Articles tagged with Evolutionary Genetics
Comprehensive exploration of living organisms, biological systems, and life processes across all scales from molecules to ecosystems. Encompasses cutting-edge research in biology, genetics, molecular biology, ecology, biochemistry, microbiology, botany, zoology, evolutionary biology, genomics, and biotechnology. Investigates cellular mechanisms, organism development, genetic inheritance, biodiversity conservation, metabolic processes, protein synthesis, DNA sequencing, CRISPR gene editing, stem cell research, and the fundamental principles governing all forms of life on Earth.
Comprehensive medical research, clinical studies, and healthcare sciences focused on disease prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. Encompasses clinical medicine, public health, pharmacology, epidemiology, medical specialties, disease mechanisms, therapeutic interventions, healthcare innovation, precision medicine, telemedicine, medical devices, drug development, clinical trials, patient care, mental health, nutrition science, health policy, and the application of medical science to improve human health, wellbeing, and quality of life across diverse populations.
Comprehensive investigation of human society, behavior, relationships, and social structures through systematic research and analysis. Encompasses psychology, sociology, anthropology, economics, political science, linguistics, education, demography, communications, and social research methodologies. Examines human cognition, social interactions, cultural phenomena, economic systems, political institutions, language and communication, educational processes, population dynamics, and the complex social, cultural, economic, and political forces shaping human societies, communities, and civilizations throughout history and across the contemporary world.
Fundamental study of the non-living natural world, matter, energy, and physical phenomena governing the universe. Encompasses physics, chemistry, earth sciences, atmospheric sciences, oceanography, materials science, and the investigation of physical laws, chemical reactions, geological processes, climate systems, and planetary dynamics. Explores everything from subatomic particles and quantum mechanics to planetary systems and cosmic phenomena, including energy transformations, molecular interactions, elemental properties, weather patterns, tectonic activity, and the fundamental forces and principles underlying the physical nature of reality.
Practical application of scientific knowledge and engineering principles to solve real-world problems and develop innovative technologies. Encompasses all engineering disciplines, technology development, computer science, artificial intelligence, environmental sciences, agriculture, materials applications, energy systems, and industrial innovation. Bridges theoretical research with tangible solutions for infrastructure, manufacturing, computing, communications, transportation, construction, sustainable development, and emerging technologies that advance human capabilities, improve quality of life, and address societal challenges through scientific innovation and technological progress.
Study of the practice, culture, infrastructure, and social dimensions of science itself. Addresses how science is conducted, organized, communicated, and integrated into society. Encompasses research funding mechanisms, scientific publishing systems, peer review processes, academic ethics, science policy, research institutions, scientific collaboration networks, science education, career development, research programs, scientific methods, science communication, and the sociology of scientific discovery. Examines the human, institutional, and cultural aspects of scientific enterprise, knowledge production, and the translation of research into societal benefit.
Comprehensive study of the universe beyond Earth, encompassing celestial objects, cosmic phenomena, and space exploration. Includes astronomy, astrophysics, planetary science, cosmology, space physics, astrobiology, and space technology. Investigates stars, galaxies, planets, moons, asteroids, comets, black holes, nebulae, exoplanets, dark matter, dark energy, cosmic microwave background, stellar evolution, planetary formation, space weather, solar system dynamics, the search for extraterrestrial life, and humanity's efforts to explore, understand, and unlock the mysteries of the cosmos through observation, theory, and space missions.
Comprehensive examination of tools, techniques, methodologies, and approaches used across scientific disciplines to conduct research, collect data, and analyze results. Encompasses experimental procedures, analytical methods, measurement techniques, instrumentation, imaging technologies, spectroscopic methods, laboratory protocols, observational studies, statistical analysis, computational methods, data visualization, quality control, and methodological innovations. Addresses the practical techniques and theoretical frameworks enabling scientists to investigate phenomena, test hypotheses, gather evidence, ensure reproducibility, and generate reliable knowledge through systematic, rigorous investigation across all areas of scientific inquiry.
Study of abstract structures, patterns, quantities, relationships, and logical reasoning through pure and applied mathematical disciplines. Encompasses algebra, calculus, geometry, topology, number theory, analysis, discrete mathematics, mathematical logic, set theory, probability, statistics, and computational mathematics. Investigates mathematical structures, theorems, proofs, algorithms, functions, equations, and the rigorous logical frameworks underlying quantitative reasoning. Provides the foundational language and tools for all scientific fields, enabling precise description of natural phenomena, modeling of complex systems, and the development of technologies across physics, engineering, computer science, economics, and all quantitative sciences.
A Rice University study, likened to the movie 'The Truman Show,' found that genetic variation plays a significant role in determining social positions within groups of cloned fruit flies. The researchers measured social interactions between identical clones in separate enclosures under different environmental conditions.
The study provides clues to how early agricultural practices shaped the evolution of these animals. Genetic analyses show that the ancient goats fell at the base of the domestic goat lineage, suggesting they were closely related to the animals first recruited during domestication.
A new study has identified the genetic root of bitter taste in greens like broccoli rabe and bok choy. The research team reconstructed an evolutionary tree from DNA sequences analysis of over 400 Brassica rapa varieties, revealing that Central Asian turnips were the most genetically diverse crops.
A recent review in Genome Biology and Evolution discusses the evolutionary fates of supergenes, revealing new findings that challenge classical models. The genomic architecture of a supergene is inextricably tied to its evolutionary fate, with empirical studies yielding surprises about their origin and genetic architecture.
Researchers found that coral species Pocillopora maintain close relationships with specific algae genera Cladocopium despite intense climate fluctuations over the last 1.5 million years. This resilience may enable them to adapt to modern ocean warming, at least in the coming decades.
A new study in PNAS reveals that domesticated watermelons come from wild crop progenitors in northeast Africa. The research uses DNA from hundreds of watermelon varieties to confirm the correct origin, correcting a long-held misconception about their South African roots.
Researchers propose a new atavistic model of cancer, suggesting that ancient genes and reversions to ancestral forms are responsible for cancer's ability to survive and proliferate. The Serial Atavism Model challenges the conventional standard model of cancer, offering a novel perspective on the disease.
Researchers analyzed 12,000-year-old fish bones from three-spine sticklebacks to study the evolutionary process. They found that genetic variants enabling adaptation to freshwater existed in ocean populations thousands of years ago.
Researchers discovered innate immune markers increased in frequency in modern people from a region that experienced the plague, suggesting these markers might have evolved to resist the disease. The study also found changes in allele distribution for immune-related genes, which could be evidence of past Yersinia pestis exposure.
Researchers from McGill University studied threespine stickleback fish adapting to seasonal changes, finding genetic shifts that mirror past adaptations. The study's findings suggest predicting evolutionary future of populations under environmental stressors like climate change.
The study of Xerocrassa montserratensis reveals new insights into the conservation of this endemic and threatened species. The researchers identified genetic groups in different areas where sub-species had been described, providing a better understanding of the species' population structure.
Researchers discovered that a growth factor, BMP11, drives the development of male water strider's long legs and fighting behavior. Knocking out this gene in males reduced leg size and aggression, highlighting its role in hyperallometry.
A recent study published in Molecular Biology and Evolution reveals that the DNA replication machinery of Mimivirus, a giant virus, is ancient and evolved over time. The research suggests that Mimiviral genes related to DNA replication are subject to purifying selection, indicating their essential role in the organism's survival.
A recent study led by NSU researcher sequenced the leopard genome, showing distinct genetic patterns between African and Asian populations. The analysis suggests that all African leopards should be considered a single subspecies due to abundant gene flow across Africa.
Three manatee species share a common ancestor after the Amazon Basin was formed, with genetic data showing adaptation to environments influenced their evolution. The research adds new information on the evolutionary history of aquatic mammals, shedding light on how geological events shaped their distribution.
A recent study led by Shinshu University found that flower size is correlated with pollinator size in different mountain regions, evolving independently in each area. Despite genetic similarity between plants across regions, flower sizes varied greatly, suggesting parallel evolution of this trait among mountains.
A recent study uses phylogenetic methods to integrate vertical and horizontal gene transmission, revealing that genes travel vertically two-thirds of the time. This analysis predicts a root between two major clades, Terrabacteria and Gracilicutes, shedding light on early bacterial evolution.
Researchers at the University of Kansas have described a new species of fanged frog found in the Philippines, which was previously thought to be the same as another species on a neighboring island. The Mindoro Fanged Frog has distinct genetic differences and unique mating calls, setting it apart from its cousin.
Researchers found that different species use distinct genetic mechanisms to adapt to desert environments, offering a silver lining for species facing climate change. The study's findings have implications for developing gene therapies to treat human dehydration-related illnesses like kidney disease.
A study by Rice University biologist Kory Evans found that flatfish evolved rapid skull asymmetry due to trait co-evolution. This process led to the development of unique traits across the skull, resulting in increased integration and adaptability for these fish.
Researchers found that corals' ability to grow calcium carbonate skeletons evolved between 308 and 265 million years ago, with necessary proteins present in their soft-bodied ancestors. The team identified genes responsible for transporting calcium and removing protons, as well as an acid-rich protein involved in skeleton building.
Researchers found that Eastern and Western house mice developed identical genetic changes to cope with cold temperatures, building bigger nests and growing heftier. This study demonstrates the predictability of evolution in mammals, with implications for understanding human evolution.
A new study resolves the horned crocodile's evolutionary relationships, placing it on a separate branch of the crocodile family tree. The research suggests that modern crocodiles likely originated in Africa, contradicting previous scientific thinking.
The study unravels the evolutionary and genetic origins of flatfish specialized body plan through comparative genomic analysis. Key findings include significant alteration in genes related to visual perception, immune response, and musculature development.
Salk researchers have traced the development of spinal cord neurons using genetic signatures, revealing new ways of classifying and tagging subsets of cells. The findings offer a precise way to study the function of spinal cord neurons and their role in regulating body movements.
Grasses can incorporate DNA from other species into their genomes through lateral gene transfer, giving them an evolutionary advantage. This process may allow crops to adapt to new environments quicker and be more resistant to climate change.
A study found that wind patterns strongly affect genetic differentiation, gene flow, and genetic diversity in tree populations. Downwind populations tend to exhibit high genetic diversity.
Researchers analyzed genome sequencing data from 320 individuals to understand how human populations adapted to Pacific island environments. They found that ancient admixture with Denisovans and Neanderthals influenced the current state of health in South Pacific populations.
Researchers from Kobe University and Chiba University developed a flexible method to create genetic switches for yeast, allowing for the control of gene expression. They successfully produced yeast that biosynthesized orange pigment under AND-gated control, paving the way for sophisticated, artificially regulated cells.
Researchers discovered that humans evolved higher eccrine gland density due to accumulated changes in the hECE18 enhancer region, which drives EN1 expression. This trait is thought to have adapted to early hominins' hot habitats, promoting survival and evolution.
Adriana Darielle Mejía Briscoe, a University of California, Irvine professor of ecology & evolutionary biology, has been awarded a 2021 Guggenheim Fellowship. She will conduct field research on the impacts of climate change on butterflies' visual and thermal adaptations.
A group of microbes that feed on chemical reactions triggered by radioactivity have been found to be at an evolutionary standstill for millions of years. Their identical genetic makeup suggests they have not changed since their physical locations separated during the breakup of supercontinent Pangaea.
Researchers found that tumour samples from over 2,600 patients with different types of cancer contain a high prevalence of genetic diversity within individual tumours. This variation is a challenge for doctors as treatment may not be effective against another subclone, and certain subclones can initiate tumour spread or drug resistance.
Researchers found that spatial constraints from the surrounding environment significantly affect tumor evolution, leading to diverse mutational patterns among patients. The study highlights the importance of tissue architecture in regulating tumor growth and behavior.
The Pyrenean Ibex's decline was driven by a combination of hunting and infectious diseases, which further reduced its already low genetic diversity. The species' eventual extinction highlights the importance of historical biological collections for genetic analyses of extinct species.
A team of scientists from UNIGE has identified a crucial role for a micro-peptide in determining the sperm that will fertilize an egg in Drosophila females. The peptide plays a key part in the competition between spermatozoa from different males, and its absence leads to reduced fertility in subsequent matings.
A Rutgers University-led study finds that overfishing is unlikely to be the primary cause of genetic changes in Atlantic cod. Instead, researchers suggest that addressing environmental factors such as climate change and reducing fishing pressure may be more effective in allowing cod populations to recover.
A large-scale study has identified a new genetic link to male infertility, revealing that unstable Y chromosomes are associated with a significantly increased risk of fertility issues. The study analyzed over 2,300 Estonian men and found that the genetic variation was more common in European descent populations.
Researchers found genetically distinct Fal Estuary maerl beds, shaped by geographical isolation and limited connectivity. Threats from shipping and climate change require targeted conservation efforts to protect these ancient ecosystems.
A University of Colorado Boulder-led research team found the Iberá Seedeater, an endangered songbird, used genetic shuffling instead of new mutations for speciation. The bird's unique behavior keeps it apart from closely related species.
Researchers identified a long-overlooked pattern in stomatal development, which suggests that living conditions regulate stomatal formation. The discovery uses the plant genus Callitriche, including both aquatic and terrestrial species, to reveal a coordinated delay in stomatal formation for aquatic species.
A new study finds that female choice regarding mate traits drives the emergence of new species in Iberá Seedeater songbirds. The study reveals pre-mating isolation as a powerful force in maintaining reproductive barriers between co-occurring species, leading to rapid speciation.
A team of biologists found that human pelvis sex differences are similar to those in chimpanzees, suggesting an ancient origin. The magnitude of these differences is only half as large in chimpanzees, indicating that modern humans inherited this pattern from earlier mammals.
Scientists have isolated a genetic clue in the form of an RNA polymerase enzyme that offers new insights into the origins of life. The discovery provides evidence for the RNA World Hypothesis, suggesting that self-replicating RNA molecules were capable of driving chemical reactions essential for life.
Research on E. coli bacteria reveals that higher translation error rates lead to increased phenotypic variability at the single-cell level, affecting cell length and division time. However, population-level growth parameters show inconsistent correlations with mistranslation levels, highlighting the need for further investigation.
Researchers from the University of Copenhagen have studied the giraffe's genome, discovering a key gene FGFRL1 that enables its extraordinary features, such as high blood pressure and dense bones. The study also found that giraffes spend less time sleeping than other mammals due to their unique circadian rhythm regulation.
Researchers at Stanford University developed a new technique to compare genetic differences between humans and chimpanzees, revealing significant disparities in the expression of genes SSTR2 and EVC2. This study provides insight into human evolution and potential causes of neuropsychiatric diseases.
The study confirms that the placenta is a 'dumping ground' for genetic defects, harboring mutations similar to childhood cancers. It tolerates major genetic flaws, unlike other human organs.
Researchers are using Drosophila melanogaster fruit flies to explore genetic underpinnings of susceptibility to environmental toxicants and develop precision toxicology. The study aims to identify molecular key event biomarkers in non-mammalian models that predict adverse health outcomes.
A recent study found that chimpanzees have been reconnected for extended periods during the most recent maximal expansion of African forests, contrary to previous assumptions. The team's comprehensive sampling and use of rapidly-evolving genetic markers revealed genetic connectivity mirrors geographic distance and local factors.
A team of researchers used a machine-learning approach to map the genetic and environmental connectivity of Aedes aegypti mosquitoes, a primary vector for diseases such as dengue fever and Zika. The study provides insights into the mosquito's adaptability to new landscapes and expanding range.
A study found that transposons play a key role in creating new genes through exon shuffling, a process that can lead to the creation of novel transcription factors. The research identified over 100 distinct genes fused with transposases across various species, including humans.
Paramecium uses a complex system to determine mating types, allowing for genetic variation and reproduction. The mechanism involves programmed genome rearrangements and small RNAs that eliminate unnecessary DNA sequences.
Research sequenced 65 tiger genomes revealing strong genetic differences between subspecies, which emerged recently due to climatic shift and human dominance. Conservation genomics can inform management strategies, highlighting the need for genetic rescue through hybridization or selection of adapted traits.
Researchers sequenced DNA from mammoth remains up to 1.2 million years old, revealing a previously unknown genetic lineage and showing that Columbian mammoths were hybrids of woolly and Adycha mammoths. The study provides new insights into how fast mammoths adapted to cold climates.
Researchers found a group of genes on chromosome 12 that reduces the risk of developing severe COVID-19 by around 20%, inherited from Neanderthals. These genes code for enzymes that help destroy viral genomes, and the Neanderthal variant is more efficient, providing protection against severe COVID-19.
A recent study led by McGill University found that the Pacific and Caribbean crocodile populations have been separated for approximately 100,000 years, contradicting previous expectations of 3 million years. This discovery was made possible by reconstructing Ice Age sea levels and analyzing genetic variations in the crocodiles' genomes.
A new study has sequenced the capuchin monkey genome, uncovering genetic clues about their long lifespan and large brains. The researchers identified genes associated with DNA damage response, metabolism, and insulin signalling, which may contribute to their longevity.
A new study found that male fruit flies with the most impressive sexual ornamentation also have super sperm that can outcompete rivals in the post-mating fertilization game. The researchers discovered a strong link between the males' competitive success at passing on their genes even after a female fly has mated with other flies.
Researchers at Oregon State University used thousands of genetic markers to determine the Pacific albacore's population structure. The study found that fish from different hemispheres intermingle and sometimes breed with each other, revealing a lack of clear boundaries between North and South Pacific populations.