Articles tagged with Evolutionary Genetics
Jellyfish have evolved separate and independently complex eyes many times over millions of years, making them an ideal model to understand genetic expression. By analyzing multiple species and genes, researchers aim to uncover similarities and differences in evolutionary patterns.
Researchers discover medusavirus undergoes four stages of maturation within host cells, with unique particle structures and DNA-protein exchange mechanisms. The findings provide new insights into giant viruses' biology and behavior.
Research team at University of Münster finds that a specific gene variant allows fruit flies to synchronize their circadian rhythm with temperature cycles under constant light. This adaptation enables better mating opportunities and increases the allele's evolutionary success.
Researchers found that urbanization increases hydrogen cyanide production in white clover as a defense mechanism against herbivores. The study, published in Science, reveals adaptive evolution due to urbanization is driving global-scale changes in plant species.
Researchers from OIST found that Escherichia coli bacteria form lanes of genetically similar individuals when constrained to a channel, aligning parallel to the barriers. The study, published in PNAS, used microfluidic platforms and simulations to observe population dynamics over several generations.
University of Ottawa scientists, collaborating with Yale researchers, have discovered the hidden influence of a single variation between histone H3.1 and H3.3 proteins. This finding could expand our understanding of DNA damage repair and its role in diseases like cancers and sponastrine dysplasia.
Researchers found that female Faeder variants produce fewer offspring, but this disadvantage helps their males, who benefit from their rarity and obtain more matings. The contrasting effect of the variant contributes to its persistence over time.
A study reveals that new bird species arise in lowland habitats before moving higher into mountainous areas, where genetic differences accumulate. The research suggests that climate fluctuations, particularly during the Pleistocene era, contributed to the evolution of these high-altitude populations.
A team of paleogeneticists successfully sequenced the genome of the extinct Christmas Island rat, but found that key genes related to olfaction were missing. The study reveals the challenges and limitations of de-extinction across all species, highlighting the need for a more nuanced approach.
A new mathematical framework has been created to study fitness landscapes of regulatory DNA, enabling the prediction of gene expression changes. The framework uses a neural network model trained on millions of experimental measurements to decipher the evolutionary past and future of non-coding sequences.
A team of student researchers from John Jay College of Criminal Justice has discovered at least three families of human microRNA genes not shared with any other primate species on chromosome 21. These genes may have played a significant role in the unique evolution of the human species.
Scientists create novel germplasm by introgressing B. rapa genome into B. juncea and demonstrate increased genetic diversity and phenotypic variation among the introgression lines. This strategy provides a new method to expand genetic variation in Brassica species.
A new molecular study of grasses reveals a clear picture of their evolutionary relationships, shedding light on the evolution of C4 photosynthesis involved in heat and drought tolerance. The research provides evidence that this type of photosynthesis evolved independently multiple times within different grass lineages.
Researchers from Tokyo Tech elucidated the molecular evolution of NRK, revealing a novel mechanism regulating placental development by modulating the CK2-PTEN-AKT pathway. The study showed that NRK underwent rapid molecular evolution to acquire its function in eutherian ancestors.
Researchers found that hundreds of bacteria genes were integrated into ancient plants, granting them desirable traits for land colonization. The study suggests horizontal gene transfer played a significant role in land-plant evolution, allowing plants to adapt rapidly to new environments.
Researchers analyzed 263 viper species to find significant correlations between horn types and habitats. Nasal horns are associated with terrestrial forest habitats, while ocular horns are linked to tree-dwelling or sparsely vegetated environments.
Research suggests that genetic material from E. coli bacteria in farm animals may contribute to the evolution of deadly pandemic strains. The study found that ColV plasmids in pigs, cattle, and chickens can increase the likelihood of antimicrobial resistance and extra-intestinal infections in humans.
Researchers from the University of Oxford's Big Data Institute have created a single genealogy tracing the ancestry of all humans, combining genome sequences from eight databases and 3,609 individual genomes. The study successfully recaptured key events in human evolutionary history, including migration out of Africa.
Research shows that asexual reproduction in stick insects, such as parthenogenesis, reduces genetic variability and slows down adaptation to environmental changes. This negatively impacts the speed of adaptation and genetic diversity in these insects.
A new study from the University of Georgia reveals that pollen begins expressing its own genome at a specific point in its life cycle. This discovery has significant implications for plant breeding, as it allows researchers to predict how plant species adapt to environmental changes and potentially speed up crop development.
The Colorado potato beetle has evolved rapid resistance to insecticides by leveraging its existing genetic diversity, allowing different populations to quickly adapt and overcome new chemicals. This wealth of diversity will likely make the pest difficult to control in the future.
Researchers analyzed expanded genetic markers to estimate evolutionary distance between Archaea and Bacteria, finding a long branch length that separates the two domains. The study suggests that conventional methods may underestimate true branch length and diversity of Archaea.
A COVID-19 genetic risk variant inherited from Neandertals reduces the risk of contracting HIV by 27%. This variant is associated with fewer CCR5 receptors, which can lower the risk of HIV infection.
A study published in Immunogenetics found that male Kentish Plovers have stronger immune systems than females due to the presence of two active copies of immune genes on their Z chromosome. This may explain why males tend to survive longer than females in this species.
Research by Shan Jiang found that introducing nature views into hospital corridors can significantly ease confusion and anger in navigating large medical complexes. The study revealed that participants used shorter time and walked less distance to complete wayfinding tasks when exposed to green spaces.
Researchers found that butterfly eyespots evolve from a pre-existing gene regulatory network used to build antennae, legs and wings. The study discovered specific genes and regulatory connections underlying the development of complex traits.
Researchers analyzed the largest genomic dataset of plants, revealing how early traits like stomata and roots evolved. The study sheds light on the genetic basis of plant evolution, highlighting the role of new and old genes in adapting to land colonization.
Researchers studied microorganisms, including TB bacteria, to understand how genetic mutations drive adaptation and resistance. They found that certain types of mutations are more common than others, and this imbalance can help scientists predict which mutations will lead to drug resistance.
Using ancient and historical DNA can assess population genetic patterns and inform conservation actions. The study reveals that a/hDNA can be compared with contemporary data to set baselines for intra-species genetic diversity and estimate changes in effective population size.
Researchers found that epigenetic inheritance can affect the genetic composition of a population for multiple generations. Exposure to high temperatures accelerated the rate of evolution, increasing the spread of genes through mating.
Researchers led by Charles Carter will investigate how critical molecules interacted and evolved together, leading to the emergence of life on Earth billions of years ago. They aim to characterize an ancestral alphabet and establish how it grew into the twenty-letter coding alphabet used in genes.
A recent study published in PLOS Genetics found that genetic legacy from the last glaciation influences reindeer's migratory behavior. Caribou with more northern ancestry were more likely to migrate longer distances, highlighting an evolutionary adaptation to harsh tundra environments.
Three University of Exeter researchers Dr Jasmine Ono, Dr Luis Yanez Guerra and Dr Jane Usher have been awarded BBSRC Discovery Fellowships for innovative research in biotechnology and biological sciences. They will focus on improving scientific knowledge to develop better treatments for human fungal pathogens and understanding the ori...
A new study found that pollutants can be transmitted over many generations in water fleas, persisting long enough to influence the evolutionary process. The effects of low doses of pollutants were detected even after switching to clean water, indicating stable epigenetic marks passed down through generations.
A research team led by University of Adelaide found tangible evidence that Australian elapids arrived by sea rather than land. The study analyzed genomes of two Australian elapids and compared them to marine and semi-marine elapid sea snakes, finding similarities with marine life genes.
A recent study found that many marine invertebrates, including sponges and jellyfish, retain the same chromosomal structure as their primitive ancestors over 600 million years ago. This discovery underscores the conservatism of evolution and provides a key link between humans and our distant ancestors.
Researchers at Uppsala University studied the genomic effects of inbreeding on Scandinavian wolves, finding that 10-25% of original genetic variation was lost after five generations. The study revealed a surprisingly large number of genetic variants disappeared, highlighting the risks of inbreeding in endangered species.
Ancient DNA study reveals Bronze Age women replaced local population in Orkney, contrary to historical assumptions about European expansion trends. Genetic analysis suggests a complex and varied process of negotiation between indigenous males and newcomers from the south over many generations.
Scientists have discovered that the genomes of marine invertebrates have been surprisingly stable across deep time. The study found that chromosomes are remarkably similar among sponges, jellyfish, scallops, and even humans, with some genes traveling together for almost a billion years.
Researchers developed a method called 6mASCOPE that measures DNA tagging system accuracy and distinguishes bacterial from human DNA. The study found high levels of methylation in plant, fly, mouse, and human cells, but mostly attributed to contamination.
A team of researchers at UMass Amherst identified the specific genes responsible for growth suppression in maize flowers, including GRASSY TILLERS1 and RAMOSA3. These findings provide insights into the evolution of life on earth and have implications for plant breeding, benefiting humans from apples to corn.
The study behind PopHumanVar explores how human genomes have adapted to environmental pressures and dietary changes throughout history. The database allows for the identification of specific mutations responsible for adaptive events, such as lactose digestion in European populations.
A recent study found 24 different pathotypes of Phytophthora sojae in Quebec and Ontario compared to eight in Manitoba, indicating declining resistance to Rps genes. More than 85% of fields surveyed contained isolates that could overcome the Rps genes present in planted varieties.
Researchers discovered a new parasite, Txikispora philomaios, which evolved shortly after the common ancestor of animals and fungi, before its multicellularity was developed. The study provides insights into how animal multicellularity developed through cell communication and specialization.
Researchers discovered a genetic mutation associated with small body size in dogs that also occurred in ancient wolves over 50,000 years ago. This finding presents a new evolutionary narrative and challenges the long-held theory that humans domesticated large wolves to create small companions.
Scientists sequenced DNA and measured Island Monarchs, revealing they settle down more readily than expected after colonizing an island. The study confirms the importance of island regions in species evolution, adding new knowledge to biogeography.
A new study reveals anatomic differences in the inner ear structures of two major bat groups, influencing the evolution of diverse echolocation and foraging forms. The absence of Rosenthal's canal in Yangochiropterans allowed for unique behavioral adaptations.
Researchers compared microscopic inner ear structures of two main bat groups, revealing extra neurons and specialized ear structures that align with a split in bat evolution. This discovery provides the first physical evidence to support genetic data on the split of bats into two major groups.
Researchers at the University of Minnesota have identified a natural colorant derived from plant nectar, which has been shown to attract pollinators. The discovery, known as nesocodin, has significant implications for the food and textile industries, where synthetic colorants are currently relied upon.
A team of scientists from Germany, Spain, Australia and Japan discovered a new species of branching marine worm, Ramisyllis kingghidorahi, in Japan. The worm has a unique body shape with one head and multiple posterior ends, living inside the internal canals of sea sponges.
A massive new dataset highlights the effects of human disturbances and pollution on contemporary evolution, with pollution driving the most rapid rate of phenotypic change. The study confirms that harvesting and invasive species also have significant impacts, while climate change alters traditional notions of a natural habitat.
Researchers at the University of California San Diego have developed a method to reverse insecticide resistance in mosquitoes using CRISPR/Cas9 technology. By replacing an insecticide-resistant gene with its susceptible counterpart, they have successfully restored genetic susceptibility to these chemicals.
Two new species of goby fish, Rhinogobius estrellae and Rhinogobius tandikan, have been discovered in Palawan, Philippines. The discovery expands the genus Rhinogobius' known range further south than previously seen.
Researchers found patches of low mutation rates in the genome with essential gene over-representation, suggesting a protective mechanism. This discovery could lead to advances in plant breeding and human genetics, potentially helping breed better crops or fight cancer.
Researchers found that plants have evolved a way to protect their most important genes from mutation, which has significant implications for understanding crop domestication and cancer. The study discovered non-random patterns in DNA mutations, with essential genes overrepresented in regions where mutations are rare.
A recent study by UC Berkeley and Missouri State University scientists found that East African sunbirds have retained their songs for over 500,000 years, with some changes occurring in pulses. This discovery suggests that environmental stability may constrain the evolution of social signals like song.
A team of researchers at George Washington University identified a gene that determines whether ultraviolet iridescence appears in the wings of butterflies. Removing this gene from non-iridescent species leads to UV coloration in their wings, highlighting its critical role in evolutionary differences between species.
Research on hybrid threespine stickleback fish found that genetic signatures of hybrid incompatibilities are environment-dependent. Fish raised in ponds had a lower incidence of mismatched genes due to ecological pressures, whereas lab-reared fish showed no difference in heterozygosity.
A new theory outlines how magnetite crystals in specialized receptor cells of salmon and other animals may have roots in ancient genetic systems developed by bacteria, suggesting a common evolutionary history between magnetite-producing bacteria and fish. The findings have the potential for widespread application, from improving salmon...
New research reveals that gene exchange between viruses and their hosts plays a major role in shaping the tree of life. The study found that viruses acquire genes from their hosts to hone their infection process, while also co-opting useful viral genes from hosts.