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.
SourceOkinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST) Graduate University·JournalScience Advances·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJul 1, 2022
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.
SourceField Museum·JournalFrontiers in Ecology and Evolution·DateJun 30, 2022
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.
SourceUniversity of East Anglia·JournalMolecular Ecology·DateJun 30, 2022
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.
SourceHarvard University·JournalScience·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJun 30, 2022
Apple iPhone 17 Pro
Apple iPhone 17 Pro delivers top performance and advanced cameras for field documentation, data collection, and secure research communications.
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.
SourceKeck School of Medicine of USC·JournaleLife·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 28, 2022
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.
SourceOkayama University·JournalJournal of Ethology·TypeObservational study·DateJun 27, 2022
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.
SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalNature Microbiology·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 27, 2022
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.
SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalPLOS Genetics·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJun 23, 2022
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.
SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Genetics·TypeObservational study·DateJun 23, 2022
Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro)
Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro) powers local ML workloads, large datasets, and multi-display analysis for field and lab teams.
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.
SourceNagoya University·JournalScience Advances·DateJun 22, 2022
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.
SourceUniversity of Reading·JournalMolecular Biology and Evolution·TypeObservational study·DateJun 21, 2022
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.
SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB
SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB transfers large imagery and model outputs quickly between field laptops, lab workstations, and secure archives.
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.
SourceCactus Communications·JournalChinese Medical Journal·TypeLiterature review·DateJun 16, 2022
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.
SourceMax Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology·JournalNature·DateJun 15, 2022
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.
SourceOkayama University·JournalPlant and Cell Physiology·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 14, 2022
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.
SourceHokkaido University·JournalGenome Biology and Evolution·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 13, 2022
GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter
GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter logs beta, gamma, and X-ray levels for environmental monitoring, training labs, and safety demonstrations.
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.
SourcePrinceton University·JournalCommunications Biology·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJun 9, 2022
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.
SourceNewcastle University·JournalCommunications Biology·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJun 9, 2022
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.
SourceCenter for Genomic Regulation·JournalNature Ecology & Evolution·TypeNews article·DateJun 9, 2022
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.
SourceMax Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology·JournalNature Ecology & Evolution·DateJun 9, 2022
Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition
Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition is a durable star atlas for planning sessions, identifying targets, and teaching celestial navigation.
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.
SourceUniversity of Texas at Arlington·JournalGenome Research·DateJun 6, 2022
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.
SourceArizona State University·JournalPLOS Biology·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateJun 6, 2022
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.
SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 1, 2022
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
SourceUniversity of Bath·JournalCommunications Biology·TypeMeta-analysis·DateJun 1, 2022
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.
SourceCell Press·JournalCell Genomics·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 1, 2022
Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm)
Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm) tracks health metrics and safety alerts during long observing sessions, fieldwork, and remote expeditions.
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.
SourceUniversity of Sydney·JournalNature Communications·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMay 30, 2022
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.
SourceUniversity of Bern·JournalScience Advances·DateMay 30, 2022
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.
SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·JournalCurrent Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 27, 2022
GoPro HERO13 Black
GoPro HERO13 Black records stabilized 5.3K video for instrument deployments, field notes, and outreach, even in harsh weather and underwater conditions.
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.
SourceLeibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research (IZW)·JournalScience·TypeMeta-analysis·DateMay 26, 2022
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.
SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalNature Microbiology·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 26, 2022
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.
Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount
Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount provides precise tracking capacity for deep-sky imaging rigs during long astrophotography sessions.
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.
SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - Faculty of Science·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 25, 2022
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.
SourceLeibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research (IZW)·JournalMolecular Ecology·DateMay 24, 2022
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.
SourceUniversity of Chicago·JournalScience·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 19, 2022
A study by researchers at the University of Innsbruck discovered that the Cranial Sensory Ganglia in vertebrates shares a common genetic origin with Bipolar Tail Neurons found in tunicates. This finding suggests that Hmx, a gene conserved across evolution, played a crucial role in the formation of highly specialized sensory organs.
SourceUniversity of Innsbruck·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 18, 2022
CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock
CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock simplifies serious desks with 18 ports for high-speed storage, monitors, and instruments across Mac and PC setups.
A study on Arabidopsis thaliana found that a two-step molecular process rewired nutrient transport, allowing the plants to thrive in manganese-limited volcanic soil. The discovery provides insights into nutrient homeostasis and has implications for evolutionary biology and crop improvement.
SourceMax Planck Institute for Plant Breeding Research·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 18, 2022
The first farmers emerged from a population admixed between hunter-gatherers from Europe and the Near East, with a mixing process starting around 14,000 years ago. Genetic data from prehistoric skeletons were analyzed using novel demographic modeling techniques to reveal complex population dynamics.
Researchers found that jellyfish's stinging cells evolved by repurposing a neuron inherited from a pre-cnidarian ancestor. This discovery provides insights into the emergence of new cell types and the evolution of biodiversity, suggesting that co-option of ancestral cell types was an important source for new cell functions.
SourceCornell University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 12, 2022
Researchers studied cavefish genome-wide map of liver tissue to understand metabolism evolution and its potential applications for humans. The study found striking similarities in metabolic adaptations among cavefish populations, raising questions about universal adaptation mechanisms that could be triggered in other species like humans.
SourceStowers Institute for Medical Research·JournalNature Genetics·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 12, 2022
Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4)
Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4) runs demanding GIS, imaging, and annotation workflows on the go for surveys, briefings, and lab notebooks.
A study by UAB and University of Kent researchers found that the 3D structure of male germ cells plays a key role in determining genome evolution. Genome rearrangements were associated with DNA damage locations in spermatids, suggesting that males have a unique impact on genome evolution.
SourceUniversitat Autonoma de Barcelona·JournalNature Communications·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMay 11, 2022
Researchers identified a region of the mouse genome associated with higher mutation rates, which is linked to a specific gene called Mutyh. This finding supports the theory that genetic differences can affect mutation rates, and may also shed light on cancer susceptibility.
SourceUniversity of Washington School of Medicine/UW Medicine·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 11, 2022
Researchers at King Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST) have identified a stem rust resistance gene in Aegilops sharonensis and transferred it to common wheat. The new transgenic wheat lines show high levels of resistance to the stem rust pathogen, providing hope for mitigating the devastating effects of climate change.
SourceKing Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST)·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 9, 2022
A new genetic analysis suggests that vaquitas can recover if deaths from gillnets are halted, despite initial concerns about inbreeding depression. The species' natural resilience and genetic diversity provide a high probability of survival.
SourceNOAA Fisheries West Coast Region·JournalScience·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMay 5, 2022
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope combines portable Schmidt-Cassegrain optics with GoTo pointing for outreach nights and field campaigns.
A study of historical tiger shark jaws reveals a local southeastern Australian population has been extirpated due to shark control programs, emphasizing the need for regional management and conservation. Genetic diversity drives future evolution, and its loss can lead to reduced adaptability to environmental changes.
SourceTechnical University of Denmark·JournalScientific Reports·DateMay 4, 2022
Researchers at the University of Illinois have successfully engineered artificial photosynthetic life-forms through endosymbiosis between cyanobacteria and yeast. The engineered chimera can survive and reproduce under optimal conditions, shedding light on the evolutionary origins of eukaryotic cells.
SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 2, 2022
A large-scale international study, led by Tel Aviv University's Dr. Omri Bronstein, found that many species of echinoids, including sea urchins, survived a mass extinction event 50 million years earlier than thought. The findings suggest that estimates of evolutionary timelines may err by tens of millions of years.
A research team from the Max Planck Institute for Terrestrial Microbiology has identified 1,000 biosynthetic gene clusters, over half of which are previously unknown. These natural products have been found to be eukaryotic proteasome inhibitors that suppress the immune system of insects, as well as other virulence factors.
SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalNature Chemistry·DateApr 28, 2022
Creality K1 Max 3D Printer
Creality K1 Max 3D Printer rapidly prototypes brackets, adapters, and fixtures for instruments and classroom demonstrations at large build volume.
The study found that cultivated kumquat species have an independent phylogeny among citrus taxa, rejecting the hybridization origin hypothesis. The populations underwent directional selection during their evolutionary trajectory, and the asynchronous population dynamics were earlier than human activity in southern China.
SourceHigher Education Press·JournalFrontiers of Agricultural Science and Engineering·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 27, 2022
Researchers studied peptide bond formation between tRNA molecules and a ribosomal RNA segment, revealing the potential for minihelices to bind to the primordial peptidyl transferase center. The study suggests that functional interactions between tRNA and PTC could have been 'revised' in evolution.
SourceTokyo University of Science·JournalLife·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 21, 2022
A study found that small genetic variations impact an organism's ability to utilize energy from various nutrients. Researchers identified several genes contributing to sugar tolerance in fruit flies, which are also present in humans and linked to obesity and type 2 diabetes.
SourceUniversity of Helsinki·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 19, 2022
Meta Quest 3 512GB
Meta Quest 3 512GB enables immersive mission planning, terrain rehearsal, and interactive STEM demos with high-resolution mixed-reality experiences.
Researchers developed a computational technique to predict favorable gene sequences that make Rubisco, a key plant enzyme for photosynthesis. The study found promise for developing faster and more efficient Rubisco enzymes to increase crop yields and adapt to hot, dry future conditions.
SourceCornell University·JournalScience Advances·DateApr 18, 2022
A recent study on the Maniq population found they exhibit high levels of genetic differentiation, similar to other isolated populations. The researchers also discovered that the Maniq retain a unique hunter-gatherer lifestyle and Hòabìnhian-related ancestry, setting them apart from other Southeast Asian groups.
SourceSMBE Journals (Molecular Biology and Evolution and Genome Biology and Evolution)·JournalGenome Biology and Evolution·TypeObservational study·DateApr 18, 2022
Human activity on Hainan Island is causing changes in the body shapes and diets of tropical birds, resulting in biotic homogenisation. Despite efforts to protect biodiversity, the island's unique ecosystem is being affected by large-scale economic and land-use changes.
SourceXi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University·JournalConservation Biology·TypeObservational study·DateApr 14, 2022
A recent study by researchers from the University of Cambridge and Boston University has made a major breakthrough in understanding how cuckoo finches mimic eggs of multiple host species. The team found that female cuckoo finches inherit their egg-mimicry abilities from their mothers, allowing them to exploit different host species. Ho...
SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 11, 2022
Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C)
Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C) provide clear calls and strong noise reduction for interviews, conferences, and noisy field environments.
A recent study published in Genome Biology and Evolution found that ancient human remains from Bulgaria are more closely related to contemporary East Asians than Europeans. The researchers propose a scenario where an African population hub expanded into Europe and East Asia around 45,000 years ago, with the European representatives dec...
SourceUniversità di Bologna·JournalGenome Biology and Evolution·DateApr 7, 2022
European populations evolved over 50,000 years, increasing height and intelligence, but also risking cardiovascular disease due to decreased 'good' HDL cholesterol. Researchers analyzed genetic changes to better understand the impact of the Neolithic revolution on human health.
SourceRadboud University Medical Center·JournalFrontiers in Genetics·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateApr 6, 2022
A comprehensive study of 8,000 birds in Israel found significant changes in bird morphology over the past 70 years, likely due to global warming. Some species became lighter while others gained size, increasing their surface area-to-volume ratio to facilitate heat loss.
SourceTel-Aviv University·JournalGlobal Ecology and Biogeography·DateApr 5, 2022
Biomedical engineers at Duke University have discovered a physical mechanism that causes high doses of antibiotics to promote the spread of antibiotic resistance between bacteria. The culprit is an overabundance of 'jumping genes,' called transposons, which carry genetic instructions for resistance from cell's source code to plasmids.
SourceDuke University·JournalNature Ecology & Evolution·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 5, 2022
Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor
Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor tracks ventilation quality in labs, classrooms, and conference rooms with long battery life and clear e-ink readouts.
The study found that cryptochromes are conserved across various green organisms, influencing cell structures responsible for photosynthesis. The researchers discovered that a specific cryptochrome can actually lead to increased growth despite appearing darker green due to denser packed cell membranes.
SourceFriedrich-Schiller-Universitaet Jena·JournalPLANT PHYSIOLOGY·DateApr 5, 2022
Researchers found that mutation frequencies in mitochondrial DNA of developing egg cells are lower and increase less with age compared to non-reproductive cells. This suggests a protective mechanism may keep reproductive cells relatively stable, potentially related to human propensity to reproduce at later ages.
SourcePenn State·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 4, 2022