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.
Researchers have discovered a gene responsible for virgin births in Cape honey bees, allowing workers to lay female eggs without sex. This discovery has significant implications for understanding evolutionary transitions and potentially controlling asexual reproduction.
A new study suggests that butterfly and moth eyespots likely evolved independently, with distinct developmental pathways.
The human genome's complexity hinders personalized medicine by having an immense ability to change and cope with issues, context matters in our genome. Researchers conclude that precision medicine is crucial but must consider the full genomic blueprint including 'unnecessary' elements.
Researchers found that genetic variants at Tbx5 and Pitx1 contribute to foot feathering in both chickens and pigeons. A 17,000 base-pair long deletion near Pitx1 removes the same exact region in both species, indicating similar mutations and molecular pathways.
Researchers found that regulatory mutations in TBX5 and PITX1 genes cause foot feathering in both domesticated breeds of chickens and pigeons. This study demonstrates a remarkable convergence in the evolution of this trait across species, suggesting that favored mutations have been spread through strong phenotypic selection.
A comprehensive comparative study suggests that early mutation rates were much higher and gene jumping occurred earlier than thought, making a simple interpretation of the 'family tree' of life misleading. However, it does show that early evolution was wildly different from present-day organisms.
A new children's book introduces genetics to youngsters of primary school age through a rhyming narrative, explaining DNA and the role of nature and nurture in making each person unique. The book aims to engage young children with science, building on research that shows teaching genetics before evolution improves pupil understanding.
A new study analyzes thousands of phylogenetic trees to shed light on the nature of the earliest living organisms. It suggests that early mutation rates were much higher than at present, leading to a complex 'family tree' of life. The research provides insight into how quickly early organisms may have evolved billions of years ago.
Scientists used chromosomes to study early events in vertebrate evolution, including the hybridization between two species of primitive fish. They found evidence of genome duplication and identified 17 ancient chromosomal units that were shared among jawed vertebrates.
A new formula built with mathematical modeling can accurately reconstruct the diversification history of taxa, even when fossils are rare or extinct, say Oregon and British Columbia researchers.
Researchers discovered evidence of milk processing in ancient pottery from east Africa, confirming the story that bones have been telling us about pastoralist societies' way of life. The findings suggest that herders who specialized in cattle were drinking milk and survived better due to lactase persistence.
Researchers have created an algorithm that can visualize the evolution of genetic mutations, revealing patterns in how proteins change over time. The tool, called minimum epistasis interpolation, helps scientists understand how specific mutations combine to affect protein function.
A team of scientists discovered that genetic alterations in the immune system of pipefishes and seahorses allow them to tolerate paternal genetic information and develop their offspring. The study found that genes involved in female mammalian pregnancy are also activated in male pregnancy, suggesting similar molecular mechanisms.
Researchers found a gene influencing structural color in butterflies, which produces intricate nanostructures with optical properties. The study also reveals that most butterfly patterns have a mix of pigment color and structural color, with the latter having a stronger impact on wing color.
Researchers found that regulatory switches involved in knee development also play a role in osteoarthritis, a partially heritable disease affecting 250 million people worldwide. The study suggests that subtle modifications in the knee's shape may increase risk of developing osteoarthritis over time.
Researchers explore using CRISPR in nongenetic model plants, overcoming technical obstacles with adapted transformation systems. Polyploidy studies reveal the biological underpinnings of genetic consequences.
Researchers have made significant progress in gene editing tools for ocean microbes, enabling functional studies of thousands of new genes. This breakthrough has the potential to improve our understanding of life's origins, biotechnology, medicine, and pharmacology.
A new study proposes a method to extend polygenic scores for individuals with multiple ancestral origins, improving personalized medicine for recently admixed populations. The approach combines knowledge from homogeneous populations to create a model suitable for diverse genetic backgrounds.
Researchers found that evolution can select for loner behavior in slime molds, which could provide an ecological insurance plan to ensure the survival of collective behavior. The study suggests that having some individuals stay out of the swarm may be part of the strategy of this organism.
Researchers discovered a temperature-sensing nerve cell that transmits signals activating or inhibiting receiving nerve cells, explaining how worms respond to good or bad temperatures. Genetic studies identified three conserved genes involved in this response, suggesting a similar mechanism may exist in higher organisms.
A new study by Texas A&M University biologist Dr. Charles Criscione and collaborators reveals that family ties play a crucial role in the survival of parasitic organisms. Brain flukes sacrifice themselves to ensure the survival of their relatives, who co-infect the same ant's abdomen.
Studies have shown that turtle ant soldiers exhibit a four-fold difference in head shapes, adapted to different tunnel sizes. The research suggests that evolution can be dynamic and reversible, with some species evolving back into more generalist stages.
Researchers at IST Austria find that bacteria can copy genes as an adaptive strategy, creating genetic diversity and tuning gene expression levels. This mechanism allows for quick adaptation on ecological timescales, potentially impacting antibiotic resistance.
Researchers analyzed 6,267 individuals to infer African group contributions to North-, South-American and Caribbean populations, finding enrichment of West-African ancestry in northern latitudes and South/East African ancestry in southern South-America.
Researchers developed a programming tool to analyze genome data and build accurate models of demographic history for plants, animals, and people. The software predicts population history with high likelihood, including mass extinctions, migrations, and growth periods.
A study on the parasitic lancet fluke Dicrocoelium dendriticum found that genetically identical brain flukes are often present in both ant brains and abdomens, suggesting kin selection plays a key role in its evolution. This manipulation of host behavior supports an altruistic strategy, where clonemates are cotransmitted into ants.
A new ancient DNA study reconstructs the genetic history of Mediterranean islands, showing complex patterns of immigration and trade. The research reveals distinct ancestry profiles for Sicily, Sardinia and the Balearic Islands, tracing migration routes from Africa, Asia and Europe.
A team of scientists created an algorithm to analyze genetic information and draw conclusions about the evolutionary history of species with whole-genome duplications. The program can identify when duplication occurred, how it affected the population, and make predictions about the evolutionary path of a species.
Researchers have decoded a genetic map for maize, revealing how tropical varieties can be adapted to temperate climates. The study aims to improve the crop's resistance to emerging diseases and drought, ensuring global food security.
A new study from the University of Michigan presents the first genetic evidence of resistance in some bats to white-nose syndrome, a deadly fungal disease that has decimated some North American bat populations. Genetic differences were found in genes associated with regulating arousal from hibernation and breakdown of fats.
The Himalayan wolf has been found to be a genetically distinct species adapted to harsh high-altitude environments, posing key threats from human activities such as livestock herding and illegal wildlife trade. Conservation efforts are crucial to protect these ecosystems and the wolves' populations.
Researchers found that around one-third of orphan genes result from divergence, suggesting de novo emergence is more frequent than thought. Emerging genes carry potential to be important, as artificially expressed sequences showed increased growth rates in baker's yeast cells.
Researchers question the idea that human language arose instantaneously through a single gene mutation, proposing instead a gradual evolution through accumulation of smaller biological changes. They argue that the cognitive operation Merge, key to human language, evolved gradually over time.
Researchers identified germline mutations in the MBD4 gene as a driver of somatic mutations in cancer genomes, accelerating the clock-like mutational process. This discovery has significant implications for understanding cancer development and may lead to personalized screening and early intervention strategies.
Researchers have identified five regions of the genome that show signs of selection for glyphosate resistance in morning glory, suggesting multiple ways the plant may evolve resistance. The study found evidence for both parallel and nonparallel genetic changes associated with glyphosate resistance.
Researchers at the University of California - San Diego developed a new type of cancer model using genetically engineered human pluripotent stem cells. The model replicates the intra-tumor heterogeneity observed in patients and enables the study of tumor evolution, making it a potential platform for drug discovery.
A recent study highlights breakthroughs in understanding the association of specific genes with disorders, driving medical innovation and personalized health. Researchers emphasize the need for joint efforts between industry and academia to establish comprehensive inventories of genotype-phenotype relationships.
Researchers evolved an RNA polymerase ribozyme that can synthesize its own ancestor, a class I ligase enzyme, in three separate RNA strands. However, the synthesized ligases were often free from function-disabling mutations and exhibited poor fidelity of synthesis.
Sperm cells activate 90% of their genes, a pattern seen in other species, to repair DNA before passing it to the next generation. This process may influence the evolution of specific genes, with unexpressed genes containing fewer DNA code errors.
Researchers examined sibling rivalry and cooperation in burying beetles, finding that full parental care leads to competition while no parental care fosters cooperation. The study suggests a link between parental care and the evolution of these behaviors.
A team of scientists has developed a method to rapidly evolve endogenous genes in plants, enabling accelerated breeding via molecular design. The technology, called STEME, uses CRISPR-like enzymes to introduce precise mutations into plant genes, leading to improved agronomic traits.
A study in Nature Communications reveals that the unique perfume chemistry of two species of orchid bees, Euglossa viridissima and Euglossa dilemma, is driven by a single olfactory receptor gene. The researchers found that the two species can be distinguished by their distinct perfume compounds, which are mediated by the OR41 gene.
Researchers analyzed genome-wide genetic data from Japanese pearl oysters to understand their population structure and adaptability. They found that sea surface temperature and oxygen concentration strongly correlated with genetic variation, leading to the discovery of distinct northern and southern populations. The study provides insi...
Cartilaginous fishes, including sharks and rays, have lost the SWS1 and SWS2 opsin genes, leading to cone monochromacy and limited color vision. The study provides detailed insights into their visual pigments, shedding light on evolutionary adaptations to ocean environments.
Researchers at Michigan State University have developed a new method to predict crop traits using plant RNA data from 2-week-old corn seedlings. The approach outperforms traditional genetic marker-based methods and provides additional information not available from DNA alone.
A research team led by Ana Caicedo at the University of Massachusetts Amherst has identified missing links in the tomato's evolution. The study reveals that the modern cultivated tomato is most closely related to a weed-like tomato group found in Mexico, not semi-domesticated intermediate types found in South America.
A new model for the evolution of mating systems focuses on genetically determined behaviors, competition among different behavioral strategies, and social interactions. The conflict between cooperative and competitive behaviors drives evolutionary transitions from one mating system to another.
Dodder parasitic plant avoids genetic evolution arms race with host plants by sending microRNAs that shut down defense genes. The parasite targets conserved host genes and creates multiple versions of its genetic weaponry to ensure effectiveness.
A team of scientists discovered evolutionarily novel genes expressed in all tumors, which could serve as excellent tumor markers. The new research confirms a theory that the number of oncogenes should correspond to the number of differential cell types, providing a new perspective on cancer prevention and therapy strategies.
The MASS software program automates geometric morphometric analyses on leaf shape, reducing errors and making it more accessible to novice researchers. By utilizing digitized herbarium specimens, researchers can now analyze larger groups of data and explore new research questions.
Biologists at Texas A&M University have found a genetic link between circadian clock genes and the vitamin A pathway in the brain of Monarch butterflies, enabling them to sense day length changes and trigger seasonal responses.
A new study has discovered a way to identify disease-resistance genes in cacao trees, which could lead to the development of more sustainable farming systems and improved crop yields. The method uses genome sequencing to rapidly identify resistant genotypes and provides insights into the genetic diversity of cacao trees.
A new study reveals that malaria parasites sourced from 1940s blood-stained microscope slides originated from Europe, with genetic similarities to modern strains found in the Americas. The research sheds light on the historical spread of Plasmodium vivax malaria and its potential for drug resistance.
A study published in eLife analyzed ancient genetic data to investigate the decline of great auks. The findings suggest that intense hunting by humans likely caused their rapid extinction, even if the birds weren't already under threat from environmental changes. This highlights the potential for industrial-scale exploitation to drive ...
A study found that clownfish population persistence depends on high-quality habitats, not shared genes. The researchers identified individual fish and their DNA over five generations to assess reproductive success.
A study suggests that immunity-related genes from ancient times may be protecting humans today against modern pollutants like cigarette smoke and diesel fumes. Researchers found that certain genes, such as AHR, have been beneficial in responding to airborne toxins for thousands of years.
A study of threespine stickleback in California estuaries reveals evolutionary changes in response to climate-driven habitat alterations. The fish are adapting by reducing the number of bony plates along their sides, allowing for increased maneuverability and energy efficiency.
A team of scientists has found a way for genes to self-repress, reducing potential side effects and allowing novel forms to evolve. This discovery was made using the hairy bittercress plant as a model system.
Researchers found transposable elements and gene expansions related to antioxidants in the rat lungworm parasite, suggesting adaptive evolution. The study also discovered convergent evolution of a key enzyme with flukes, which share similar host requirements.
A team of biologists found at least seven different systems regulating sex determination across closely related species. Genetic analysis revealed three underlying mechanisms driving sexual differentiation in frogs, including the empowerment of a gene that becomes potent for female-specific sex determination.