A retrospective analysis of oak tree genomes reveals an identical evolutionary pattern across three French forests, differing according to climatic periods. Oaks can evolve rapidly and redirect their evolutionary trajectories in response to changes in climate, highlighting the need for adapting forest management practices.
SourceINRAE - National Research Institute for Agriculture, Food and Environment·JournalEvolution Letters·DateJan 5, 2022
Researchers created a model system to study the ultrasmall bacteria TM7 and found that they acquired a gene cluster encoding the arginine deiminase system, which helps them survive and multiply in the human oral cavity. This discovery suggests that TM7 may play a more protective role in oral health than previously thought.
SourceForsyth Institute·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 3, 2022
Scientists successfully extracted DNA from sediment blocks stored up to 40 years ago, providing access to a vast untapped repository of genetic information. The study reveals that specific sediment features are more conducive to ancient DNA preservation than others.
SourceMax Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 27, 2021
Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only)
Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only) delivers reliable low-light performance and rugged build for astrophotography, lab documentation, and field expeditions.
A recent study has found that snake venoms and mammalian salivary proteins share a common origin, suggesting that the foundation for venom to evolve exists in both snakes and mammals. This discovery reveals that the line between venomous and non-venomous mammals is blurrier than previously thought.
SourceOkinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST) Graduate University·JournalBMC Biology·DateDec 22, 2021
A marine-dwelling creature, Trichoplax adhaerens, has been found to resist cancer and repair DNA after radiation damage. Researchers are exploring its unique properties to develop new therapies for cancer.
SourceArizona State University·JournalPLOS Biology·TypeObservational study·DateDec 22, 2021
A new species of antibiotic-resistant bacteria, Enterococcus innesii, has been discovered by researchers at the John Innes Centre. The strain is resistant to vancomycin and may cause hospital-acquired infections.
SourceJohn Innes Centre·JournalINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF SYSTEMATIC AND EVOLUTIONARY MICROBIOLOGY·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 22, 2021
A new study provides a detailed timeline of mammal evolution, confirming that modern placental mammal groups postdate the K-Pg extinction. The researchers used a novel computational approach to analyse a large genomic dataset and answer a long-standing question about mammal origins.
SourceQueen Mary University of London·JournalNature·DateDec 22, 2021
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.
Researchers discovered a new simple mechanism of tooth class transformation in vertebrate lizards, affecting teeth size and attachment type. The EDA gene mutation led to significant changes in dental features, shedding light on tooth development in non-mammalian lineages.
SourceUniversity of Helsinki·JournalScience Advances·DateDec 20, 2021
A new study reveals that Xanthomonas euvesicatoria has evolved to evade the immune system of tomato plants by changing a single amino acid in its flagellin proteins. This finding poses significant challenges for breeding disease-resistant tomato varieties, forcing farmers to rely on fungicides and copper treatments.
SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalMolecular Plant-Microbe Interactions·DateDec 20, 2021
A recent study published in Canine Medicine and Genetics found that French Bulldogs have a significantly higher risk of being diagnosed with 20 common health disorders compared to other breeds. The authors propose breeding towards more moderate characteristics to reduce these risks.
SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalCanine Medicine and Genetics·DateDec 15, 2021
A study by UC Riverside scientists has identified a set of genes on a single chromosome associated with the production of male or female offspring in ant colonies. The discovery sheds light on the complex relationships between genetics and environmental factors in shaping the sex ratio of these societies.
SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 14, 2021
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 have discovered an ancient category of MHC molecules, MHC-W, which represent a missing link for explaining how class I molecules evolved from a class II-like origin. This finding resolves a long-standing puzzle in immunogenetics.
SourceFujita Health University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 13, 2021
Researchers analyzed 140 neuroblastoma samples to understand the genetic changes associated with the disease. They found that mutations can disappear and reappear, occurring in distinct sections or individual cells, making targeted therapy less effective.
SourceCharité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin·JournalNature Communications·DateDec 10, 2021
Scientists found that seven genes associated with bright-light vision are absent in burrowing snakes, demonstrating extensive vision gene loss over millions of years. This challenges the hypothesis that all modern snakes evolved from extreme burrowers, suggesting a different evolutionary path for these subterranean snakes.
SourceUniversity of Plymouth·JournalGenome Biology and Evolution·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 9, 2021
Researchers have discovered ancient DNA in soil samples from the Yukon, revealing that mammoths and North American horses persisted until as recently as 5,000 years ago. The findings provide new insights into the population dynamics of megafauna and challenge previous beliefs about their extinction.
SourceMcMaster University·JournalNature Communications·DateDec 8, 2021
Humans developed natural genetic resistance to anthrax by having a diet of more ruminants and experiencing agricultural practices, leading to fewer anthrax receptors. European populations showed an even greater reduction in anthrax receptor expression compared to other human populations.
SourceCornell University·JournalNature Communications·DateDec 7, 2021
AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope
AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope supports teaching labs and QA checks with LED illumination, mechanical stage, and included 5MP camera.
A new study led by York University reveals that Western Honey Bees originated in Western Asia, with genetic data suggesting a strong connection to this region. The research highlights the importance of understanding the origin and evolution of these vital pollinators to inform their management and conservation.
SourceYork University·JournalScience Advances·DateDec 3, 2021
Researchers developed a kinetic hypothesis governing the evolution of the Last Universal Common Ancestor (LUCA) based on simulation experiments. They discovered a kinetic factor that governs the flow of chemical reactions in the TCA cycle, validating their hypothesis for deep-branching bacteria and archaea.
SourceToyohashi University of Technology (TUT)·JournalCommunications Chemistry·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateDec 2, 2021
A study found that male animals have a greater genetic variance in reproductive success compared to females, which translates into purging deleterious mutations. This suggests that sexual selection on males bolsters adaptation and reduces the risk of extinction when facing challenging environmental conditions.
A study published in Proceedings of the Royal Society B reveals that a rare alga, Chlorokybus, contains at least five distinct species previously thought to be a single entity. Genetic analysis confirmed these findings, shedding new light on the biodiversity and evolutionary pathways of this key algal group.
SourceUniversity of Göttingen·JournalProceedings of the Royal Society B Biological Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 30, 2021
Researchers used clam fossils to create a comprehensive evolutionary tree over hundreds of millions of years, revealing that a basic assumption can significantly distort the picture of which species are destroyed during mass extinctions. The study found that assuming lineages always split into two new species can push the origins of ne...
SourceUniversity of Chicago·JournalProceedings of the Royal Society of London B Biological Sciences·DateNov 30, 2021
Apple iPhone 17 Pro
Apple iPhone 17 Pro delivers top performance and advanced cameras for field documentation, data collection, and secure research communications.
Researchers used mathematical models to reconstruct evolutionary history of photosymbiosis in Scleractinia, identifying groups where association is stable and others that may be more flexible. The study found that certain lineages are more likely to retain the reef-building trait in a changing climate.
SourceUniversity of Guam·JournalScience Advances·DateNov 30, 2021
Researchers have confirmed a Champaign County waterhemp population is resistant to dicamba, with a 65% control rate. The population shows signs of metabolic resistance, activating detoxification genes before the chemical can harm. This finding raises concerns about the potential for broader herbicide resistance.
SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalWeed Science·DateNov 29, 2021
Researchers at MDI Biological Laboratory discovered that muscle tissue is protected from reduced protein synthesis during nutrient scarcity, accelerating growth and reproduction. The study suggests potential for developing anti-aging drugs preserving muscle tissue while prolonging lifespan.
SourceMDI Biological Laboratory·JournalFrontiers in Aging·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 23, 2021
DJI Air 3 (RC-N2)
DJI Air 3 (RC-N2) captures 4K mapping passes and environmental surveys with dual cameras, long flight time, and omnidirectional obstacle sensing.
Scientists have discovered that four types of monarch predators - a bird, a mouse, a parasitic wasp, and a worm - evolved the same unusual cellular mutations as monarchs. These mutations allow them to resist the toxic effects of milkweed plant toxins, which can be deadly to most animals.
SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalCurrent Biology·DateNov 22, 2021
Scientists successfully induce gene expression from a synthetic DNA and evolution through continuous replication using cell-free materials. They also improve the DNA to increase its replication efficiency by up to 10-fold in just 60 days.
SourceJapan Science and Technology Agency·JournalACS Synthetic Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 19, 2021
A new study examines the genetic basis of longevity in Galápagos giant tortoises and finds that these animals have extra copies of genes that may protect against aging and cancer. The creatures' cells respond to stress in ways that could help prevent disease.
SourceUniversity at Buffalo·JournalGenome Biology and Evolution·DateNov 18, 2021
Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C)
Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C) keeps Macs, tablets, and meters powered during extended observing runs and remote surveys.
A large study comparing the brains of left-handers and right-handers found significant differences in brain asymmetry across ten regions. The research also discovered a link between genetic influences on handedness and brain asymmetries in language-related regions.
SourceMax Planck Institute for Psycholinguistics·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 16, 2021
Researchers from Tokyo Metropolitan University identified unifying features in the early evolution of X and Y chromosomes. They found common genetic compensation mechanisms, deterioration, and similarities between sex chromosomes derived from the same non-sex chromosome. These findings suggest universal traits in sex chromosome evolution.
SourceTokyo Metropolitan University·JournalGenome Research·DateNov 13, 2021
Researchers from the University of Rochester have further evidence that genes are evolving defensive mechanisms to counteract harmful genetic elements. The study found that specific genes developed weapons-like structures to combat 'parasites' in the human genome, highlighting the ongoing 'arms race' between these two forces.
SourceUniversity of Rochester·JournalNature Ecology & Evolution·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 12, 2021
A new study published in Science Advances has shed light on the genetic basis of human appearance features by investigating the role of Hox genes. The researchers replaced the proboscipedia gene in a common laboratory fruit fly with its counterpart from a rarer Hawaiian cousin, revealing that Hox genes function as scaffolds for downstr...
SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 10, 2021
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 new computer program called Codetta can analyze the genome sequences of over 250,000 bacteria and archaea to identify alternative genetic codes. This could help scientists understand how genetic codes evolve and change.
SourceHarvard University·JournaleLife·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateNov 9, 2021
Researchers used CRISPR gene-editing tools to show that a gene controlling bone growth in fish fins plays the same role in forming fingers and toes in four-legged creatures. The study suggests that the last common ancestor between ray- and lobe-finned fish already had the genetic toolkit to shape their appendages.
SourceUniversity of Chicago Medical Center·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 8, 2021
Research found that damselflies infected with Wolbachia bacterium have reduced genetic diversity, making them less adaptable to changing environments. This could lead to a decline in the species' ability to expand its range and survive climate change.
SourceUniversity of Helsinki·JournalBMC Ecology and Evolution·DateNov 4, 2021
Researchers analyzed the genome of 300 individuals from 15 Mexican ethnic groups to understand their evolutionary histories and adaptability to global changes. The study found that Native Mexican peoples have biological characteristics influenced by their complex history, including susceptibility to certain diseases.
SourceUniversità di Bologna·JournalMolecular Biology and Evolution·DateNov 3, 2021
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.
An international team of researchers identified genes associated with plant survival in the Atacama Desert, a harsh environment in Chile. These findings may help scientists breed crops that can thrive in increasingly dry climates and mitigate the effects of climate change.
SourceNew York University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 1, 2021
A genomic study of the Tarim Basin mummies in western China found that they were direct descendants of a once widespread Pleistocene population known as Ancient North Eurasians. The mummies show no evidence of admixture with other Holocene groups, forming a previously unknown genetic isolate.
SourceMax Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology·JournalNature·DateOct 27, 2021
Researchers have identified a gene called Nup54 that plays a crucial role in regulating female reproductive behaviors in fruit flies. This discovery provides new insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying sexual conflict and its impact on evolution.
SourceUniversity of Birmingham·JournalBMC Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 20, 2021
A study published in BioScience found that genetic factors contribute to concern for nature and pro-environmental behavior, with moderate heritability (30-40%) reported. The researchers also observed high genetic correlations between these traits, suggesting a partially shared genetic basis.
SourceAmerican Institute of Biological Sciences·JournalBioScience·TypeSurvey·DateOct 20, 2021
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.
Researchers found that DNA tangles create mutational hotspots in bacterial genomes, influencing evolution. By altering the sequence to prevent hairpin tangles, they can predict how microbes might mutate under selective pressure.
SourceUniversity of Bath·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 19, 2021
A team of researchers has discovered a unique organism that lacks essential genes for copying and distributing its DNA. The free-living protist Carpediemonas membranifera is unable to produce kinetochore proteins, which separate chromosomes during cell division.
SourceUniversity of Groningen·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 14, 2021
Scientists have developed a technique to sequence individual malaria parasites' genomes, allowing for the detection of new mutations. These mutations are often targeting a gene family controlling transcription in malaria, suggesting potential avenues for developing more effective treatments and vaccines.
SourceTexas Biomedical Research Institute·JournalCell Host & Microbe·DateOct 13, 2021
Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter
Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter measures wind, temperature, and humidity in real time for site assessments, aviation checks, and safety briefings.
A new genetic study reveals hundreds of genes that evolved to be turned on or off in the human uterus during early pregnancy, shedding light on what makes human pregnancy uniquely human. These genes are involved in cell-to-cell communication, immune response regulation, and placental invasion, highlighting the importance of evolutionar...
Research on the giant water bug found a mismatch between its phylogenetic distance and reproductive isolation. The species' genetic differentiation is consistent with the formation of the Tsushima Strait, which separated Japan from mainland Eurasia about 1.55 million years ago.
SourceShinshu University·JournalMolecular Ecology·TypeObservational study·DateOct 11, 2021
Researchers from Washington University in St. Louis uncovered why hybridization among brown anoles is rare in their native range but common in new geographic territories. The study highlights the importance of environmental degradation in facilitating hybridization, which can contribute to biodiversity declines.
SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 11, 2021
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.
New research in zebrafish reveals the genetic mechanisms behind blue and green color vision loss in human ancestors. By studying gene editing tools and genome sequencing, experts understand how genes are regulated to detect different light wavelengths.
SourceUniversity of Tokyo·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 7, 2021
A more inclusive definition of infertility could help explain why current diagnostic tests frequently fail to find a reason for reproductive failure. This broader view may also open up novel opportunities for tailoring infertility treatments to each couple, considering the complex network of interacting male and female genes.
SourceUniversity of Eastern Finland·JournalHuman Reproduction·DateOct 7, 2021
A new study reveals hepatitis B virus (HBV) has been infecting humans for millennia, tracing its evolution from prehistory to the present. The research highlights HBV's dispersal routes and shifts in viral diversity mirroring human migrations and demographic events.
SourceMax Planck Institute of Geoanthropology·JournalScience·DateOct 7, 2021
A new study reveals that city butterflies and moths have genetically adapted to the warmer urban environment, starting their overwintering state later in the year. This allows them to take advantage of a longer growing season, reproducing successfully before winter sets in.
SourceVrije Universiteit Brussel·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 5, 2021
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter is a trusted meter for precise measurements during instrument integration, repairs, and field diagnostics.
Three new species of freshwater goby fish have been identified in Japan and the Philippines, with distinct color patterns indicating separate lineages. The researchers believe that different color patterns play a crucial role in maintaining these separate lineages during courtship and mate selection.
SourceOkinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST) Graduate University·JournalSystematics and Biodiversity·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 5, 2021
Biologists at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory are using a mathematical tool to understand the complexities of gene expression and chromosomal mutations associated with cancer. The approach, developed by David McCandlish's lab, predicts how likely different variations on a biological theme are to arise.
SourceCold Spring Harbor Laboratory·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 4, 2021
Researchers sequenced genomes of 90 Eastern massasauga rattlesnakes and found that potentially damaging gene mutations were less abundant. This suggests that inbreeding might not be as detrimental as theory predicts, as beneficial mutations can easily purge bad ones. The study's findings could influence management decisions.
SourceOhio State University·JournalMolecular Ecology·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 4, 2021
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.
Researchers have discovered a genetic mutation called retroCHMP3 that can block the replication of certain viruses like HIV and Ebola by disrupting their ability to exit an infected cell. This finding has the potential to lead to the development of new medical interventions against these deadly diseases.
SourceUniversity of Utah Health·JournalCell·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 30, 2021
Researchers have identified a series of genetic switches, called enhancers, that ensure the correct amount and distribution of Gremlin1 protein during embryonic development. This discovery sheds light on the evolutionary history of human limb development and highlights the importance of robust gene networks in shaping our body's form.
SourceUniversity of Basel·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 29, 2021
A study by Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz found that genetically diverse ant colonies produce more larvae than those with similar genetic backgrounds. This improved division of labor allows for more efficient task allocation, leading to better colony performance.
SourceJohannes Gutenberg Universitaet Mainz·JournalBMC Ecology and Evolution·DateSep 28, 2021
Researchers have identified a shortened version of the human growth hormone receptor gene, GHRd3, which may help people survive in situations where resources are scarce or unpredictable. The study found that this variant emerged around 1-2 million years ago and was more prevalent in ancient humans and Neanderthals.
SourceUniversity at Buffalo·JournalScience Advances·DateSep 24, 2021
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.
A medieval Spanish individual, known as the 'Segorbe Giant,' has been analyzed using ancient DNA. The research found that he had a mix of North African and local Spanish ancestry, suggesting a complex history of migration and intermixing. This study sheds light on a dark event in medieval Spain's past.
SourceUniversity of Huddersfield·JournalScientific Reports·TypeContent analysis·DateSep 23, 2021
Scientists prove Meselson effect in ancient asexual species, showing survival without sexual reproduction is possible. The study of beetle mite Oppiella nova reveals genetic variance and adaptation through independent genome evolution.
SourceUniversity of Cologne·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 22, 2021
New research reveals that the evolution of cichlid jaws is linked across multiple levels, challenging a quarter-century-old assumption. This finding highlights the importance of evolutionary constraints in shaping biodiversity, and suggests that they may play a wider role in the evolutionary success of species around the world.
SourceUniversity of Massachusetts Amherst·JournalNature Communications·DateSep 16, 2021
Researchers have developed a sophisticated new tool to detect and identify rare and unknown viruses and potentially deadly bacterial pathogens. The algorithm helps isolate DNA sequences shared among related organisms, enabling faster detection and identification of pathogens in clinical or wildlife settings.
SourceMcMaster University·JournalCell Reports·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateSep 15, 2021
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.