Articles tagged with Human Adaptation
Scientists have discovered how bird flu adapts in patients, offering a new way to monitor the disease and prevent a pandemic. The research found specific mutations in the virus that may allow it to adapt to humans, indicating a potential risk of a pandemic.
A new scientific journal uses evolutionary biology to tackle pressing issues such as climate change, food safety, and infectious diseases. The journal features articles that discuss topics ranging from adapting to elevated atmospheric carbon dioxide to predicting the extinction of certain populations due to human-mediated stresses.
Fossilized remains of small-bodied humans found in Palau, Micronesia, share characteristics with Homo sapiens and H. floresiensis, but not all features match. The discovery provides insight into the process of island dwarfism in human populations.
Researchers found that Mycobacterium indicus pranii (MIP) is the earliest ancestor of generalist mycobacterial pathogens, including Crohn's disease pathogen M. avium paratuberculosis (MAP). The study suggests that MIP and MAP descended from a common ancestor and infected marine organisms before arriving on soil through bird-droppings.
A study by Cardiff University scientists suggests that human activities such as deforestation and poaching are driving the decline of the giant panda population. The research finds that conservation efforts should focus on habitat restoration and protection to ensure the species' survival.
Scientists at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital have found specific mutations that distinguish influenza viruses in birds from those that infect humans. These markers can be used to track changes in H5N1 avian influenza strains threatening humans, suggesting potential adaptation and spread.
Researchers found that police officers who use eye contact are more effective at calming down hysterical citizens. The study analyzed over 35 hours of police-citizen interactions and found that regulating gaze is central to face-to-face interaction in these situations.
A review in the Journal of Internal Medicine estimates that 50 million people acquired zoonotic diseases between 2000 and 2005, resulting in up to 78,000 deaths. The Dengue virus and Japanese Encephalitis Virus are among the most common zoonotic killers.
Biomedical engineers at Washington University in St. Louis have discovered a new learning strategy called categorical adaptation, which suggests that learning does not necessarily scale proportionally with error size.
A new study by St. Jude Children's Research Hospital has shown a DNA-based vaccine to be highly effective in protecting mice against lethal challenges with the H5N1 avian influenza virus. The vaccine targets two conserved viral proteins and one variable protein, providing complete protection in mice.
Researchers found that gut bacterium B. theta adapts its genome in response to changing nutrient conditions, allowing it to maintain stability of the gut's complex microbial society. The study reveals that this adaptability is crucial for maintaining intestinal health and preventing diseases such as obesity and diabetes.