Articles tagged with Evolutionary Developmental Biology
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.
A new cloud simulation model developed by KAUST researchers captures atmospheric conditions and thermodynamic processes, allowing for more realistic simulation of cloud formation. The model can simulate various cloud types, including cumulonimbus clouds and supercell thunderstorms, with high accuracy.
Ancient fish fossils show that teeth and dermal odontodes, a hard structure similar to teeth, are linked by the same development system. High-resolution X-ray imaging reveals changes in their appearance as they develop, suggesting different chemical signals direct their growth.
A new USC-led study provides evidence that the endoderm also forms part of the pituitary's front lobe in some vertebrates, revising the developmental and evolutionary story of the gland. The research uses cutting-edge technology to label and track embryonic cells, revealing an unexpected contribution from the innermost embryonic layer.
A tiny jaw from Greenland has revealed the earliest known example of dentary bone with two rows of cusps on molars and double-rooted teeth, offering insights into mammal tooth evolution. The discovery suggests that complex occlusion and double-rooted teeth developed together in early mammals.
Researchers analyzed Kalaallitkigun jenkinsi, a late Triassic species from Greenland, to study the origin of double-row cusped molar-like teeth. The findings suggest that these features may have evolved together with biomechanically optimized dual roots.
Münster University researchers develop new software '2-n-way' to compare any genomes, identifying relationships among species or individuals. The tool can analyze genome evolutions, genetic diseases, and sequence any number of genomes.
A new study by Dr. Thomas D. Carr finds that the size and weight of Tyrannosaurus rex do not determine its age, contrary to long-held assumptions. The research reveals a high-resolution growth series for T-Rex, which shows that even small juveniles had powerful skulls and teeth, making them just as deadly as adults.
Researchers mapped developmental milestones in wild chimpanzees, finding gross motor skills emerge at 4 months, while fine motor skills appear at 15 months. The study suggests that extended development is necessary for acquiring adult skills, similar to humans.
Researchers analyzed global shipping fleet movements between 1977 and 2008 to understand how routes evolve. A model based on common neighbor ports and sea distance predicts the likelihood of forming direct links between unlinked ports.
A neuroimaging study found that creative insights trigger a burst of activity in the brain's reward system, motivating further creative activities. Highly reward-sensitive individuals show an additional neural reward response associated with intrinsically rewarding creative experiences.
A new study by an international team of scientists reveals that the Cambrian Explosion was driven by abundant ecological opportunity early in life history. The researchers found that complex features become burdened by their own complexity, limiting evolutionary innovation. This discovery clarifies evolution and development during the ...
Researchers argue that AI can facilitate human interactions in family medicine, making patient care more meaningful. By incorporating informatics into primary care specialties, AI can help reduce administrative burdens and improve population health.
A study on the developmental origins of the frog urostyle reveals that thyroid hormone-mediated ossification played a crucial role in tail loss and rearrangement of the dorsal aorta. This process allowed for evolutionary novelty, shaping the body plan of Anura, including frogs.
Researchers used CRISPR gene editing to study butterfly wing patterns, finding that similar patterns evolved through different genetic pathways despite shared environmental pressures. The study reveals the complex interplay between chance and history in shaping evolutionary outcomes.
A team of evolutionary biologists discovered that atavistic limb muscles, lost in adult humans, are formed during early human development and then disappear. These muscles are present in many limbed animals but are absent in adults. The study uses high-quality 3D images to analyze the development of human arm and leg muscles.
A single DNA variant affects the timing of sensory organ development in fruit flies, explaining size trade-offs between eyes and antennae. The study found a conserved genetic mechanism that could apply to sensory organ size variations across animal kingdoms.
Researchers have identified the genetic basis of pufferfish spines, which share developmental pathways with other vertebrates. The study reveals that the spines evolved as a unique adaptation for protection during inflation.
Researchers study coelacanth specimens at different stages of cranial development, providing new insights into the biology of this iconic animal. The study reveals unique observations about the development of the living coelacanth skull and brain, and opens up new avenues for research on the evolution of vertebrate heads.
A study found that male budgies who exhibit intelligent behavior, such as solving problems for food, become more appealing to females. The research suggests a possible evolutionary link between cognitive abilities and mate selection in birds.
Researchers discovered a nearly complete skeleton of the ancient fish Rhizodus hibberti, featuring a novel skeletal pattern in its pelvic fins. The findings suggest that developmental mechanisms were more flexible in early tetrapods, allowing for varied skeletal patterns before the familiar one-to-two limb structure emerged.
A newly discovered Tylosaurus fossil, likely a newborn, lacks the characteristic long snout of the species. Researchers found that the development of this feature occurs extremely quickly, between birth and juvenile stage.
Researchers created flies with ancient genes to understand how mutations drove major evolutionary changes in embryonic development. The study found that two chance mutations were the major causes of a profound change in the animal's developmental processes, resulting in present-day descendants exhibiting new developmental functions.
Researchers found that clown fish stripes are essential for individual recognition and critical to their social organization among sea anemones. They also discovered the evolutionary history of striped patterns, which originated from a common ancestor with three stripes.
A newly discovered mammal fossil contains fossils of 38 babies, providing insight into the evolution of mammals' reproductive strategies. The discovery suggests that a key development in mammalian evolution was trading brood power for brain power.
Researchers found that expanding gene-regulatory modules can give rise to new traits, such as the enlarged snout in African cichlid fishes. The study implicated key genetic pathways, including the Tgfβ-Scx pathway and Adam12 protein.
Researchers used ESMD and BGSA to study temporal and spatial patterns of drought in the Yellow River basin. The results showed that drought frequency varied by season, with summer being the driest, and suggested targeted drought resistance measures for the region.
A recent NIH study discovered that bigger human brains prioritize thinking areas at a cost to emotional, sensory, and motor functions. The larger the brain, the more its additional area is accounted for by growth in thinking areas of the cortex, leading to higher energy consumption.
Fuentes asserts that humans are distinctive, yet share similarities with apes. He proposes that human ability to alter ecosystems is our most distinguishing feature, enabling creative cooperation, technological innovations, and artistic expression.
Researchers found a simple patterning cascade model that accounts for shifts in molar evolution during hominin origins, predicting variations in molar configuration based on embryonic signaling cells. The study suggests small, subtle tweaks to developmental toolkit can result in complex anatomy.
The geologically oldest fossil of the genus Archaeopteryx, dating back 150 million years, has been found in Northern Bavaria. The new specimen exhibits unique features that differentiate it from other known specimens, providing a reliable diagnosis for distinguishing Archaeopteryx from its closest relatives.
Researchers successfully created a fully functional extra eye in the center of a beetle's head using a simple genetic tool. The study provides new insights into how developmental processes reorganize to create novel complex traits, and could help address fundamental questions in development, evolution, and medicine.
Researchers discovered that bladderwort traps suck in prey like water fleas at incredible speeds, decelerating them before trapping. Comparative analyses of different species revealed unique trap entrance structures and movement patterns adapted to various habitats.
A new study reveals that birds' skulls evolved differently from their relatives, resembling those of young dinosaurs and crocodiles. The team's analysis suggests that adult modern birds retain features of 'young' dinosaur ancestors, such as proportionally larger brains and eyes.
Researchers at IMIM have found that immunoglobulin M plays a crucial role in regulating the diversity of intestinal flora, including beneficial microorganisms. The study highlights IgM's participation in an immunological memory system, enabling organisms to adapt to their microbial environment.
Researchers from the Universities of Cape Town and Bonn suggest that warm-bloodedness may have originated 20-30 million years ago in land animals. This is based on analysis of long-extinct animal fossils, which show signs of fibrolamellar bone structure indicative of warm-bloodedness.
A new study found that 3-year-olds can coordinate actions with others in joint tasks, understanding these as collaborative commitments. Children protest when a partner defected selfishly but are less upset by accidental or ignorant defections.
In this study, researchers created physically embodied robots to examine the interaction between genetic and epigenetic factors in robot evolution. The results show that robot populations with an epigenetic factor evolved differently than those without, highlighting the importance of including epigenetic factors in robot evolution.
A new study suggests that musical scales may have evolved to accommodate the variability of the human voice, rather than the perfect tuning of instruments. This theory has implications for understanding the development of singing and speech production in tone languages.
A new study analyzing ancient horse fossils reveals that patterns of migration and environmental changes are key drivers of evolutionary development. Contrary to the rapid phenotypic evolution theory, researchers found no significant difference in body size evolution between lineages with high and low speciation rates, suggesting that ...
A Norwegian ground-breaking study reveals that the mouth and anus do not originate from a common blastopore as previously thought. The research suggests that the formation of either organ is a consequence of how each embryo is organized during early development.
A new study shows that the planktonic organism Oikopleura dioica has lost most of its genes related to retinoic acid metabolism, a vital molecule for vertebrate physiology and embryonic development. This finding challenges the idea that evolution always requires more complexity or number of genes in living beings.
The 1815 UK geologic map, created by William Smith, is still remarkably accurate two centuries later due to its innovative features. The map's accuracy can be attributed to a combination of creative individuality, technological advancements, and favorable taxation laws.
A new study by Lund University finds that assortative mating actually breaks down the sexual barrier between closely related species, leading to potential hybridization and extinction. Large females' reproductive capacity explains their attractiveness to smaller males' species.
Fossils of an extinct 'storyteller' crocodylian from Peru show evidence of parallel evolution of river-dwelling lifestyle and protruding, telescoped eyes in South American and Indian species. The study suggests that these features evolved separately to help catch fish in habitats.
A team of researchers, led by IU biologist Armin Moczek, will systematically study proposed extensions to the theory of evolutionary biology. The $1.25 million grant aims to test assumptions and predictions of a new framework that recognizes environmental signals in organism development.
A new study led by Alistair Evans of Monash University found that molars follow the inhibitory cascade rule, simplifying human tooth evolution. The team can now predict the size of missing fossil teeth using this rule.
James F. Kasting receives the award for his work on planetary atmospheres and habitability, providing insights into the origin of life on early Earth and the search for life on other planets
Researchers at Boston University School of Medicine used non-invasive Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) to detect vulnerable atherosclerosis plaques, which can lead to heart attacks and strokes. The study showed that MRI can discriminate between high-risk and stable plaques at early stages.
Researchers propose a working definition of curiosity as a drive state for information, which can be observed in organisms as simple as nematode worms. They also discuss the benefits and drawbacks of curiosity, including its role in learning and decision-making, and how it relates to attentional disorders.
A study published in Current Biology found that people subconsciously change their walking patterns to expend the least amount of energy possible. By wearing robotic exoskeletons and altering resistance levels, researchers showed that participants adapt their step frequency to converge on a new energetic optimum within minutes.
A Pitt researcher used gene regulatory networks to uncover the origins of a recently evolved structure in male fruit flies, finding that it was created by reusing existing networks during development. This discovery sheds light on how complex animal forms arose and challenges the idea that new structures must be encoded by new genes.
Research found that cheek-padded males are significantly more successful in fathering offspring, with dominant males having greater reproductive success during their tenure as dominant. However, other males were able to sire offspring during periods of rank instability or at the beginning and end of a dominant male's reign.
The Genetics Society of America has awarded prizes to undergraduate and graduate students who presented research on Caenorhabditis elegans at the recent meeting. The awards recognized innovative work in various fields, including cell biology, development and evolution, gene regulation and genomics, neurobiology, and physiology.
A recent study published in the journal genesis reveals an intact Hox cluster in the Crown of Thorns starfish, which is a surprising result given the relatively disorganized clusters found in sea urchins. This finding has implications for understanding evolutionary-developmental biology and may suggest new methods for mitigating damage...
Researchers found that subtle shifts in frontal and parietal lobes of the brain are linked to superior cognition. The frontoparietal network plays a key role in analysis, memory retrieval, abstract thinking, and problem-solving.
A new study highlights the need for better implementation of evolutionary approaches to address societal challenges. The research suggests that applying evolutionary biology can help reduce the escalating problem of antibiotic resistance and chronic disease costs.
Researchers found that a combination of developmental and biomechanical problems prevents evolutionary change in the number of trunk vertebrae in fast running and agile mammals. In contrast, these problems barely affect slow and sturdy mammals.
A new study revisits the evolution of pollen development in flowering plants, finding that both bi- and tricellular lineages gave rise to each other, debunking the long-standing assumption of one-way evolution. Tricellular lineages are slower-evolving but still advantageous in certain lifestyles.
Researchers propose that fins and limbs develop from the area surrounding the belly due to the interaction of ectodermal tissues with mesoderm layers. This model, published in Evolution & Development, suggests that epigenetic factors play a crucial role in shaping embryonic development and ultimately giving rise to paired appendages.
Researchers at Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Biology find gene eud-1 that determines wide-mouthed predators and narrow-mouthed bacteria eaters, providing insight into phenotypic plasticity. The discovery sheds light on how organisms adapt to changing environments and challenges current understanding of evolutionary adaptations.