Articles tagged with Genetic Diversity
Changes in protein modifications generate biological diversity needed for evolution, allowing species to adapt to environments. Most phosphorylation sites arose relatively recently in evolution, contributing significantly to evolutionary diversity and highlighting potential avenues for therapeutic research.
A new study using genetic markers has found that urban Puget Sound shorelines support a denser array of animals than in remote areas. The researchers detected over 1,600 unique genetic signatures, including species such as clams, salmon, and eagles.
The study found that balancing selection increases immune system gene diversity, which leads to a higher frequency of harmful gene variants. This suggests that our genetic adaptation to new pathogens comes at a cost, allowing some high-risk gene variants to persist in the population.
Researchers discovered two distinct populations of Acropora tenuis coral in the Nansei Archipelago, contradicting previous assumptions about its dispersal. This finding highlights the importance of local currents and specific habitat characteristics in shaping coral populations.
Researchers at the University of Washington support global restrictions on trade and collection of the chambered nautilus and its relatives, citing declining populations and unregulated fishing as major issues. The convention on international trade in endangered species will decide which species should be subject to new restrictions.
Researchers found that Miconia affinis maintains high genetic diversity and facilitates gene flow between forest fragments. The study suggests that this species' colonization capacity promotes ecosystem recovery despite human-altered landscapes.
The English bulldog's extreme physical changes, achieved through human-directed selection, have led to significant loss of genetic diversity, particularly in immune response genes. This reduced diversity makes it challenging to improve the breed's health from within its existing gene pool.
Researchers created dozens of human-made ponds with cloned water fleas to understand their dispersal patterns and success in the wild. Higher genetic diversity among the clones was found to enhance the likelihood of at least one clone surviving and dominating a new pond, providing insights into aquatic ecosystems.
A new mouse study shows that diet response is highly individualized and dependent on genetic composition. The researchers found that different mice strains responded differently to various diets, including Western, Mediterranean, and ketogenic diets.
Researchers argue that ancient grains like einkorn, emmer, and spelt can be reintroduced to modern markets by creating 'farm to fork' supply chains. These varieties offer unique nutritional profiles and taste experiences, making them attractive to consumers seeking healthier ingredients.
Researchers found a vast array of previously unknown RNA transcripts and alternative splicing patterns, revealing new functional parts of the maize gene. This discovery has great importance for agriculture, as it can help breed corn to adapt to climate changes.
Researchers have identified 16 distinct neuronal subtypes in the human cerebral cortex, revealing a surprising diversity in gene expression. This discovery provides insights into brain function and may shed light on diseases such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's.
Scientists found that cultivating squash led to the expansion of a bee species, Peponapis pruinosa, from central Mexico to California and Idaho. Genetic analysis revealed genetic bottlenecks in populations, suggesting farming practices may be causing local extinctions.
This study analyzed buried and cultivated Neolithic paddy soils to understand the impact of agriculture on microbial diversity. The results showed that modern intensive rice cultivation led to a significant loss of functional diversity, with accelerated nutrient cycling and homogenization of soil ecological functions.
A study of mitochondrial genomes from the Huaca Pucllana site in Lima, Peru, found minimal genetic shift, indicating continuity of population over time. The Wari Empire's influence may have been exerted through cultural diffusion rather than population replacement.
Researchers have located a gene called cortex that influences the brilliant patterning of <i>Heliconius</i> butterfly wings and is also associated with the evolution of 'sooty' wings in peppered moths. The discovery provides insights into the mechanisms behind wing pattern variation and diversity in butterflies and moths.
A pioneering study reveals how long-distance movements in ancient camel caravan routes shaped the species' genetic diversity. The research combined genetic information from 1,083 living dromedaries with ancient DNA sequences to create an historic genetic picture of the species.
Researchers found that dromedaries' genetic diversity is linked to their use as transportation animals. The animals' high genetic diversity was maintained due to regular gene flow from different populations.
A large-scale study has found that lifestyle factors significantly impact the diversity of intestinal bacteria, with a diverse microbiome associated with better health outcomes. The study analyzed DNA from over 1,100 participants and identified 60 dietary factors that influence gut bacteria diversity.
Research finds that intact coral reef areas with extensive live coral cover harbor the greatest amount of genetic diversity, supporting targeted protection of reefs throughout the Hawaiian Islands. Genetic diversity varies across the region, highlighting the need for diverse conservation approaches.
Research by University of Exeter academics reveals that genetic diversity in bacterial populations can help control the spread of diseases. By generating a diverse CRISPR-Cas immune system, host diversity limits parasite evolution, leading to rapid extinction of viruses on mixed-population hosts.
Researchers at the University of California, Riverside, found that corn grown in home and community gardens in Southern California has higher genetic diversity than commercial seeds. This discovery highlights the importance of preserving genetic resources through diverse farming practices.
A new approach detects shifts in genetic diversity when crops hybridize with wild plants, highlighting the risk of losing rare alleles and altering evolutionary trajectories. This method could improve conservation efforts by identifying areas where crop gene escape is most prevalent.
Researchers at Arizona State University have found that X and Y DNA swapping may occur much more frequently than previously believed. This promiscuous swapping could lead to a better understanding of human history, diversity, health, and disease, as well as blur rigid chromosomal interpretations of sexual identity.
Researchers found preserved Siberian moose with distinct DNA features in Western Siberia, providing insights into the region's genetic history and potential as a refugium for forest species. The discovery sheds light on the moose's evolutionary past and its adaptation to changing environmental conditions.
Researchers warn about the limitations of microsatellites in genetic diversity studies, highlighting the importance of sequencing flanking regions to minimize homoplasy. The study's findings suggest that using markers designed for a different species can lead to inaccurate conclusions.
A team of scientists, including Michael Yudell, Dorothy Roberts, and Sarah Tishkoff, recommend phasing out race from genetic research due to its lack of clear-cut genetic boundaries. Instead, they propose using terms like 'ancestry' or 'population' to describe grouping for studies.
The San Diego Zoo Global has fully sequenced the 'Alalā, or Hawaiian crow's genome, which will help track genetic challenges in a species reduced to 20 birds. The sequencing is crucial for understanding how to reintroduce the species into prepared habitat on the island of Hawaii.
A study found that even small tumors contain extremely high genetic diversity, which can lead to resistance against standard cancer treatments. This raises important questions about how to reevaluate treatment strategies for tumors with high intra-tumor diversity.
The study found regions with high multi-species genetic diversity could be included in marine reserve design to help species adapt to climate change. Understanding patterns within species is also key to understanding how species form and evolve.
A Purdue University study develops a statistical approach to estimate the number of generations remaining before a population reaches low genetic variation. The method performs significantly better than current methods for identifying species in need of conservation efforts.
A research team led by Alexander Mikheyev found a population of wild bees in Ithaca, New York, that has retained its strength despite the presence of Varroa destructor mites since the mid-1990s. The bees have developed genetic resistance to the disease.
A study of populations worldwide suggests that genetic diversity is linked to increased height and better cognitive skills, as well as higher levels of education. However, this diversity has no effect on factors like high blood pressure or cholesterol levels.
A study by Zoological Society of London reveals that bachelor males in small, threatened populations can maintain genetic diversity and reduce inbreeding. These 'floaters' have a significant impact on population size and sex ratio, helping to increase breeding birds and influence the survival of the species.
A new study published in PNAS shows that social structure is crucial for maintaining genetic diversity within species. Researchers developed a mathematical model that predicts how social groups will impact species evolution and conservation.
A recent study found that less competitive strains of Myxococcus xanthus can retain their genetic diversity by occupying niches inaccessible to dominant strains. This phenomenon, known as positive frequency-dependent selection, allows weaker gene variants to survive and thrive when numerically superior.
Researchers at Ruhr-University Bochum discovered that coral colonies have higher genetic diversity than assumed, with 24-47% of polyps being genetically different. This increased diversity may help corals adapt to environmental changes, but is it sufficient to compensate for the devastating effects of climate change?
A recent study published in Current Biology found that while cheaters do not take over populations, they also cannot ever fully be removed. By identifying how diverse societies prevent or cope with cheating, researchers can identify general principles about how to promote cooperation and prevent conflict.
A study on social amoebae reveals that genes for cooperation and cheating have reached a stalemate, with increased genetic diversity near the social genes suggesting a prolonged stalemate. The findings suggest that cheating can be successful only when it is rare, and fail when it becomes so numerous it pushes out cooperators.
Researchers found an invasive micro-alga, Symbiodinium trenchii, improves coral resilience to heat stress but reduces calcification rates and diminishes coral's ability to build reefs. The introduction of this species poses concerns for ecosystem stability and function.
Researchers found that hot spring bacteria exchange genetic material through quasi-sexual gene transfer, driving genetic diversity and creating new combinations of genes. This process is driven by frequent swapping of DNA between organisms, allowing for rapid spread of gene variations.
A study examines the effects of arranged marriages on genetic diversity, finding that Rindi people's relaxed compliance with their marriage rules produces a genetic diversity similar to random mating. The researchers developed an open-source tool called SMARTPOP to analyze other marriage rules worldwide.
A study by researchers at the University of Exeter found that New Zealand stoats have greater genetic diversity than their native Britain, preserving extinct British genes. This is unusual as introducing a species typically leads to a loss in genetic diversity.
Scientists used tobacco plants with altered defense genes to demonstrate that functional diversity within a species is essential for ecosystem health. The study found that variations in single plant genes can have large effects on whole plant populations, improving their ability to defend themselves against herbivores and other threats.
A study found a significant decrease in male genetic diversity around 4-8 thousand years ago during global growth, suggesting that wealth and power played a stronger role than natural selection. This decline is linked to sedentary farming and the accumulation of material wealth.
Researchers have found that corals use multiple identical copies of a gene to control pigment production, leading to dramatic differences in color among individuals. This genetic strategy helps corals survive in stressful environments and extends their distribution range along light gradients of coral reefs.
A new publication provides standardized descriptors for the African baobab tree, enabling accelerated research into its nutritional value and potential to increase local incomes. The descriptors will aid in domestication and cultivation, supporting sustainable development of baobab value chains.
A new study on ancient dogs in the Americas found that dogs may have first successfully migrated to the continent around 10,000 years ago. Genetic analysis revealed four previously unseen genetic signatures and low genetic diversity in some populations, suggesting dog breeding by humans.
A study found that cancer's gene-control system is disordered, allowing tumors to adapt and evade therapy. The disorder in methylation patterns - a process controlling gene expression - contributes to cancer progression and heterogeneity.
A study by Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology Graduate University researcher Yuichi Nakajima identified genetic data that suggest the diversity and differentiation of deep-sea barnacle populations in two troughs near Okinawa and the Mariana Islands. The findings have implications for understanding climate change impacts on oce...
A new study published in the British journal Proceedings of the Royal Society B suggests that increased genetic diversity can limit the spread and severity of viral infections in livestock and endangered species. Researchers found that viruses replicated more slowly and caused less severe disease when transmitted through genetically di...
A genetically diverse mouse model has been developed to predict human responses to chemical exposures. The Diversity Outbred mice show a range of susceptibility to benzene exposure, similar to humans, and can help identify genetic factors involved.
The critically endangered Saimaa ringed seal has extremely low genetic diversity, which continues to decline due to its isolated population and limited migration. A recent study developed a method to identify individual seals using DNA samples from placentas collected from birth-lair sites.
A plant scientist has applied morphometric analysis to violin design, revealing parallels between leaf shapes and instrument design. The study found that specific shape attributes differentiate instruments and correlate with historical time, demonstrating the influence of history, imitation, and genetics on violin evolution.
A recent study by UC Davis found that mountain lions in southern California are experiencing severe genetic diversity loss, with the Santa Ana Mountains displaying lower genetic diversity than other regions. The study highlights the urgent need to maintain connectivity for coastal mountain lions across I-15.
Researchers at UMass Amherst and other biologists investigate how bats sense their environment using advanced imaging techniques and molecular biology. The study aims to reveal the genetic, developmental, and anatomical basis of natural selection for sensory structures in mammals.
Scientists at the University of Birmingham have identified 'hotspots' around the globe where crop wild relatives can be conserved to secure future global food resources. The highest concentration of these species is found in the Middle East's Fertile Crescent, threatening their survival due to climate change and conflict.
A CCNY team developed a new biodiversity metric to quantify phylogeographic endemism, which measures the restriction of genetic variation within species in geographical space. The research analyzed 25 vertebrates in the Brazilian Atlantic rainforest and found that current climatic heterogeneity explains endemism in southern forests.
A new variety of Philippine tarsier has been genetically confirmed, shedding light on the species' taxonomic diversity and distribution. The discovery highlights the need for targeted conservation efforts to protect the critically endangered primate's genetic diversity and habitats.
A comprehensive study found that black bears in the Central Interior Highlands (CIH) have a remnant lineage in the northern Ozarks of Missouri, indicating their presence throughout the region. The reintroduction of bears in the 1950s and 1960s helped restore diversity and increase population size in the Ozarks and Ouachitas.