trials showed accelerated temporal evolution of tetraploidy, allowing them to adapt to changing environments.
Researchers in Tasmania reveal ancient conditions that stifled evolution for a billion years, but then oxygen levels surged, triggering the 'Cambrian explosion of life'. The study uses a new technique to analyze ancient seafloor rocks, shedding light on the emergence of life and its impact on Earth.
The study reveals that enzymes involved in breaking down fatty acids evolved independently in both plants and animals, mirroring each other's development. This finding suggests that both groups faced similar challenges when dealing with ingested fatty acids from plants.
The study of crab diversity has led to a new dataset with DNA and mitochondrial sequences from 140 species and 58 families. Freshwater crabs have two independent origins, separated from marine relatives after Pangaea's break-up.