How life first got moving: nature’s motor from billions of years ago
Scientists have created a comprehensive picture of bacterial stator evolution, revealing how these ancient proteins propelled bacteria 3.5-4 billion years ago.
Evolution
Articles tagged with Evolution
Scientists discover chameleon’s telephone-cord-like optic nerves once overlooked by Aristotle and Newton
Chameleons have two long, coiled optic nerves that enable their remarkable ability to look in two different directions at once. Researchers used CT scanning technology to visualize the hidden structure, revealing a unique trait not seen in any other lizard.
Scientists uncover global patterns and drivers of orchid mycorrhizal interactions
A global dataset of orchid-fungal associations reveals that an orchid's fungal community is driven more strongly by its ecophysiology and biogeography than by its phylogeny. The study provides new insights into the global patterns and drivers of orchid mycorrhizal interactions.
'Jumping genes’ help scientists resolve tree of life
Researchers at OIST develop a new method harnessing 'jumping genes' to recreate the termite tree of life, providing a template for solving ancient evolutionary mysteries. The study achieves similar accuracy to trees built from thousands of protein marker sequence alignments.
Cuckoos: maternal genes responsible for differently colored eggs
Researchers have discovered that European cuckoos' egg colors are determined by maternal genes on the W chromosome and autosomal genes. This adaptation enables the species to lay eggs matching its host's coloration without causing speciation.
Underwater robot ‘Lassie’ discovers remarkable icefish nests during search for Shackleton’s lost ship off Antarctica
A remotely operated vehicle (ROV) in the Western Weddell Sea uncovered extensive maintained fish nesting grounds, revealing patterns and organization, which are thought to be a survival strategy. The discovery provides critical insights into Vulnerable Marine Ecosystems and their importance for biodiversity.
Researchers uncover oldest 3D burrow systems in Hubei's Shibantan Biota
Researchers uncovered the oldest known complex three-dimensional burrow systems in Hubei's Shibantan Biota, dating back approximately 550 million years. These trace fossils show that complex animal behaviors emerged nearly 10 million years earlier than previously thought.
Earliest long-snouted fossil crocodile from Egypt reveals the African origins of seagoing crocs
The discovery of Wadisuchus kassabi in the Campanian period (80 million years ago) sheds light on the origin and biogeography of Dyrosauridae, a group of ancient crocodiles that thrived in coastal and marine environments. The species highlights Egypt's Western Desert as a cradle of marine croc evolution.
Once tadpoles lose lungs, they never get them back
A new study by Cornell University researchers found that tadpoles that lose their lungs through evolution never regain them, even when environmental change would favor it. This challenges the assumption that lost traits can easily reemerge.
In spring, bats grow “bolder” and more willing to confront rats in the struggle for food
Researchers found that bats exhibit heightened vigilance when competing with rats for food, displaying cautious behavior in winter but becoming more aggressive in spring. In some cases, bats were observed attacking rats, highlighting the threat posed by these pests.
A leg up on better running data
A recent study from Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences uses wearable sensor technology and machine learning to estimate ground-reaction forces in runners. This data can provide insights into performance and injury, enabling the development of devices that deliver real-time feedback to users.
Being fit may help the body beat dehydration
Research from UC Riverside found that fit mice increased voluntary running activity when deprived of water. The study suggests that physical fitness may provide a physiological buffer against dehydration, which could be beneficial for humans in a warming world and individuals working in physically demanding outdoor occupations.
What goes up must come down – scientists unearth “universal thermal performance curve” that shackles evolution
Researchers from Trinity College Dublin have found a universal thermal performance curve that unifies seemingly different temperature curves for various species. This discovery suggests that species are more constrained than expected in adapting to global climate change, as temperatures rise.
Touching your face may reveal hidden stress, University of Houston study finds
Researchers found that facial self-touching, particularly around the nose, chin, and cheeks, strongly correlates with stress levels during cognitive work. The study also suggests that this behavior may be an evolutionary, self-soothing mechanism to regulate stress.
Lizard genetics provide new perspective on evolution
A new framework models evolution by combining short-term natural selection with species-wide changes over millions of years. This resolves a long-standing debate in biology, allowing researchers to study trait evolution across multiple scales.
How tiny teeth reveal big evolutionary secrets
Researchers found vole teeth evolved from simple changes in tooth growth over six million years, making them excellent grass-eaters during ice ages. This discovery sheds light on how development steers species adaptation and informs conservation efforts.
Secrets of the butterfly supergene that controls wing colors and patterns
Researchers at UChicago study the doublesex supergene in swallowtail butterflies, discovering a single genetic switch that controls wing patterns through cis-regulatory elements. The study sheds light on how butterflies develop complex traits and explores the evolution of supergenes.
Fossilized ear bones rewrite the history of freshwater fish
A new study revises the origin story of freshwater fish, suggesting that oceanic fish invaded fresh water multiple times to develop improved hearing systems. The discovery was made using a newly discovered fossil fish with a Weberian apparatus, which allows it to hear sounds at high frequencies.
Camouflage or caution? How anti-predator strategies have evolved
A global study across six continents found that context is critical in determining the effectiveness of anti-predator strategies used by insects. The research revealed that predators had a significant influence on which colour strategy was most successful for prey, with camouflage working best in areas with intense predation.
New discovery of Jurassic reptile blurs the line between snake and lizard
Scientists have uncovered a 167 million-year-old fossil lizard with snake-like features, challenging earlier assumptions about the evolution of snakes. The newly discovered species, Breugnathair elgolensis, has a mix of primitive and specialized traits that shed light on the origins of snakes and lizards.
Fungi set the stage for life on land hundreds of millions of years earlier than thought
New research reveals fungi's deep timeline, dating back 1.4-0.9 billion years, which influenced ancient terrestrial ecosystems and shaped the evolution of life on land. The study uses rare genetic 'gene-swap' clues to overcome the fungal fossil record gap.
Antarctic icefish rewired their skulls to win an evolutionary arms race
Icefish reorganized their skulls in ways that unlocked new feeding strategies and ecological opportunities. The team found that during times of climate instability, correlations among bones broke down, freeing key elements to evolve more rapidly.
Stowers Institute recruits renowned developmental and evolutionary biologist from HHMI’s Janelia Research Campus
David Stern, a Senior Group Leader at Janelia Research Campus, joins Stowers Institute to uncover new avenues of biology with enormous implications. His lab discovered 'bicycle proteins' that trick plants into growing protective homes for aphids, shedding light on the battle between plants and insects.
The first animals on Earth may have been sea sponges, study suggests
Researchers have identified chemical fossils in ancient rocks that suggest the ancestors of modern-day demosponges were among the first animals to evolve. The discovery, made by a team of MIT geochemists, builds on previous findings and provides strong evidence for the early origins of life on Earth.
Stowers scientists identify the fusion point of Robertsonian chromosomes, hinting at how chromosomes evolve
Researchers at Stowers Institute for Medical Research have identified the precise location where human chromosomes break and recombine to form Robertsonian chromosomes. The study reveals that repetitive DNA sequences play a central role in genome organization and evolution, explaining how these rearrangements form and remain stable.
Predicting evolution in cell populations with a scaling law
Researchers derive a scaling law to predict mutant emergence in growing cell populations, considering factors like population size and dimensionality. The law also accounts for intermediate mutants with varying fitness, providing insights into evolutionary biology and biomedicine.
So what should we call this – a grue jay?
Researchers at the University of Texas at Austin have discovered a unique hybrid bird that combines characteristics of green and blue jays, sparking insights into the impact of climate change on biodiversity. The finding sheds light on how changes in weather patterns can lead to unexpected species interactions.
New book challenges misconceptions about evolution and our place in the tree of life
The book, 'Understanding the Tree of Life,' offers a fresh perspective on evolution as a continuous, branching process where all organisms are interconnected cousins. It challenges outdated views that place humans at the pinnacle of evolution or label certain species as primitive, emphasizing shared traits alongside unique adaptations.
Decoding the selfish gene, from evolutionary cheaters to disease control
Scientists have discovered how to potentially control harmful insect populations by studying a 'selfish gene' that manipulates inheritance. By understanding the molecular basis of this genetic mechanism, researchers believe they can identify novel methods to control certain insects that are globally significant pests and disease carriers.
Exercising in nature is superior to exercising in the city or at the gym
Research from the University of Copenhagen shows that exercising in nature improves mood, reduces stress levels, and boosts heart rate. Participants who exercised outdoors reported greater joy, satisfaction, and optimism than those who exercised in urban or indoor environments.
Early bears were omnivores: Three-dimensional jaw analyses reveal diet
A new study by Anneke van Heteren found that early bears like the Auvergne bear were likely typical omnivores, not insect-eaters as previously thought. The research used 3D jaw analyses and geometric morphometrics to compare jaw biomechanics with different diets.
The origin of our digits
A team of researchers found that a regulatory region of the genome, which controls the development of digits in mice and fish, was co-opted by evolution to guide digit formation. This discovery reveals a major evolutionary strategy of reusing existing genetic mechanisms.
Classic recessive-or-dominant gene dynamics may not be so simple
Researchers at Stanford University tracked the evolution of fruit fly populations in response to pesticide exposure, finding that resistance alleles persist through a mechanism known as 'dominance reversal.' This process allows alleles to function as either dominant or recessive depending on environmental conditions, maintaining geneti...
Culture is driving a major shift in human evolution, new theory proposes
Researchers argue that culture is driving human evolution, solving problems more rapidly than genetic evolution. Cultural practices adapt faster, allowing groups to adapt to new environments and solve novel problems.
The science of sacrifice: How altruism and evolution can work in tandem
A new study from the University of Amsterdam updates Hamilton's rule, showing that altruism can be selected in various situations depending on relationship and trait influences. This breakthrough provides a clearer picture of cooperation in evolution, opening doors to more precise research.
How evolution explains autism rates in humans
A new study suggests that the high prevalence of Autism Spectrum Disorder in humans is linked to the rapid evolution of specific brain cell types and genes. The research found that human brains contain a unique array of neuronal cell types that evolved rapidly compared to other primates.
Researchers quantify rate of essential evolutionary process in the ocean
A team of scientists has estimated that an average cell line acquires and retains roughly 13 percent of its genes every million years through lateral gene transfer. This process enables microbes to adapt to new environments and access essential nutrients. The study provides the first quantitative analysis of gene transfer rates across ...
Ghost sharks grow forehead teeth to help them have sex
Male ghost sharks have a unique forehead appendage with retractable teeth, which are likely used to grasp females during mating. Genetic and fossil evidence confirms the teeth's origin from oral teeth, demonstrating an extraordinary example of tooth development and evolution.
Most rodents have thumbnails instead of claws. It might help explain how they took over the world.
A study found that most rodents have thumbnails instead of claws, which helps explain how they thrived in various environments. This discovery suggests that thumbnails provide more manual dexterity than long, sharp claws, enabling rodents to exploit high-energy resources like nuts.
An ancient signpost: Minute fossils tell big story about arthropod evolution
A tiny fossil of a sea creature from over half a billion years ago sheds light on the evolution of arthropods, revealing a brain similar to that of living crustaceans. The discovery suggests that the split between the two largest groups of arthropods was more nuanced and complicated than previously thought.
Daytime moths reveal larger ears, challenging evolutionary assumptions
Research reveals that day-flying moths have larger hearing organs than their night-flying counterparts despite facing less threat from echolocating bats. This counterintuitive finding suggests a possible new function for tympanal organs in detecting lower-frequency sounds produced by birds or reptiles.
Dark ages: Genomic analysis shows how cavefish lost their eyes
Genomic analysis reveals amblyopsid species lost vision between 2.25 and 11.3 million years ago, allowing researchers to estimate minimum age of caves. The study provides a unique method for dating underground ecosystems and may hold implications for human eye diseases.
A strongly coupled cluster heterostructure with Pt–N-Mo bonding for durable and efficient H2 evolution in anion-exchange membrane water electrolyzers
Researchers develop a Pt–N-Mo bonding heterostructure that boosts water-splitting kinetics, resists degradation for >500 hours and reduces hydrogen production costs to US$2.02 kg⁻¹. The catalyst delivers high energy efficiency and a techno-economic win, paving the way for gigawatt-scale deployment.
An efficient deep learning framework for revealing the evolution of characterization methods in nanoscience
A new AI framework reveals the evolution of characterization methods in nanoscience by analyzing 176,000 publications. The framework identifies key breakthroughs, predicts future trends, and offers a plug-and-play solution for various scientific fields. It also uncovers hidden knowledge and provides explainable milestones.
Most known species evolved during 'explosions’ of diversity, shows first analysis across ‘tree of life’
The majority of extant species belong to a limited number of rapid radiations, forming groups with many species that evolved in a relatively short period. These rapid radiations are thought to occur when new ecological niches open up, such as the emergence of multicellularity and powered flight.
Lead-resistant lizards in New Orleans could hold clues to combating lead poisoning
Researchers found that brown anole lizards can withstand extreme lead levels without impairment. Transcriptomic analyses revealed minor effects on brain and liver tissue, with altered genes linked to metal ion regulation.
In the blink of an eye: How river noise shapes the dipper’s silent signals
A new study sheds light on how river birds adapt their communication depending on social and environmental cues. White-throated dippers use visual signals, such as blinking bright white eyelids, to convey messages when noise levels are high.
Reduced genome – flexible performance: How symbiotic bacteria with minimal genetic information provide optimal support to their hosts
Researchers found that symbionts of reed beetles regulate gene expression according to the beetle's life stage, diet, and environmental conditions. The study shows that these bacteria can maintain a regulated metabolism with a minimal set of genes, suggesting a flexible and adaptable approach to support their hosts.
‘Use it or lose it’: How an island changed a bird species
A new, extinct shelduck species discovered on the Rēkohu Chatham Islands evolved shorter wings and longer leg bones due to its environment. The study found that flying was not energetically efficient in this context, leading to the adoption of more robust leg bones for support.
Discovery of new fossils — and a new species of ancient human ancestor — reveals insights on evolution
UNLV anthropologist Brian Villmoare and an international team discovered new fossils in Ethiopia that indicate Australopithecus and Homo species coexisted between 2.6 and 2.8 million years ago. The findings suggest a more complex tree-like pattern of human evolution, challenging the traditional linear model.
Rice’s dean of engineering and computing building new software infrastructure for evolutionary biology
PhyNetPy aims to create a unified framework for phylogenetic networks, enabling widespread use of complex models of evolutionary history. The project seeks to bridge the gap between phylogenetics and population genetics communities.
It's not all about size
A new study by Max Planck Institute scientists reveals female mountain gorillas can win one in four conflicts and outrank non-alpha males. They also enjoy priority access to food resources over males they overpower, blurring the traditional male-dominated narrative.
Big heart, acute senses key to explosive radiation of early fishes
Scientists reconstructed the brain, heart, and fins of a 400-million-year-old fish called Norselaspis glacialis. The study found that its acute senses and powerful heart evolved well before jaws and teeth, suggesting a fast-swimming lifestyle was key to evading predators.
Evolutionary insights into the development of the human intestine
A recent study found that human gut evolution is closely tied to the recent surge in gastrointestinal disorders globally. The research team created human and chimpanzee intestinal organoids using stem cells, identifying key genetic differences that may have primed the human intestine for better nutrient absorption.
Pollination behavior has huge role in plant evolution
Researchers studied pollinator-bee interactions in the Amazonvine, finding that temporal overlap affects plant fitness and flower size. Within-season mismatches between plants and pollinators can drive change in plant traits and influence evolutionary outcomes.
Networks of long-distance female friends help gorillas move between groups
Female gorillas avoid groups with males they grew up with and instead seek out familiar females, highlighting the importance of social relationships in dispersal decisions. The study reveals that investing in these relationships can be crucial for cooperation within groups.
Tracing brain chemistry across humanity’s family tree
Researchers found that a single amino acid substitution in the ADSL enzyme affects its stability and expression, contributing to modern human differences in behavior. The study suggests that this change may have provided an evolutionary advantage in certain tasks.
Ancient arthropods on the move: Unraveling the secret steps of the burgess shale trilobites
A study of Olenoides serratus trilobite limbs reveals a simpler, functional design than horseshoe crabs, with specialized appendages for walking, burrowing, and mating. The research provides new insights into the behavior and movement of ancient arthropods, offering a rare window into life over half a billion years ago.
A comparison of colorful hamlets from the Caribbean challenges ideas about how species arise
A study by 16 researchers, including those from the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute, found that genetic differences alone cannot explain how 19 species of hamlet fish diverged. Instead, they identified a single gene involved in color patterns and mate choice, but it did not allow them to reconstruct a family tree for the group.
Hibernator “superpowers” may lie hidden in human DNA
Researchers discovered hibernator-specific DNA regions near the FTO locus that regulate metabolism, allowing hibernators to pack on fat reserves before hibernation. These findings could lead to treatments for human metabolic disorders by tuning up or down gene activity like an orchestra conductor fine-tunes music volume.