Articles tagged with Genetic Diversity
A study by University of Toronto researchers found that four crops (soybeans, wheat, rice, and corn) now dominate globally, with only 152 out of 153 main crops being grown. This trend has implications for regional food sovereignty, ecological resilience, and pest/disease management.
A University of Oxford study reveals that genomic research has been limited by a lack of diversity, with most subjects from the UK, US, and Iceland. The study analyzed nearly 4,000 scientific studies between 2005 and 2018, finding that ancestral diversity has stalled and non-white groups are under-represented.
Historical genomes of eastern gorillas show significant decline in genetic diversity and increase in harmful mutations. This decline may make them less able to adapt to disease outbreaks and environmental changes.
A study published in Nature Communications reveals that eleven seal species narrowly escaped extinction, with most surviving strong population declines. However, four species, including the northern elephant seal and Mediterranean monk seal, suffered severe genetic loss due to overhunting.
A world collection of over 22,000 barley varieties has been characterised at the molecular level, enabling effective use of genebank collections in research and breeding. The dataset guides the identification of duplicate samples and provides insights into global barley diversity.
Researchers found cranial shape variation within species reflects genetic diversity. Genetic drift and mutation processes underlying genetic diversity are likely drivers of this variation.
Researchers found that East Japan populations of Castanopsis sieboldii survived in situ during the LGM on both Japan Sea and Pacific coasts. Genetic diversity studies suggest these groups had already been established before the LGM, indicating separate survival in different regions.
A study found that 67% of vampire bats in Belize and Peru are infected with Bartonella bacteria, which can cause endocarditis. The research suggests transmission may occur through bites or environmental contamination, highlighting the risk of cross-species transmission.
A mathematic model developed by researchers at the University of Basel's Biozentrum demonstrates how different variants of genes enable random diversity in neurons. This diversity is achieved by combining isoforms in a way that results in precise and exclusive neuron function.
Researchers have developed a new approach to conserving tree species, focusing on increasing genetic diversity and efficiency in protection. The method can be tailored for successful conservation of any species, including custom-tailored seed collection protocols.
A new genome-wide analysis of the rock gnome lichen reveals its genetic distinctiveness across different locations and informs conservation efforts. The research highlights the importance of preserving habitat and geography in maintaining biodiversity.
A statistical analysis of two Phase 3 clinical trials reveals a decrease in dengue vaccine efficacy with increasing antigen amino acid mismatch in children aged 2-8. In contrast, older children showed broader protective responses with prior virus exposure.
A long-term study of eastern massasauga rattlesnakes in Illinois reveals they have retained a surprising amount of genetic diversity. However, the snakes' populations are likely to become locally extinct without significant intervention due to habitat loss and fragmentation.
Researchers found low genetic diversity among ancient macaw skeletons from Chaco Canyon and the Mimbres region in New Mexico, dating back to 900-1200 CE. This suggests a translocated breeding population of macaws based on a small founder population.
Researchers found that feral horses in the park have a mix of genetic markers from different regions, including Native American horse traders and East Asia. The herd is highly inbred and lacks genetic diversity, highlighting the need for new blood to improve its health.
A novel theory explains how species adapt across their ranges, identifying a critical threshold that determines the success of expansion. The theory shows that dispersal can be beneficial for adaptation but also carries costs, such as reducing genetic diversity.
Researchers propose that wars between patrilineal clans led to a collapse in male genetic diversity around 7,000 years ago. This phenomenon, known as the Y-chromosome bottleneck, was observed only in men and has been linked to changes in social structures after farming and herding emerged.
Hadziabdic Guerry is a plant geneticist working on the frafra potato project, which aims to transform the species into an alternative food source. The research focuses on assessing the genetic diversity and spatial structure of existing populations to improve production and nutritional value.
A team of scientists discovered that genetic diversity in host populations slows down the adaptation of parasites, increasing their resistance to disease. This finding has significant implications for ecosystem research and the preservation of biological diversity.
A team of researchers analyzed effective population size measures to reveal crucial considerations for recovering the southern sea otter population. The findings highlight the importance of accurate estimates to ensure species recovery.
Researchers recommend translocating Sumatran rhinos to breeding centers due to low population numbers and genetic diversity loss. Combining remaining rhinos can prevent genetic erosion and potentially save the species from extinction.
A study of the KhoeSan population found high levels of immune cell diversity and divergence in two distinct groups. Researchers identified unique genetic variants that impact natural killer cell function and combat disease specific to this geographic area.
A common Great Barrier Reef coral species has enough genetic diversity to adapt to warming conditions, but its future remains uncertain. The model predicts that the coral will become more sensitive to temperature swings, but it will still survive for at least another century.
Ancient European horse breeding practices likely contributed to the limited paternally-inherited Y chromosome diversity in modern horses. Selective breeding during the Iron Age may have reduced genetic variation, as humans prioritized reproductive success of selected stallions. The Roman Empire's shift towards male-based selective bree...
Researchers tracked Aedes mosquito invasions in Panama, finding evidence of multiple invasions via land and sea. The study revealed high genetic diversity in central Panama, suggesting transport networks facilitate the mixing of different molecular lineages.
A study on Neolithic migration in the Iberian Peninsula reveals a distinct population with persistent genetic characteristics. The population's diet remained constant across space and time, dominated by terrestrial food sources.
New research reveals an extreme lack of genetic diversity in domestic chickpeas, threatening their adaptability to climate change. However, the study also identified wild relatives with promising traits such as drought-resistance and resistance to insect pests.
Researchers sequenced the first Amazon molly genome, revealing insights into its asexual reproduction and surprising genetic diversity. The study found evidence of hybrid vigor and high immune system variability in the clones, contradicting the expectation that asexuals would be at a disadvantage.
A study published in PLOS ONE found that Zimbabwe's Savé Valley lion population has low genetic diversity due to inbreeding, which could impact its health. The authors suggest introducing new unrelated lions to enhance the population's genetic diversity and ensure its long-term future.
Researchers have genotyped M. bovis samples from cattle in Mozambique, revealing a deeply geographically structured diversity of the disease. The results suggest that the diversity of M. bovis is maintained within regions through constant reinfection of animals.
A new study reveals the vaginal tract harbors a more genetically diverse HIV-1 population than the blood, with an average of 5.7 variants vs. 1.7 in blood plasma. This finding supports the existence of a genetic bottleneck that filters out variants between the two compartments.
Researchers found a dramatic decline in genetic diversity of Northwest salmon, with Columbia River Chinook losing up to two-thirds of their genetic material. The study's findings provide a baseline for conservation genetics and inform discussions on restoring fish stocks.
Research reveals that genetic diversity impacts learned birdsong tempo, with heritable contributions explaining up to 55% of variability. The quality of instruction also plays a role in shaping the relationship between genes and song tempo.
Researchers developed a statistical model to study the origin of genetic diversity in Amazonian sardines, revealing interactions between geographical distance, waterfalls, and floodplain size. The approach could be used for conservation strategies, helping to assess human impact on biodiversity in various ecosystems.
A Brazilian-American research group has published a comprehensive study on monitoring the survival of muriquis, two critically endangered primate species. The study highlights key factors such as population trends, conservation priorities, and feasibility, providing a roadmap for preserving these unique animals.
A new study reveals that the original inhabitants of the Chachapoyas region in Peru remained genetically distinct from the Inca Empire, resisting forced assimilation. The research uses DNA analysis to challenge traditional accounts of the Incas' conquest of the area.
Researchers sequenced the genomes of 24 South African individuals from different ethnolinguistic origins, revealing high levels of genetic diversity. The study found measurable genetic differences between Nguni and Sotho-Tswana speakers, as well as varying proportions of admixture in Coloured individuals.
Seemingly identical sea snake populations revealed to be genetically distinct, emphasizing the importance of preserving biodiversity. Targeted research on habitat and diet requirements is crucial to understanding the sudden disappearance of sea snakes from Australian reefs.
A mutation in the SCL24A4 gene is identified as the cause of enamel hypoplasia in Samoyed dogs, leading to discolored and malformed teeth. The study found that breeders can eliminate the faulty gene through selective breeding.
Recent studies on passenger pigeon genomics reveal surprisingly low genetic diversity despite large populations. The study suggests that high adaptability allows faster evolution, but also drives a loss in genetic diversity, making the birds more vulnerable to extinction.
A new study analyzes DNA from museum specimens and finds that passenger pigeons' low genetic diversity was caused by natural selection, which spread beneficial mutations rapidly and eliminated deleterious ones. The research suggests that the species' adaptation to large flocks may have become a liability when their population declined.
Researchers discovered low genetic diversity in domestic ferrets globally, making them more susceptible to diseases and disorders. The study highlights the importance of incorporating genetically diverse ferrets from other countries into breeding programs to minimize inbreeding and reduce the risk of disease transmission.
A recent study found that populations of Plasmodium vivax in the Americas are as genetically diverse as those in Southeast Asia, contradicting previous assumptions. The research suggests that P. vivax may have originated from Africa, Europe, and Asia, and its genetic diversity was retained upon arrival in the Americas.
A genetic analysis of Papua New Guinea reveals a sharp genetic divide between highlanders and lowlanders, dating back 10,000 to 20,000 years. The study, led by Anders Bergström, genotyped 381 individuals from 85 language groups across PNG, finding strong genetic differentiation within both highland and lowland populations.
Researchers at UNIST have sequenced the whole genome of the Myotis rufoniger, a critically endangered bat species, to understand its genetic basis. The study provides valuable insights into the species' demographic history, genomic diversity, and evolutionary origins.
Researchers analyzed Y chromosomes of over 50 horses and found that nearly all modern breeds trace back to Oriental stallions introduced to Europe over the last 700 years. This study reveals the impact of strong selection on males and breeding schemes driven by Oriental ancestors.
A Southern California mountain lion population is plagued by inbreeding due to urbanization and highway barriers. Conservation efforts proposed a network spanning the Santa Ana Mountains and Eastern Peninsular Mountains to promote genetic diversity and connectivity.
Biologists analyzed genetic sequences from 17,000 individuals in 173 bird species, finding a positive correlation between population differentiation rates and speciation rates. The study supports the long-held assumption that genetic differences between populations predict species diversity.
Analyses of 14 ancient horse genomes reveal that domestication led to changes in forelimbs and coat colors, as well as the presence of genetic variants associated with milk production for human consumption. The study suggests that early domestication was not limited to a small group of stallions but involved multiple founders.
African cattle breeds have developed genetic adaptations to cope with varying environments, which will inform breeding programs to improve productivity and resilience. The '10,000 Livestock Genome Project' aims to catalogue all domestic livestock breeds to preserve diversity before it disappears forever.
Researchers are using wild relatives to breed more resilient sunflower varieties, reducing the impact of diseases, weeds, and insects. The study highlights the importance of annotating genetic information in wild relative collections to preserve traits for future use.
A groundbreaking study has used DNA from taxidermy specimens to understand the genetic diversity of Irish and British goat populations. The research reveals two distinct genetic groupings among feral 'Old Goat' herds, with modern-day dairy goats falling outside these groupings.
Researchers at the University of Cambridge have discovered a key to increasing crop diversity by manipulating plant sex through the HEI10 gene. This breakthrough has significant implications for introducing novel disease resistance genes into elite crop varieties, addressing a major limitation in crop improvement.
A new study reveals a massive decline in genetic diversity among living and extinct black rhinoceros populations. The research found that hunting and habitat loss have reduced the species' evolutionary potential dramatically over the last 200 years.
Neuroscientists at the University of Geneva have identified three main sub-groups of inhibitory interneurons in the cortex by analyzing cell-type specific genes and their expression patterns. These findings will aid in understanding neuro-developmental disorders such as autism and schizophrenia.
The San Diego Zoo's Frozen Zoo cell cultures contain genetic variation missing in surviving individuals of the critically endangered northern white rhinoceros. Genome-wide levels of genetic diversity and inbreeding in both southern and northern white rhinos were examined to aid future efforts toward genetic rescue and assisted reproduc...
A study of cocoa varieties grown in Bahia for over 200 years found that they are genetically similar and vulnerable to disease. Researchers identified resistant trees with greater genetic diversity, offering hope for combating witch's broom.
A recent study on Bahama pupfish has identified 12 million single DNA mutations associated with jaw size differences and specialized diets. The researchers found novel candidate genes linked to large jaws and small jaws, highlighting the complexity of ecological specialization in this species.
Researchers sequenced the Iberian lynx genome, finding extreme erosion of its DNA and low genetic diversity. This limits its ability to adapt to environmental changes, with multiple potentially harmful genetic variants identified.
Researchers at UTHealth found that industrialization led to a rapid decline in vertebrate populations, with an average decline of 25% every 10 years for endangered species. Preserving ecosystems and habitats is crucial to preventing this decline.