Articles tagged with Evolutionary Genetics
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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 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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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.
Research by Colorado State University found the endangered Hawaiian duck, koloa, has high genetic diversity, which enabled conservation efforts on Kauai to be successful. The study's results offer hope for recovering this species and other endangered birds.
A study by Uppsala University researchers found a genetic tug-of-war between males and females that maintains genetic variation. This conflict leads to different gene variants being favored in each sex, contributing to the balance of genetic diversity.
Researchers from Queen Mary University of London and the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew have identified genes associated with ash dieback resistance in UK trees. The study found that resistance is controlled by multiple genes, opening up new avenues for conservation and potentially breeding more resistant trees.
Scientists cultivate chemical reactions similar to those found on Earth, using a novel strategy to study the origin of life. The system appears to consume its raw materials, forming feedback loops and self-propagating networks.
Researchers used CRISPR gene editing to study butterfly wing patterns, finding that similar patterns evolved through different genetic pathways despite shared environmental pressures. The study reveals the complex interplay between chance and history in shaping evolutionary outcomes.
Researchers have identified a cluster of over 800 genes that evolved to become 'plastic', allowing modern Daphnia to adjust its gene expression in response to phosphorus levels. This adaptability helps mitigate the effects of eutrophication, a major global threat to freshwater environments.
A team of Harvard researchers has developed a new method to track rapid evolution in yeast, using DNA 're-barcoding' to follow specific genomes over approximately 1,000 generations. This approach could lead to more accurate predictions for the dominant influenza strains, enabling effective flu vaccine development.
Researchers found that Kentish plover (Charadrius alexandrinus) and white-faced plover (Charadrius dealbatus) diverged around half a million years ago due to sea level changes. The study revealed high genetic divergence on sex chromosomes, suggesting sexual selection played a role in species evolution.
Researchers from IBE and Globe Institute rebuilt proteins from a 2-million-year-old fossil, clarifying the evolutionary history of hominids. The technique has shed light on the ancient DNA techniques' limitations, allowing for clearer understanding of human and great ape lineage.
Scientists have successfully linked the extinct giant ape, Gigantopithecus blacki, to its closest living relative, the orangutan. Genetic material from a 2-million-year-old fossil was retrieved using ancient protein sequencing, revealing key insights into human evolution.
Researchers found over a million variants of nucleic acid analogues, suggesting a vast unexplored universe of chemistry relevant to pharmacology and efforts to understand the origins of life. The molecules revealed by this study could be further modified to give hundreds of millions of potential pharmaceutical drug leads.
Researchers found that 44% of colonies of the invasive species Didemnum vexillum are formed by gene chimera, which could promote genetic diversity and colonization success. The creation of chimera may also be a mechanism to increase adaptive success in new environments.
A study analyzing ancient DNA samples from Rome and adjacent regions found at least two major migrations into the city, with influences from North Africa, Europe, and the Near East. The population's ancestry shifted significantly over time, reflecting Rome's shifting alliances and cultural exchange.
The study reveals at least two major migrations into Rome, as well as several smaller but significant population shifts, over the last few thousand years. The genetic data show that immigrants from the Near East, Europe, and North Africa pulled up their roots and moved to Rome, significantly changing its face.
Researchers have identified a small genetic imprint of Palaeolithic inhabitants in North African populations, contradicting the theory that recent migrations erased their genetic traces. The study, published in Current Biology, reveals unique genetic imprints and patterns of continuity versus replacement.
Researchers have discovered that genetic changes caused by natural selection are contributing to an early shift in the birth dates of wild red deer on Scotland's Isle of Rum. The deer population has been adapting to a warming climate, giving birth three days earlier per decade since the 1980s.
A long-term study of red deer on the Isle of Rum has found that genetic change due to natural selection is contributing to the species' shift towards earlier birth times. This trend is linked to increased reproductive success and the spread of genes associated with breeding earlier.