Articles tagged with Evolutionary Genetics
Researchers found 87 genes affected by deletions or short insertions in the woolly mammoth genome, potentially impacting its adaptability to cold environments. These changes may have contributed to unique traits such as fur growth and hair shape.
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 recent study has revealed that the great current diversity of eukaryotes is largely due to the large number of habitat transitions between sea and land over millions of years. Microbial eukaryotes have made hundreds of leaps from one habitat to another, allowing them to occupy vacant ecological niches.
A study of wild baboons in southern Kenya found that most carry traces of hybridization in their DNA, with about a third of their genetic makeup coming from another species. However, new genetic evidence reveals that some borrowed genes came at a cost, affecting the hybrids' survival and reproduction.
A research team uncovered the secret of powdery mildew's success by comparing genetic compositions of 172 strains from 13 countries on five continents. The pathogen was introduced to new regions through human migration and trade, undergoing hybridization with local species to form better-adapted hybrids.
Researchers observed a decline in blue and yellow colouration among two blue tit populations over 15 years due to rising temperatures and falling rainfall. This change may affect mating patterns as traits like coloration serve as signals to indicate quality.
Researchers investigate how foraging adaptations affect Arctic charr resilience to climate change. The team aims to develop a framework linking genetic and malleable components of feeding trait diversity to population demography, habitat, and eco-evolutionary potential.
Scientists discovered that ancient eelgrass migration and Pleistocene ice ages left lasting signatures in their DNA, impacting size, structure, and community composition. Genetic legacy played a stronger role than the present-day environment in determining these traits.
Researchers uncover the 'cortex' gene responsible for leaf mimicry in Kallima butterflies, revealing a complex interplay between genetics and environmental pressures. The study provides insights into the evolution of this remarkable adaptation and its potential applications in understanding biodiversity.
Researchers at MPI-CBG found that modern human variants cause longer metaphase and fewer chromosome segregation errors in neural stem cells, leading to more efficient brain development. This suggests that some aspects of modern human brain evolution may be independent of brain size.
Scientists uncover ancient herpes DNA, revealing the virus's prehistoric origins around 5,000 years ago. The discovery suggests a link between the emergence of facial herpes and cultural practices like romantic and sexual kissing in Europe during the Bronze Age.
Researchers found that domesticated rye has smaller recombining regions, making it less resistant to climate change. In contrast, wild rye has a more diverse genetic makeup and can freely recombine its genetic material.
A study found that healthcare workers in non-COVID-19 wards during outbreaks transmitted new infections, highlighting gaps in infection control practices between different acute care wards. In contrast, those working in COVID-19 isolation wards had lower transmission rates.
Researchers found that domesticated maize recruits different microbes from soil than its wild ancestors, including those involved in nitrogen cycling. This shift may be driving the need for synthetic fertilizers, but understanding the ancestral microbiome could help breed crops more sustainably.
Researchers used C. elegans to investigate inter-individual variation in metabolism and found genetic variants that affect metabolic differences between individuals. They discovered unique metabolites in different strains of the worm, which could help tailor biomedical recommendations to individual metabolism.
A study reveals that over 1,400 genes in 218 insect species originated from bacteria, viruses, fungi, and plants through horizontal gene transfer. This discovery suggests that these genes contributed to beneficial traits such as mating behavior, nutrition, and adaptation to environmental changes.
A new study suggests that a unique gene variant supporting cognitive health in older humans may have first emerged to protect against infectious pathogens like gonorrhea. This variant, linked to CD33, allows brain immune cells to break down damaged brain cells and amyloid plaques associated with Alzheimer's disease.
A tiny marine animal, copepod Eurytemora affinis, has evolved rapidly in response to declining ocean salinity due to climate change. The study found that certain genetic combinations of ion transporters were more likely to survive and thrive in freshwater environments.
Researchers discovered a molecular switch in flavivirus that controls virus assembly, maturation, and entry into new cells. This switch is triggered by pH-dependent conformational changes in viral envelope proteins.
Researchers track changes in fitness landscapes as viruses and hosts undergo ongoing survival competition. The study reveals that coevolution propels adaptations, with viruses innovating to overcome host resistance. This new understanding provides a quantitative framework for predicting evolution in coevolving ecological communities.
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.
Researchers have identified over 1,500 genetic differences between migratory and non-migratory hoverflies, shedding light on the genetic pathways involved in migration. The study reveals suites of genes being activated in concert, including insulin signalling for longevity and pathways for immunity.
A new study published in Behavior Genetics found that natural selection favors characteristics associated with lower earnings and poorer education, such as having more children. The research, led by UEA, analyzed data from over 300,000 people in the UK and suggests that this may be contributing to increasing income inequality.
A recent letter to Science warns that a drastic reduction of Swedish wolf population could exacerbate inbreeding and genetic erosion. The authors advocate for increasing population size and securing connectivity with neighboring populations to improve conservation.
Researchers have discovered a selfish genetic element, known as Segregation Distorter (SD), that skews genetic inheritance. SD has caused dramatic changes in chromosome organization and genetic diversity, leading to the accumulation of deleterious mutations.
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.
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.
Researchers at the Field Museum used innovative techniques to extract usable DNA from centuries-old specimens, including a two-foot-long greenish-brown snake from Borneo. The study successfully determined the snake's family affiliation, providing insights into biogeography and evolutionary history.
Researchers found that different lineages of Cryptosporidium parvum are increasingly exchanging their DNA, which helps the parasite evolve faster and potentially result in more virulent strains. The study suggests that globalization and close contact with animals increase the rate of genetic exchange.
Genetic analysis of ancient individuals from remote Pacific islands yields findings on family structure, social customs, and ancestral populations. The study suggests that matrilocal population structures were the rule among the world's earliest seafarers, with women often remaining in their communities after marriage.
Scientists studied embryonic development in fish and cartilaginous fish, revealing that the jaw shares a common developmental origin with the gill. The findings support the theory that the jaw evolved by modification of an ancestral gill, which was previously considered controversial.
Male scorpionflies from two locations in Japan use varying mating tactics, with those from Okayama employing 'sneaking' to successfully mate. The study suggests that environmental factors and genetic components influence alternative mating habits.
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 new analysis of ancient and contemporary genomes shows that more than half of historical groups experienced founder events, leading to reduced genetic diversity. This research has significant implications for scientists studying human genetic variation and the discovery of disease-causing mutations.
A new study reveals that over half of human populations worldwide have experienced sharp dips in population size due to founder events, associated with geographic isolation, hunter-gatherer lifestyle, or cultural practices. This analysis technique, ASCEND, will help identify groups at high risk of genetic diseases.
Researchers at Nagoya University discovered a tubulin homolog protein in the archaeon Odinarchaeota, which forms microtubules critical to cell organization. The study reveals an intermediate structure between bacterial and eukaryotic cells, shedding light on the evolution of complex cellular features.
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.
Researchers discovered how Mycobacterium tuberculosis can evolve efficiently by forming complex biofilms due to genetic mutations. The study sheds light on the bacterium's robustness and identifies potential vulnerabilities for developing more effective treatments.
Researchers discuss Hepatitis D's life cycle and interactions with its host, exploring strategies for further research to combat this overlooked virus. HDV coinfects people with hepatitis B, rapidly progressing to liver cirrhosis and cancer if left untreated, with a review published in the Chinese Medical Journal.
Ancient DNA analysis reveals that an epidemic devastated a local community in Kyrgyzstan in 1338 and 1339, linked to the Black Death. The study suggests that the Black Death's ancestor originated in Central Asia, close to Lake Issyk Kul.
Scientists have identified the DOMINANT AWN INHIBITOR (DAI) gene in sorghum, which regulates the absence and shortening of awns. The gene encodes a protein that negatively regulates awn formation as a transcription factor, with implications for breeding modern awnless cultivars.
Scientists have analyzed whole genome sequences of 98 wild house mice from across Europe and Asia, revealing a greater genetic diversity than previously thought. The study confirms three primary subspecies and infers the population history, with strong evidence for interbreeding between subspecies in East, Southeast, and South Asia.
Researchers analyzed 16 ancient genomes from Wallacea, revealing striking differences between regions and a previously unknown ancestry contribution from Mainland Southeast Asia. The findings suggest multiple human dispersals into Wallacea and major implications for the understanding of Neolithic dispersals into Island Southeast Asia.
A giant tortoise from the Fernandina Island species, believed extinct for over a century, has been confirmed alive through genetic sequencing. The discovery opens up new questions about its evolutionary relationship to other Galápagos tortoises and provides hope for conservation efforts.
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.
Researchers at the Center for Genomic Regulation (CRG) found that chromatin, a genetic architecture that protects DNA and regulates gene expression, originated in ancient microbes between 1-2 billion years ago. This eukaryotic innovation has been essential for life since its emergence.
A new study examines mathematical models designed to draw inferences about how evolution operates at the level of populations of organisms. The researchers conclude that such models must be constructed with care, avoiding unwarranted initial assumptions and weighing existing knowledge.
Researchers at UTA and international collaborators have discovered the regulatory architecture that drives snake venom expression, shedding light on the evolution of complex traits. The study provides a detailed explanation of how snakes developed specialized venom glands to produce diverse deadly proteins.
Researchers discovered how electric fish evolved electric organs by modifying a sodium channel gene. The finding highlights the potential for this genetic mechanism to contribute to human diseases. By studying electric fish, scientists can gain a better understanding of evolutionary processes and their applications in human health.
New research challenges centuries-old scholarship on animal classification by morphology, instead favoring molecular data for a better fit with geographical distribution. Convergent evolution is found to be widespread and often misleading, with famous examples such as flight in birds, bats, and insects
The study creates a catalogue of genomic diversity for endangered chimpanzees, allowing researchers to pinpoint the origin of confiscated animals within 100 kilometers. This information can support conservation efforts and combat the illegal trade of chimpanzees.
A study found that COVID-19 disrupted RSV's seasonal pattern, leading to a 'collapse' of existing strains and emergence of new ones. The pandemic also accelerated the spread and evolution of other viruses like influenza.
Researchers find that cooperative breeding in animal societies increases survival chances of carers, leading to higher reproductive success. The study also reveals the relative importance of kin selection and individual selection varies depending on environmental conditions.
Biologists at the University of Pennsylvania have discovered a two-sided genomic arms race between satellite DNA and its binding proteins in fruit flies. The study reveals that when these elements interact, significant costs to fitness can occur, including impacts on fertility and cancer development.
A new study has discovered that the raw material for evolution is much more abundant in wild animals than previously believed. Researchers found that many populations of birds and mammals can evolve surprisingly fast, with their genetic difference in survival and reproduction being two to four times higher than previously thought.
A recent study found that even tiny marine invertebrates have distinct and diverse microbial communities, called microbiomes. These findings challenge the assumption that closely related animals share similar microbiomes.
Cornell researchers develop smaller gene-editing tool, IscB-ωRNA, to solve size problem of delivering CRISPR-Cas9 into every cell. The tool works similarly to CRISPR-Cas9 but with a smaller RNA component, offering new starting point for more powerful and accessible gene editing tools.
A team of researchers has identified the ancient bird species behind giant prehistoric eggs in Australia, resolving a years-long debate. The study found that the eggs belonged to a unique duck-like line of megafauna known as the 'Demon Ducks of Doom', which was laid by the Genyornis newtoni bird.
A study comparing whole genomes of several mustelids, including the tayra and wolverine, identifies multiple sources of genomic variation contributing to species-specific traits. The research sheds light on how these adaptations evolved in response to different ecological challenges.
A new study reveals that most mutations in biologically essential genes change steadily and randomly across 700 million years of evolution. This constant drift makes it impossible to reliably predict the effects of most mutations into the future or back into the past.