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 recent study published in Nature reveals that a Neandertal gene variant significantly increases the risk of developing severe COVID-19. The research found that this genetic variant is inherited from Neandertals and affects around three times more people than expected, with varying prevalence across different regions.
Researchers tested anoles' bones for responsiveness to mechanical stress, finding it didn't drive evolutionary divergence; instead, simple genetic changes likely led to repeated traits.
Scientists have deciphered two axes of brain organization, mainly determined by genetic factors, which reflect functional hierarchies from basic capabilities to complex skills. These findings provide insight into the evolution of brain structure and its relationship with genetic and environmental factors.
Researchers have identified key genetic markers associated with heat and drought tolerance, inflammation resistance, and tick control in African cattle. The study reveals how Asian cattle breeds influenced the development of indigenous breeds through genetic 'time travel', enabling them to thrive across Africa.
Researchers found that male and female birds have different gene expressions due to alternative splicing, enabling the evolution of sex-specific traits. This process is crucial for generating biodiversity across the animal kingdom.
A study by Dr. Cox's team reveals that radio-resistance in bacteria can be induced independently of desiccation, with complex genetic mutations and cellular metabolisms affected.
A new study found that fruit flies can adapt quickly to changing climates by adjusting their internal seasonal timer. Researchers discovered that polygenic traits, involving many small genes working together, drive the rate of development during dormancy and enable the flies to emerge earlier in the year.
Researchers discovered a new gene family critical for forming vertebrate head skeletons and unique traits during embryonic development. The Endothelin signaling pathway allows neural crest cells to proliferate and specialize into different roles throughout the body, making vertebrates distinct from invertebrates.
A six-year study of over 400 Viking skeletons found that many Vikings had brown hair, not blonde, and were influenced by genes from Asia and Southern Europe. The research also shows that Viking groups in Scandinavia were more isolated than previously believed.
Researchers have developed a new genetic tool to classify corals, challenging over 200 years of traditional classification. The study reveals new insights into coral evolution and identification, providing crucial knowledge for conservation efforts and proposal assessment.
Researchers at Uppsala University have reconstructed the birth of a male sex chromosome in Atlantic herring, identifying a tiny region with only three genes. This discovery sheds light on the evolution of sex determination and provides insights into the genetic mechanisms underlying sex-based traits.
A study found that in species with small populations, chance events take precedence over natural selection, allowing imperfections to creep in. The researchers analyzed the genetic instructions used by cells to make proteins and discovered that less efficient stop codons can increase in frequency due to chance events.
Researchers analyzed 1,903 RNA-seq datasets from 182 projects to reveal a complex history of gene family trees, allowing them to study the evolutionary dynamics of gene expression patterns. Gene duplication plays a key role in expression pattern shifts, and preadaptive propensities exist for genes to be utilized in other organs.
Researchers at KIT have successfully modified gene sequences on a chromosome using CRISPR/Cas, enabling controlled inheritance. This breakthrough could revolutionize crop cultivation by eliminating genetic obstacles and introducing desirable traits.
Researchers found that lactase persistence spread rapidly through Central Europe in just a few thousand years, with one in eight warriors able to digest milk. This rapid transformation suggests that the ability to break down lactose provided a significant survival advantage during food shortages or contaminated water scarcity.
American mastodons moved north from southern ranges in response to warming climate conditions and melting ice sheets. Genetic analysis suggests that these massive increases in territory made northern populations more vulnerable to extinction.
Researcher Erin Kelleher is studying how some individuals can tolerate genetic mutations caused by 'jumping genes,' which can lead to devastating effects on reproductive cells. Her work aims to understand the underlying mechanisms of bruno-dependent tolerance in fruit flies and its potential implications for tumor cells.
Josef Uyeda aims to bridge the gap between short-term evolution studies and long-term outcomes using computational tools and resources. He will analyze existing datasets to understand how species adapt to climate change and extinction.
A team of researchers has identified a key gene, POPOVICH, responsible for the development of nectar spurs in Aquilegia. The study used a spurless species to pinpoint the gene and found that it promotes cell divisions in the regions where the spur develops.
Researchers at UC Santa Barbara have identified a gene critical to the development of columbines' iconic spurs, which has led to rapid expansion in the genus. The discovery provides new insights into how key innovations evolve and could shed light on the genetic changes underlying this trait.
A new study reveals that bats can host the Ebola virus without contracting the deadly disease, thanks to their unique cell structure. The research found that bat cells induce changes in the virus that make it less capable of harm, allowing it to coexist with its natural reservoir.
New research sheds light on penguin evolution, revealing a pivotal role for climate change in their geographic expansion. Genetic analysis indicates that penguins originated along temperate coastlines before expanding into Antarctic regions.
A Montana State University researcher contributed to a novel project that sequenced the genome of the tuatara, a reptile referred to as a 'living fossil.' The study reveals ancient features of amniote evolution and provides insights into human genetic lineage.
Researchers used ancestral sequencing to study the translational machinery in bacteria, finding that evolution prioritizes fixing problems over completing them. The team discovered that natural selection favors mutations with the largest fitness advantage, leading to a myopic approach that neglects other cellular modules.
Researchers at UC San Diego used CRISPR and evolutionary engineering to test foreign DNA in E. coli and observed that most mutations occurred in regulatory regions, not within the foreign gene itself. The study reveals the importance of systems biology in understanding biological function and its implications for genetic engineering.
Physicist John Barton at UC Riverside has received a $1.86 million NIH grant to develop methods for understanding how pathogens like HIV evolve and escape the immune system. His research could lead to the design of new and better treatments to fight disease.
The Undinarchaeota, a previously unknown phylum of aquatic Archaea, have been found to likely depend on partner organisms for growth, while also conserving energy through fermentation. Their discovery provides new insights into the diversity and evolutionary history of Archaea.
Researchers propose a new hypothesis that the Y chromosome is protected from extinction by carrying 'executioner genes' that self-regulate and ensure successful sperm production. These genes, which regulate meiotic silencing, are toxic when activated at the wrong time, protecting the Y chromosome from loss.
A new study reveals that marine angelfish exhibit the highest incidence of hybridization among coral reef fish, with nearly half of all known species creating hybrids. The research found that angelfish can hybridize even between distantly related species and across vast genetic distances.
A genome-wide comparison of eastern and western monarch butterflies found they share identical genetic diversity, contradicting long-held assumptions about their distinctiveness. The study suggests environmental factors shape behavioral differences in the butterflies' migratory patterns.
Scientists discovered extinct strains of smallpox in Viking skeletons, proving the killer disease plagued humanity for at least 1400 years. The ancient strains were genetically different from modern smallpox, and their presence pushes back the confirmed existence of smallpox by a thousand years.
A new study from Columbia University provides a blueprint for using genomics to help combat climate change by identifying corals that can adapt to warmer seas. Researchers analyzed genetic data from 237 samples collected at 12 locations along the Great Barrier Reef, finding multiple genetic variants associated with bleaching tolerance.
Researchers identify genetic mutation contributing to reproductive isolation between carrion and hooded crows due to differences in plumage color. The mutation appears to have been favored by natural selection, potentially providing a selective advantage in hot regions.
A genetic study spanning seven countries has identified distinct population clusters of the American Crocodile, with regional differences found in Northern, Central, and Southern America. The findings highlight the importance of habitat conservation and management strategies tailored to each population's unique needs.
Researchers identified 37 supergenes in wild sunflower populations that govern the modular transfer of traits important for adaptation. These supergenes can be truly massive, with the largest comprising over 100 million base pairs and 1,819 genes.
A study found that fast rates of morphological evolution do not need to coincide with taxonomic diversification in reptiles. The team discovered that accelerated rates of evolution correspond to the origin of unique body plans, but varying rates can result in similar functional adaptations.
Histones may have evolved to adapt to oxygenated environments by reducing toxic copper, a crucial element for biological processes. The study reveals a new function of the histone H3-H4 tetramer as an oxidoreductase enzyme, making harmful copper oxidation state safe for use inside cells.
Genetic study reveals modern sled dog breeds share a distinct lineage that emerged at least 9,500 years ago. The analysis of ancient and modern Arctic dog genomes suggests gene flow from Siberian Pleistocene wolves, highlighting the importance of sled technology in human subsistence.
Researchers found an entry point for suppressing spontaneous antibiotic resistance development in E. coli by targeting membrane transport and chaperones. The study provides new molecular targets to improve antibiotics' effectiveness.
Researchers found that genetic influences account for 45% of the variation in women's affectionate behavior, whereas environmental factors explain 55%. Men's affectionate behavior is entirely determined by their surroundings. The study aimed to determine whether social behaviors are learned or genetically driven.
Researchers from the University of Helsinki found that genetic parallelism, a phenomenon where similar changes occur in different populations, is approximately 10-fold higher in the Eastern Pacific compared to the rest of the world. This suggests that the conditions for parallel evolution may be exceptional rather than common.
Researchers at UC Davis propose a novel model of sex evolution before and during grapevine domestication, revealing the genetic basis of hermaphroditism. The study finds that female individuals arise from a recessive deletion in a gene necessary for pollen germination.
Researchers find that the human-specific gene ARHGAP11B causes an enlarged neocortex in common marmosets, a non-human primate. The study suggests that this gene may have played a key role in the expansion of the human neocortex during evolution.
A new study sequenced the genome of Gardenia jasminoides and discovered how it produces crocin, a compound with medicinal properties. The research highlights an evolutionary process called tandem gene duplication that enables plants to expand their genetic toolkit and create new capabilities.
A team of Kyoto University researchers has discovered an intimate connection between methylation and the body's circadian rhythms, linking ancient mechanisms in bacteria to humans. Disruption of methylation can cause various pathologies, including cancer, and inhibiting it in mice and human cells disrupted their body clocks.
Scientists used genomic analysis to assess genetic variability in 17 seal species, finding that past population fluctuations have had a significant effect on contemporary populations. The study estimates the risk of genetic impoverishment and inbreeding, with implications for conservation efforts.
A new gene has been discovered that reduces pollen number in plants, a trait previously thought to be detrimental. The RDP1 gene promotes protein production, suggesting a potential advantage in self-fertilizing species.
A team of researchers found that sweat bees switch from solitary to social behavior by repurposing ancient genes, challenging the long-held assumption that new genetic variants are always necessary for evolution. The study provides evidence that environmental influences can drive the evolution of complex traits like social behavior.
Scientists found that building blocks of DNA and RNA can spontaneously form and co-exist in early Earth conditions, challenging the 'RNA world' theory. The research discovered four building blocks for DNA and RNA that can arise from the same reagents and conditions.
A study published in the Journal of Mammalogy found that Wyoming pronghorn exhibit high levels of genetic connectivity across the state, contradicting previous research suggesting barriers to gene flow. The researchers suggest periodic monitoring of genetic structure and diversity as part of management strategies.
Researchers used statistical physics models to study biological complexity and found that organisms are restricted to a low level of dimensionality. This means that their essential building blocks appear to be linked to each other, with variations fitting a one-dimensional curve or low-dimensional surface regardless of the environment.
A new study proposes that SARS-CoV-2's emergence was facilitated by genetic recombination among bat and pangolin coronaviruses. The virus' receptor binding motif was introduced through recombination with pangolin coronaviruses.
The study reveals strong genetic resemblance among Bronze Age Southern Levant populations, including a significant Caucasus/Zagros component and Chalcolithic Zagros ancestry. The movement of people from the northeast into the region started as early as 4,500 years ago and continued throughout the Bronze Age.
The vertebrate ear's unique structure and development have puzzled scientists. A new study proposes that this complexity increased the
A genome-wide analysis has identified 19 new genetic risk factors for problematic alcohol use and confirmed 10 previously known factors. The study also found shared genetic associations with psychiatric disorders such as depression and anxiety.
A new study maps genetic diversity in terrestrial mammals, revealing regions with high evolutionary history and stable climates as strongholds of genetic diversity. The research suggests that conservation efforts should prioritize the protection of these 'arks of biodiversity' due to climate change.
Researchers analyzed ancient Italian DNA, revealing a complex mosaic of ancestry components and genetic peculiarities shaped by environmental interactions. These adaptations contribute to reducing disease risk, favoring longer lifespan in some cases.
A study published in BMC Biology suggests that northern and southern Italian populations diverged genetically as early as 19,000-12,000 years ago. The research found distinct genetic variants between individuals from different regions, with adaptations to climate-specific genes.
Scientists have identified two genes responsible for a melanoma that develops near the tails of male highland-sheepshead hybrids. These findings provide insight into the genetic causes of hybrid dysfunction and its effects on disease, highlighting the importance of understanding gene interactions in different species.
A team of researchers identified a previously unknown genetic variant in the FBN1 gene that is strongly associated with lower height in Peruvians and Native Americans. The variant, E1297G, was found exclusively in individuals of Native American ancestry and showed an average effect of 2.2 centimeters reduction in height.