Articles tagged with Evolution
Comprehensive exploration of living organisms, biological systems, and life processes across all scales from molecules to ecosystems. Encompasses cutting-edge research in biology, genetics, molecular biology, ecology, biochemistry, microbiology, botany, zoology, evolutionary biology, genomics, and biotechnology. Investigates cellular mechanisms, organism development, genetic inheritance, biodiversity conservation, metabolic processes, protein synthesis, DNA sequencing, CRISPR gene editing, stem cell research, and the fundamental principles governing all forms of life on Earth.
Comprehensive medical research, clinical studies, and healthcare sciences focused on disease prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. Encompasses clinical medicine, public health, pharmacology, epidemiology, medical specialties, disease mechanisms, therapeutic interventions, healthcare innovation, precision medicine, telemedicine, medical devices, drug development, clinical trials, patient care, mental health, nutrition science, health policy, and the application of medical science to improve human health, wellbeing, and quality of life across diverse populations.
Comprehensive investigation of human society, behavior, relationships, and social structures through systematic research and analysis. Encompasses psychology, sociology, anthropology, economics, political science, linguistics, education, demography, communications, and social research methodologies. Examines human cognition, social interactions, cultural phenomena, economic systems, political institutions, language and communication, educational processes, population dynamics, and the complex social, cultural, economic, and political forces shaping human societies, communities, and civilizations throughout history and across the contemporary world.
Fundamental study of the non-living natural world, matter, energy, and physical phenomena governing the universe. Encompasses physics, chemistry, earth sciences, atmospheric sciences, oceanography, materials science, and the investigation of physical laws, chemical reactions, geological processes, climate systems, and planetary dynamics. Explores everything from subatomic particles and quantum mechanics to planetary systems and cosmic phenomena, including energy transformations, molecular interactions, elemental properties, weather patterns, tectonic activity, and the fundamental forces and principles underlying the physical nature of reality.
Practical application of scientific knowledge and engineering principles to solve real-world problems and develop innovative technologies. Encompasses all engineering disciplines, technology development, computer science, artificial intelligence, environmental sciences, agriculture, materials applications, energy systems, and industrial innovation. Bridges theoretical research with tangible solutions for infrastructure, manufacturing, computing, communications, transportation, construction, sustainable development, and emerging technologies that advance human capabilities, improve quality of life, and address societal challenges through scientific innovation and technological progress.
Study of the practice, culture, infrastructure, and social dimensions of science itself. Addresses how science is conducted, organized, communicated, and integrated into society. Encompasses research funding mechanisms, scientific publishing systems, peer review processes, academic ethics, science policy, research institutions, scientific collaboration networks, science education, career development, research programs, scientific methods, science communication, and the sociology of scientific discovery. Examines the human, institutional, and cultural aspects of scientific enterprise, knowledge production, and the translation of research into societal benefit.
Comprehensive study of the universe beyond Earth, encompassing celestial objects, cosmic phenomena, and space exploration. Includes astronomy, astrophysics, planetary science, cosmology, space physics, astrobiology, and space technology. Investigates stars, galaxies, planets, moons, asteroids, comets, black holes, nebulae, exoplanets, dark matter, dark energy, cosmic microwave background, stellar evolution, planetary formation, space weather, solar system dynamics, the search for extraterrestrial life, and humanity's efforts to explore, understand, and unlock the mysteries of the cosmos through observation, theory, and space missions.
Comprehensive examination of tools, techniques, methodologies, and approaches used across scientific disciplines to conduct research, collect data, and analyze results. Encompasses experimental procedures, analytical methods, measurement techniques, instrumentation, imaging technologies, spectroscopic methods, laboratory protocols, observational studies, statistical analysis, computational methods, data visualization, quality control, and methodological innovations. Addresses the practical techniques and theoretical frameworks enabling scientists to investigate phenomena, test hypotheses, gather evidence, ensure reproducibility, and generate reliable knowledge through systematic, rigorous investigation across all areas of scientific inquiry.
Study of abstract structures, patterns, quantities, relationships, and logical reasoning through pure and applied mathematical disciplines. Encompasses algebra, calculus, geometry, topology, number theory, analysis, discrete mathematics, mathematical logic, set theory, probability, statistics, and computational mathematics. Investigates mathematical structures, theorems, proofs, algorithms, functions, equations, and the rigorous logical frameworks underlying quantitative reasoning. Provides the foundational language and tools for all scientific fields, enabling precise description of natural phenomena, modeling of complex systems, and the development of technologies across physics, engineering, computer science, economics, and all quantitative sciences.
Researchers at the University of Tokyo found that rats can move their heads in time to music, demonstrating innate beat synchronization. The optimal tempo for nodding along depends on the brain's time constant, similar across species, suggesting a widespread ability among animals to interact with music.
A new study published in PNAS found that female and male Japanese termites can flip sex roles to form stable same-sex pairs. The researchers discovered that this 'sex role flexibility' allows same-sex pairings to evolve, enabling termites to survive and thrive.
A small clam previously known only from fossils has been found living in the tidepools of Naples Point, California. Researchers identified the species as a new find after comparing fossil records and specimens.
A three-year experiment found that mixotrophs evolved to be less photosynthetic at higher temperatures, potentially increasing CO2 production and contributing to climate change. The study also suggests natural selection has a stronger effect on organisms with less flexible characteristics.
Researchers measured rhino horns from photographs taken between 1886 and 2018, finding a significant decrease in length across all five species. The decline is believed to be caused by intensive hunting, which has also led to a shift in human perceptions of rhinos from hunting to conservation.
Scientists have discovered exceptionally well-preserved fossils in China that date back 514 million years, revealing the first animals to build hard and robust skeletons. The fossils show features characteristic of modern jellyfish and cnidarians, including a tubular structure made of calcium phosphate.
A study found that Eurasian jays with greater self-control can pass a version of the 'marshmallow test' and score higher on intelligence tests. The researchers believe that this self-control may have evolved as a result of the birds' need to delay gratification in order to plan for future meals.
A 166-million-year-old Scottish fossil, Bellairsia gracilis, provides insights into the early evolution of lizards. The nearly complete skeleton reveals a mix of ancestral and modern features, shedding light on the ancestry of squamates, which include lizards and snakes.
A new study reveals the Atacama desert's 'blooming desert' phenomenon is characterized by a high level of variability in flower colors and patterns, which are invisible to human eyes. However, pollinators such as bees and wasps perceive this diversity due to their unique color sensitivity.
New research published in Nature suggests that the earliest gills played a crucial role in ion regulation, contradicting traditional views on their evolution. The study found ion-regulating cells in the gills of lampreys, amphioxus, and acorn worms, revealing an early chapter in the evolutionary story of gills.
Researchers identified unique mutations in the omicron spike protein adapted to the mouse receptor, suggesting possible animal origin. The findings also highlight the importance of epidemic surveillance of rodents to stop new COVID-19 variants.
Fossils of ostrich-like dinosaurs from Mississippi provide valuable insights into the diversity and distribution of North American ornithomimosaurs. The discovery reveals that these dinosaurs lived side-by-side with multiple species, including giant body sizes weighing over 800kg.
A new species of deep-sea fish has been discovered in the Atacama Trench, belonging to the genus Paraliparis. The small blue snailfish, named Paraliparis selti, is distinct from other hadal snailfishes due to its striking color and large eyes.
The Omicron variant escapes the immune response better than its ancestors, but has also facilitated the transition to a society that can live with COVID-19. The study found that vaccinated individuals develop broader immune responses and experience milder infections.
A study reveals that domesticated banana varieties contain traces of three unknown wild ancestors, which were likely hybrids between subspecies and may hold useful traits such as parthenocarpy. The researchers believe these 'mystery ancestors' might still be alive in the wild, particularly in regions including the Gulf of Thailand, Bor...
Scientists have discovered that mitochondrial DNA can insert itself into human nuclear DNA in every 4,000 births, leading to the development of rare diseases and some cancers. The new inserts can cause cancer and trigger its development in some cases.
A new study identifies Scleromochlus taylori as an early relative of pterosaurs, shedding light on the evolution of flying reptiles. The discovery uses CT scans to provide detailed reconstructions of the fossil, confirming its link to lagerpetids and supporting the hypothesis that flying reptiles evolved from small, bipedal ancestors.
Researchers have reconstructed the genome of the common ancestor of all mammals, revealing key features such as 19 autosomal chromosomes and 38 sex chromosomes. The study provides insights into the evolutionary stability of gene order and orientation on chromosomes over millions of years.
A 518-million-year-old fossilized worm named Wufengella has shed light on the evolution of three major animal groups: brachiopods, phoronids, and bryozoans. The discovery reveals that these ancient animals shared a common ancestor with segmented worms.
A new analysis suggests that bird-hipped dinosaurs evolved from silesaurs, which were first identified two decades ago. The study reveals a 25-million-year gap in the fossil record, but provides insight into the early evolution of ornithischians.
An international team of researchers has used data science to reveal the universal rules shaping cells' power stations. The study found that genes encoding subunits of larger cellular machines are most likely to be retained in organelle DNA.
A new study reveals that red-eyed treefrogs use bimodal acoustic calls, combining sound with plant-generated vibrations to convey messages. Female frogs prefer calls with both sound and vibration, while male frogs become more aggressive when feeling the vibrations of rival calls.
Researchers found parotoid gland sizes were significantly smaller in urban toads compared to rural populations, while body mass was not different. Urbanization also caused increased sexual dimorphism in leg length.
Research on white-necked jacobin hummingbirds found that about 20% of females retain male-like plumage into adulthood, engaging in deceptive mimicry to avoid aggression and increase access to food sources. These females' strength and body size are similar to those of males.
A Rutgers-led study finds that biodiversity of the bee population is crucial for maintaining stable pollination services over a growing season and years. The research suggests that different bee species pollinate the same plants at different times and dominate pollinators on specific types of plants in different years.
Two papers published in Nature Plants unveil the first full-length genomes for homosporous ferns, a group containing 99% of modern fern diversity. The Ceratopteris genome suggests that ferns stole genes from bacteria for anti-herbivory toxins.
Researchers used high-resolution imaging techniques to identify a new ant species and genus, †Desyopone hereon gen. et sp. nov., from 16-23 million year old Ethiopian amber.
Researchers have identified eight new species of tiny brown geckos in Madagascar's rainforests, expanding our understanding of their distribution and evolution. The discovery highlights the importance of continued sampling across the region to uncover new species.
Researchers found that corals can pass somatic mutations to their offspring, which increases genetic diversity and provides a potential route for evolutionary adaptation. The discovery challenges conventional wisdom on the role of reproductive cells in evolution.
Researchers have discovered a massive new mosasaur species from Morocco, named Thalassotitan atrox, which filled the apex predator niche. The giant mosasaur had massive jaws and teeth like those of killer whales and hunted other marine reptiles.
Researchers from Osaka University discovered a new type of protein in red algae Cyanidioschyzon merolae associated with chloroplast protein import and targeting mechanism. The study found that red algae use distinct mechanisms involving GTP-binding proteins to transport proteins across the inner membrane of chloroplasts.
Researchers at Hokkaido University propose two novel hypotheses to address the 'two-fold cost of sex' in sexual reproduction. The first hypothesis suggests that meiosis eliminates harmful mutations through a process known as the 'seesaw effect.' The second hypothesis proposes that anisogamy evolved through 'inflated isogamy,' where lar...
Scientists used 3D modeling to reconstruct the body of megalodon and estimate its weight, speed, and energy usage. The model suggests that megalodon was capable of eating prey up to 8m long and had a high energetic demand, likely feeding on whale blubber.
Research team analyzed hundreds of new fossil specimens to clarify the anatomy and evolutionary affinity of Saccorhytus. They found evidence supporting its classification as an ecdysozoan, including a terminal mouth, cuticle integument, and radially arranged circumoral structures common to Cambrian and extant ecdysozoans.
A new study found that ageing desexualizes the Drosophila brain transcriptome, causing both males and females to exhibit reduced gene expression differences. This effect is larger in males than females, indicating a weaker investment in sexual behaviors as they age.
A new study reveals key clues about the form of the most ancestral nervous system and how it first evolved. Researchers found that neurons, possibly the most complicated cell type ever to evolve, share similar structures with comb jellies and other ancient animal lineages.
A team of UNLV-led researchers questions the hypothesis that modern humans experienced an evolutionary decrease in brain size during the transition to complex societies. They analyzed a dataset of early human fossil and museum specimens, finding no reduction in brain size over 30,000 years.
A new panda species, Agriarctos nikolovi, has been discovered in Bulgaria, which may have been Europe's last known giant panda. The fossilized teeth, found in the late 1970s, suggest that this ancient panda consumed a largely vegetarian diet, unlike modern pandas.
A new study found evidence that multituberculates, an extinct group of mammals, likely reproduced in a placental-like manner. This discovery questions the long-held idea that marsupials were less advanced than placentals in terms of reproductive strategy.
A new study describes Qikiqtania wakei, a close relative of Tiktaalik roseae with features more suited for swimming and life in the water. The fossil includes partial jaws, neck, and scales, as well as a complete pectoral fin with a smooth and curved upper arm.
A Harvard researcher has been awarded a $1.1 million grant to study the evolution of aerial breathing in arthropods, exploring how they transitioned from water to land over 100 million years ago. The team aims to understand the role of atmospheric oxygen in facilitating this process and its impact on respiratory structures.
Hexaploid gibel carp exhibit high genetic diversity and strong environmental adaptation, defying predicted extinction. Comparative genomics reveals expanded meiotic cell cycle-related genes and oocyte-specific histone variants facilitating purging deleterious mutations.
Scientists have discovered evidence that yunnanozoans are the oldest known stem vertebrates, with cellular cartilages in the pharynx similar to those found in modern vertebrates. The team's findings support the evolutionary placement of yunnanozoans at the very basal part of the vertebrate tree of life.
Researchers found that socially isolated bumblebees exhibited an increase in affiliative behavior, unlike expected aggression. The brain development of isolated bees showed similarities with group-reared bees, suggesting controlled chaos in the absence of social environment.
Researchers at NIST found that gecko setae are coated in an ultra-thin layer of lipids, which repel water and help maintain grip on wet surfaces. This discovery could lead to the development of biomimetic products, such as gecko boots or gloves for improved traction.
Scientists from OIST and colleagues reveal that Kamptozoa and Bryozoa belong together, contrary to previous studies. Using high-quality sequencing technology, they found the two phyla split from mollusks and worms earlier than thought, forming a distinct group.
A new study uses gene expression patterns to reconstruct the evolution of the placenta and predict its characteristics in early mammals. The research suggests that the placenta was invasive in the last common ancestor of eutherian mammals, with non-invasive placentas evolving multiple times among mammals.
Researchers found that giant pandas and their ancestors used a thumb-like structure to grip bamboo, dating back at least six million years. The modern panda's thumb is shorter but has a hook for better grasp and flattened outer surface for weight distribution.
Fossils from Sterkfontein Caves in South Africa reveal nearly four million years of hominin evolution. The new ages of Australopithecus-bearing deposits place the South African hominins as contemporaries of other early species, like Australopithecus afarensis, in east Africa.
Researchers discovered new viruses infecting Asgard archaea, which may hold clues to the origin of complex life. The viruses share features with both prokaryotic and eukaryotic viruses, offering a new perspective on viral eukaryogenesis.
A Jurassic cephalopod, Vampyronassa rhodanica, was likely an active predatory hunter, featuring robust suckers and sensory appendages. Its exceptional soft-tissue preservation provides new insights into the evolution and palaeoecology of vampyroteuthids.
Researchers analyzed DNA of Demodex folliculorum mites living in human hair follicles, finding unusual body features and behaviors due to their isolated existence. The study suggests these mites may transition from external parasites to internal symbionts as they shed unnecessary genes and cells.
A team of scientists has developed a novel computational approach to analyze DNA sequences of thousands of bacteria, revealing previously unknown gene clusters responsible for producing metabolites of interest. The study highlights the potential of these bacterial compounds in treating colon cancer and improving treatment options.
Research on wild Assamese macaques reveals that their gut bacteria composition changes uniquely with age, despite similar lifestyles. This finding suggests that the process is part of natural aging and not due to lifestyle changes, with potential implications for developing personalized therapies against intestinal diseases.
A study of ancient DNA from a 100,000-year-old polar bear genome found that extensive hybridization between polar bears and brown bears occurred during the last warm interglacial period. As a result, all living brown bears today have some polar bear ancestry.
Researchers studied miniature frogs from the genus Brachycephalus and found that their small vestibular system prevents them from maintaining balance. The tiny frogs can jump but struggle to control their trajectory mid-leap.
Two fossil skulls of a 12- to 15-million-year-old hyena from China suggest the animal was on its way to becoming an insectivore, like the modern aardwolf. The fossils show characteristics intermediate between those of bone-cracking hyenas and termite-eating aardwolves.
A Galapagos giant tortoise species previously believed to be extinct has been confirmed to still exist, thanks to genetic research that sequenced the genome of a single specimen and compared it with living individuals. The study's findings offer hope for the recovery of this species.
A new research group led by biologist Dr. Michael Gerth will investigate the interactions between bacteria and insects, with a focus on how bacterial DNA changes when transferred from one species to another. The team aims to identify successful host transfer strategies and understand environmental factors influencing these processes.
A new study finds that polar bears and brown bears have a complicated evolutionary history due to interbreeding. The analysis of modern bear genomes and ancient DNA from a 115,000-year-old tooth reveals gene flow from brown bears into polar bears, challenging previous hypotheses.