Articles tagged with Molecular Evolution
A comprehensive study using integrated genomic approach resolves Hylodesmum's taxonomic uncertainties and EA-ENA disjunct distribution. The study confirms Verdesmum as nested within Hylodesmum and reveals a complex bidirectional dispersal pattern likely facilitated by mammal-mediated epizoochory.
A comprehensive review of 280 scientific studies reveals that natural selection can occur on multiple levels of biological organization, including individual and group benefits. This finding challenges the traditional view of natural selection and highlights its complexity in various ecosystems.
Research team led by biologist Joost Woltering discovers how ancient genes from fish midline fins were 'redeployed' to establish the dorsal-ventral axis in human limbs, allowing for complex limb differentiation and adaptation for life on land.
A QUT-led study has found how increasing aridity and habitat variation led to the diversification of modern kangaroos and wallabies. The research reveals that these iconic Australian marsupials evolved in two major bursts over the past nine million years, with their expansion coinciding with the emergence of grasslands.
A new study suggests that physical properties guided life before genes did. Phospholipids with more unsaturated bonds were more likely to merge and grow under freeze-thaw cycles.
A study found that viral interactions inside cells influence antiviral resistance outcomes, while a less potent drug may ironically improve its future utility by promoting social interactions in viruses. The researchers suggest a trade-off between hitting the virus hard and allowing resistance to rise.
Researchers at Institute of Science Tokyo found that European eels have restored aquaporin proteins with broad solute permeability through a recent gene duplication event. The study revealed that the genes Aqp10.2b2 and b3 acquired functional diversification, enabling them to transport urea and boric acid similar to Aqp10.1.
EMBL scientists introduce HT-PELSA, a high-throughput adaptation of an earlier tool that detects protein-ligand interactions. This breakthrough enables researchers to analyze hundreds of samples in parallel while maintaining sensitivity and reproducibility.
A new project aims to enhance workforce readiness in molecular bioscience by creating open-access resources and modules tailored to student needs. The Molecular Data Education Hub will host instructional materials and case studies for instructors to implement into their courses.
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.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine reveal a potential molecular link between air pollutants and an increased risk of developing Lewy body dementia. Exposure to fine particulate air pollution (PM2.5) triggered the formation of abnormal alpha-synuclein clumps in mice, similar to those found in human patients with Lewy body dementia.
Researchers discovered that disordered regions enhance specific RNA interactions in FUS protein-RNA complexes, revealing a breakthrough strategy for nucleic acid binding. The study suggests that intrinsically disordered regions actively contribute to the RNA-binding mechanism.
A new bioinformatics-based method, fDOG, has been developed to search for genes with certain functions, including those involved in plant cell wall degradation. The study reveals a detailed global map of enzymes capable of degrading plant cell walls, with surprising discoveries among fungi and animals.
Researchers at Syracuse University found that slow-moving tissues generate mechanical forces that help sculpt developing organs, such as the zebrafish's body symmetry. This discovery could lead to a better understanding of organ formation and inform treatments for birth defects and other conditions.
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.
Researchers from University of Zurich and Basel decode historical specimen to understand how 1918-1920 influenza pandemic evolved in Europe. The Swiss genome reveals three key adaptations that made the virus more resistant to human immunity and more infectious.
A new study by researchers at the Institute of Science Tokyo hints that calcium ions played a crucial role in shaping life's earliest molecular structures. The team discovered that calcium dramatically alters how tartaric acid molecules link together, favoring homochiral polymers and potentially influencing the emergence of life.
A recent study found that polyester microdroplets can form in salt-rich environments, at low alpha-hydroxy acid concentrations, and in small reaction volumes. This expands on previous research and suggests that polyester protocells were likely more common on early Earth than previously thought.
The study utilizes infrared spectroscopy and a machine-learned protocol to map spectroscopic fingerprints to atomistic structures. The authors demonstrate the accuracy of their network in predicting local atomistic structures and energetic variations, enabling the tracking of dynamic C–C coupling on Cu surfaces.
Scientists have discovered a way to remove toxic compounds from potatoes, making them safer to eat and easier to store. By engineering plants to control when and where these compounds are produced, researchers envision crops that can be stored without risk of toxicity.
Researchers at Université de Montréal successfully recreated two distinct mechanisms that can program the activation and deactivation rates of nanomachines in living organisms across multiple timescales. This breakthrough suggests how engineers can exploit natural processes to improve nanomedicine and other technologies.
Researchers at the University of Central Florida used the James Webb Space Telescope to analyze trans-Neptunian objects, revealing a clearer picture of how the outer solar system formed and evolved. The study found three distinct compositional groups among TNOs, shaped by ice retention lines that existed in the era when the solar syste...
Researchers identified critical proteins involved in animal stem cell regulation, including SOX and POU transcription factors, which existed in single-celled organisms over 700 million years ago. These ancient proteins retained functional properties that enabled them to induce stem cell reprogramming in mouse cells.
A new study reveals that comb jellies can shift from an adult form to a larval stage, demonstrating an extraordinary ability to reverse development under stress. This discovery raises questions about the prevalence of life cycle plasticity in animals and its potential applications.
Researchers at ETH Zurich have discovered a new predatory bacterium, Aureispira, that uses grappling hooks and cannons to capture prey. The bacterium's molecular structures resemble those of pirate tools, allowing it to entangle and kill its victims quickly.
Researchers at UT Austin developed AI model EvoRank to design protein-based therapies and vaccines by leveraging nature's evolutionary processes. The model identifies useful mutations in proteins, offering a new approach to biomedical research and biotechnology.
Dr. Roger Lo has been awarded a $2 million NIH grant to investigate ways to prevent drug resistance in melanoma treatment and improve the effectiveness of MAPK inhibitors. The team aims to target genetic instability and immune evasion to stabilize the melanoma genome and make it more vulnerable to immune attacks.
Research from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign reveals that some giant ragweed populations in Wisconsin have evolved resistance to critical post-emergence herbicides. This development limits chemical options for non-GMO soybean growers, potentially forcing them to switch to GMO soybean...
Fossil discovery of microbial eukaryotes from 750 million years ago provides new insights into the evolution of early life and ecosystems. Researchers can now better understand the history of testate amoebae, which are some of the earliest confirmed heterotrophic eukaryotes.
Scientists have identified a novel photoreceptor in cyanobacteria that can detect green/teal light, breaking the typical red/green spectrum. The discovery highlights the remarkable diversity and editability of cyanobacteriochromes, expanding our understanding of how these organisms perceive color.
A world-first study by University of Otago researchers found the genetic basis for brushtail possum fur colour, revealing grey and black variations. The discovery sheds light on evolution of fur colour in marsupials, with implications for understanding adaptation to environments.
Researchers at TUM discovered a mechanism that enables double-stranded RNA molecules to form and remain stable in the primordial soup. This discovery has significant implications for understanding the origin of life and could lead to breakthroughs in medicine, particularly in vaccine development.
Researchers at U of T mapped the spatial distribution of long non-coding RNAs in testes, finding higher levels than previously estimated. The study suggests lncRNAs play a more significant role in male reproduction and may influence sperm development and behavior.
Researchers at the University of Illinois Chicago have developed a new dual-action antibiotic that targets two different cellular targets, making it nearly impossible for bacteria to evolve resistance. The antibiotic works by disrupting protein production and DNA structure, rendering random mutations ineffective.
Researchers at UNIST developed zeolitic imidazolate frameworks that mimic intricate machines, exhibiting precise control over nanoscale mechanical movements. The discovery has significant implications for applications in data storage, digital technology, and beyond.
A new study presents an evolutionary-biophysical model that sheds light on the evolution of collaborative non-self recognition self-incompatibility in plants. The model introduces promiscuous molecular interactions, enhancing our understanding of genetic diversity and evolution in hermaphroditic plants.
A noncoding gene has been identified as the deciding factor in determining sex in Argentine ants, with a specific genomic region being crucial to this process. The gene does not encode a protein but rather produces an RNA that influences sex determination.
The discovery of Helicolocellus fills a 160-million-year gap in the sponge fossil record and suggests non-biomineralizing sponges existed in the Precambrian. The study bridges the Ediacaran and Cambrian fossil assemblages, providing insights into animal evolution.
Molecular biologist John Tower proposes a new 'rule of biology,' selectively advantageous instability (SAI), which suggests that some volatility in biological components provides an advantage to cells. SAI plays a key role in evolution, allowing for genetic diversity and adaptability, and may also contribute to aging.
A team at the University of Münster developed an improved method for explaining machine predictions of chemical reactions, using mechanisms such as reproduction, mutation and selection. The algorithm creates customised molecular fingerprints that predict chemical reactions with surprising accuracy, suitable for predicting quantum chemi...
New research reveals updated vaccines provide a strong immune response against previous strains and emerging variants of COVID-19. Regular vaccinations are recommended for older people or those with underlying medical conditions to combat the virus.
A parasitic wasp has evolved to perfectly target a common fruit fly pest, demonstrating key principles of ecologically driven evolution. The Trichopria drosophilae wasp overcomes the pest's defenses by producing venom and specialized cells that speed up digestion and increase nutrition for its young.
A researcher will study how plants defend themselves against nematode infections, which could lead to novel drugs or antibiotics for humans and livestock. The project aims to increase food security in Africa and Asia by understanding the molecular mechanisms behind plant resistance.
A team of researchers has identified a single nucleotide change in the TBX1 gene that affects skull base development, contributing to human's unique brain size. This variation is associated with lower TBX1 expression levels in humans compared to extinct hominins, leading to distinct changes in cranial morphology.
A team of scientists has created a single-cell atlas for the highly regenerative worm Pristina leidyi, revealing new insights into its regenerative abilities. The study characterizes all major annelid cell types and provides molecular signatures that could inform stem cell technologies and regenerative medicine.
Researchers studied Prorocentrum cordatum to understand its molecular processes, revealing a unique photosynthetic machinery that may help it adapt to changing light conditions. The findings could lead to improved understanding of harmful algal blooms and their role in climate change.
Researchers found that extracellular vesicles transport RNA molecules between haloarchaea, enabling communication and gene regulation across microbial populations. A small GTPase similar to eukaryotic cells drives this process, suggesting an early evolutionary origin.
Researchers highlight difficulties in targeting metastatic tumors and propose two- and three-drug combinations to achieve effective tumor control. They also emphasize the need for simultaneous blocking of primary driving oncogene, evolving resistance mechanism, and secondary survival pathway.
A recent study published in Nature Plants reveals that O-glycosylation of the transcription factor SPATULA promotes Arabidopsis style development. The experimental study sheds new light on the mechanisms underlying plant organ symmetry.
Researchers at State University of Campinas discovered genes favoring colossal growth in whales also inhibit cancer development. The study found that certain regulatory regions influence both size and cancer suppression, offering new insights into the evolution of cetacean gigantism.
Researchers have discovered the atomic structure of an RNA replicase using cryogenic electron microscopy, shedding light on a primordial 'RNA world' that kick-started evolution. The study provides structural insight into an ancient RNA machine thought to reside at the origin of life.
Scientists engineered yeast that can harness energy from light, growing 2% faster in the light than in the dark. This discovery provides key evolutionary insights into how rhodopsins spread across lineages and has potential applications for biofuel production and studying cellular aging.
Researchers at IBS achieve real-time observation of molecular ion formation and structural evolution using MeV-UED, unveiling a stable 'dark state' and ring-shaped intermediate ions. This breakthrough advances understanding of ion chemistry and its applications.
Researchers from Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz and their French partners receive funding for two distinctive biology projects through the ANR-DFG program. The EVOMET project investigates plant metabolism, while the NeuroDevFunc project explores how fruit flies process visual motion generated by self-movement.
Researchers discuss recent advances in blood-based liquid biopsies for prostate cancer interrogation, highlighting key biomarkers like CTCs, ctDNA, and exosomes. The studies suggest that these approaches can aid in predicting tumor recurrence, improving treatment response, and evaluating prognosis.
Researchers examined venom genes in bees and other hymenopteran taxa using comparative genomics. They found that 12 'families' of peptides and proteins were present in all analyzed hymenopterans, indicating a common ancestor possessed these genes. This suggests that Hymenoptera insects are venomous as an entire group.
Amyloids have been found to selectively bind with codon-sized RNA, a crucial step in the emergence of life. These interactions may represent a universal genetic code that unites all living beings, increasing stability and order in an otherwise dilute system.
The German Research Foundation has renewed funding for the Research Training Group 'Gene Regulation in Evolution' at Mainz University, focusing on the role of gene regulation in adaptation and evolution. The program will recruit 13 new doctoral students and continue to support interdisciplinary research and personal development.
Researchers created the world's largest primate brain-wide atlas using single-cell technologies, revealing over 4 million cellular profiles. The study provides a comprehensive multimodal molecular atlas to explore links between molecules, cells, brain function and disease.
A research team led by HKUST developed an AI-powered model to predict glioma patients' prognosis and identify early predictors of tumor evolution under therapy. The model, CELLO2, uses genomic and transcriptomic data from 544 glioma patients to accurately predict treatment-induced hypermutation and grade progression.