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 Current Biology has challenged the long-held idea that Hox genes are the primary drivers of body plan evolution. Researchers found that modifications to a Hox gene were only part of the story, with other genes playing crucial roles in shaping animal development.
Research reveals scorpionfly species are not separate, but have evolved different forms to adapt to altitude and climate. The study uses Bayesian simulations and phylogenetic analyses to estimate divergence time of Japanese scorpionfly lineages.
Researchers create a genetic map of three vegetables, revealing new insights into their origins and potential for improvement. By tracing the evolutionary history of canola, rutabaga, and Siberian kale, scientists identify genes that could lead to more nutritious and resilient crops.
A recent study published in Evolution Letters found that a single old-growth tree can have up to 100,000 genetic differences between its base and tip. This suggests that these massive trees are capable of accumulating significant genetic variation over time.
Researchers developed a new technique called VEGAS, which enables rapid development of scientific tools and new treatments for diseases in mammalian cells. The method can yield useful new molecules within days, providing scientists with a powerful research tool.
Researchers discovered that multiple antibiotic resistance mutations in E. coli acquired simultaneously, rather than through gradual evolution. This finding suggests a recent emergence of the pandemic multidrug-resistant strain, possibly within the last 12 years.
A large-scale study reveals fundamental gene activity networks controlling organ development in mammals, with original patterns dating back over 200 million years. The researchers also identified a surprising number of RNA genes involved in organ development.
Researchers found genetic divergence between ice worm populations north and west of the Coast Mountains of British Columbia and those south and east. Birds are believed to have transported eggs between glaciers, introducing new diversity to isolated ice worms.
The Ruminant Genome Project has provided unprecedented insights into the genomics, evolution and adaptation of ruminants, a group with significant importance in agriculture, conservation and biomedical fields. The study revealed large declines in ruminant populations nearly 100,000 years ago, coinciding with human migration out of Africa.
A study published in Behavioural Processes found that wolf spider's display of courtship behavior can make them an easy target for birds. Females prioritize males with symmetrical tufts on their forelegs and robust leg fur, which indicate overall health and immune competence.
A team of scientists collected non-invasive samples from lynx in Turkey, revealing unexpectedly high genetic diversity and low inbreeding rates. Females stay within their birth territories while males disperse after separation from mothers.
A new study investigates the use of multiple fungal biopesticides to prevent uniform evolutionary response and promote sustainable control. The project aims to make agricultural landscapes more diverse, allowing for longer-term use of biopesticides without consistent resistance evolution.
Researchers discovered that behavioral traits are highly heritable, explaining differences between breeds. The study analyzed data from over 6,000 cats representing three breeds: Maine Coon, Ragdoll, and Turkish Van.
A study has identified new potential genetic causes of male infertility, which will help develop better diagnostic tests. Researchers found de novo mutations in genes involved in spermatogenesis, none of which were previously known to cause human infertility.
A team of researchers discovered that Antarctic fishes evolved genetic changes long before the continent cooled, mirroring human bone diseases like osteoporosis. This finding highlights that some adaptations used by fishes are similar to disease states in humans.
Researchers from McMaster University and the University of Montpellier have reached almost identical results in two separate studies, overturning a longstanding consensus on sloth evolutionary relationships. The combined molecular evidence suggests that ancient sloths may have been at home on both land and in trees.
A collaborative study analyzing ancient DNA from human skeletons in Kenya, Tanzania, and Zambia provides new insights on early human interaction. The research reveals that the spread of herding into East Africa involved groups with ancestry derived from northeast Africa, who mixed with local foragers between 4500-3500 years ago.
Researchers discovered that the highveld mole-rat is impervious to AITC due to altered ion channels, particularly the constitutively open channel NALCN. This change allows the highveld mole-rat to coexist with venomous ants.
A new University of Illinois study shows that resistance to Fusarium head blight is holding strong in the state's wheat-growing region, with no signs of a highly toxic NA2 variant found. The study uses field pathogenomics to identify the types of FHB on wheat of different resistance levels.
A team of scientists has identified two new genes, STRIP2 and ABLIM2, involved in the evolution of the inner ear in mammals. These findings highlight the promise of evolutionary studies to pinpoint novel key functional genes.
A recent study found that the three main river valleys in China contributed significantly to Han Chinese genetic diversity. The research used mitochondrial DNA and analyzed data from 21,668 unrelated Han Chinese samples, revealing patterns of genetic divergence among populations based on river valleys. These findings suggest that the m...
A new study on 46 mammal species reveals how the pursuit of starch drove evolutionary adaptations in animals. Mammals with starchy diets tend to have more copies of the amylase gene, which carries instructions for building amylase.
Swiss and Belgian researchers decipher the genetic programmes of neurons in the cerebral cortex to understand how specific cell types are generated. They found temporal patterns of gene expression that control the developmental scenario, which may contribute to neurodevelopmental disorders.
A global study of 487 wheat genotypes has mapped the ancestry and genetic diversity of bread wheat, revealing a rich pool of genetic variation that can be used to improve crop resilience. The findings highlight the need for continuous breeding efforts to adapt wheat to changing climates.
A species of fish in Texas' Houston Ship Channel adapted to extreme pollution due to its large population, good genes, and luck. The Gulf killifish benefited from genetic resources from a long-distant relative, the Atlantic Coast killifish, which helped it develop resilience and resistance to toxins.
Michigan State University researchers have discovered an evolutionary function in wild tomato plants that could be used by modern plant breeders to create pest-resistant tomatoes. The team identified a specific gene that produces a sticky compound, which acts as natural insect repellent and helps protect the plant from insects.
Researchers found higher rates of adaptive evolution in genes involved in resource allocation, particularly in seeds and endosperm tissues. This suggests that conflicts among kin can lead to rapid evolution, supporting the idea of an evolutionary arms race within plant families.
A Harvard University study explores the genetics behind the evolution of flightless birds, finding that different species turn to similar regulatory pathways when evolving flight loss. The team discovered a shared suite of morphological changes that led to a similar body plan across all flightless bird species.
A new study reveals that flowering plants employ different genetic strategies to maintain a 'core genetic circuitry' that ensures stem cell function, even in the presence of defects
Researchers from University of Kansas will analyze genomic data from ancient and contemporary Aleutian Islanders to understand their evolutionary and cultural history. The study aims to uncover the genetic influence of Russian colonization and how the unique environment prompted biological adaptations.
The research attributes the human-elephant relationship during the Pleistocene epoch to their mutual ecology and shared living environments. Both species likely hailed from ancestors that came to Europe from Africa and adapted to living conditions in Ice Age Europe, highlighting their genetic similarities.
Scientists discover a simple mechanism that allows prebiotic information-bearing DNA sequences to outcompete shorter molecules, enabling the survival and transmission of genetic information. Templated ligation promotes cooperation among complementary sequences, creating stable majorities through intermolecular assembly and replication.
A groundbreaking study using DNA sequencing technology reconstructs the moss family tree, revealing a highly dynamic evolutionary history and significant morphological innovations. The research also sheds light on the rate of evolutionary changes and the diversification of moss structures.
Researchers analyzed 11 songbird species genomes and found that junk DNA facilitated the separation of sex chromosomes. Only dosage-sensitive genes survived on the W chromosome due to recombination suppression, leading to long-term genetic erosion and functional gene retention.
A comprehensive passerine evolutionary tree reveals the relationships among major groups, with divergence dating back to the Middle Eocene. The study suggests complex mechanisms drove diversification, contradicting associations with global temperatures or continental colonization.
Researchers from Immanuel Kant Baltic Federal University found that Wolbachia bacteria, which prevent the birth and development of males in arthropods, can exchange genetic information to rejuvenate. This process allows them to mend broken genes and adapt to different hosts.
A new study from Uppsala University reveals that Scandinavian wolves originated from the Nordic region or adjacent parts of Northern Europe, rather than from hybridization with dogs. Genetic analysis shows that patrilines in Scandinavian wolves are unique and not found in dogs.
A study by LMU biologists reveals that the distinct division between Europe's carrion crows and hooded crows is largely driven by plumage color. The two forms have remained distinct despite fertile hybrid offspring, suggesting a selective advantage for mate choice based on feather color.
A recent study from the Max Planck Institute for Plant Breeding Research resolves the relationships among major lineages in the Brassicaceae family. The study uses nuclear genes to infer the relationships of 79 species, representing 50 of the 52 currently recognized main lineages.
A recent study reveals that transposable element insertions drive rapid phenotypic variation in plants, enabling them to adapt to novel environments. Researchers found that transposable elements are enriched in the gene promoter regions of a plant species with limited genetic variation, associated with changes in gene expression.
The study analyzed 271 genomes from the Iberian Peninsula and found that a group of steppe descendants replaced almost all men 4,000 years ago. The research team also discovered that Basque genetics have hardly changed since the Iron Age, with a high frequency of the Y chromosome R1b.
Researchers found that in 9% of cases, embryos produce males when sperm genetic material is used after fertilization. This unique case suggests that males play a crucial role in helping females produce descendants without contributing their own genes.
A large-scale ancient DNA study reveals that local Y chromosomes were almost completely replaced during the Bronze Age in the Iberian Peninsula. Genetic variation among hunter-gatherers and intermingling with people from North Africa and the Mediterranean provide new insights into the region's history.
Researchers found that Drosophila species invested primarily in vision or olfaction, but not both. The study used high-resolution microscopy and reconstructed primary sensory brain structures to analyze the trade-off between vision and olfaction.
A recent study published in Systematic Biology confirms horseshoe crabs belong to the arachnid family tree, challenging previous hypotheses. By analyzing genetic data and considering multiple analysis methods, researchers found a high degree of confidence that horseshoe crabs are part of the arachnid radiation.
A study by Leibniz Institute of Plant Genetics and Crop Plant Research has identified the GNI-A1 gene as a key player in regulating floret fertility in wheat. The gene's reduced-function allele was found to increase fertile florets, leading to higher grain counts and yields.
Researchers found that natural selection can couple genes for color pattern and mate preferences when species still interbreed. The study identified four narrow regions of the genome that are highly differentiated among species in hamlets, closely related reef fishes that differ in terms of color pattern.
A recent study published in JNeurosci analyzed brain scans from over 600 children and adolescents, revealing genetically-mediated associations between brain region size and intelligence. The research suggests that evolutionary expansion of the human brain is largely under genetic control.
A study on fruit flies found that many genes are involved in adaptation to hot environments, revealing genetic redundancy. This discovery challenges previous assumptions about the number of genes required for adaptation.
Researchers have discovered that Ibiza natives possess a unique genetic signature distinct from the rest of Spain's population. The study suggests that current Ibizans descend from Catalan invaders who repopulated the island from the 13th century, resulting in a genetic anomaly similar to that found among Basques.
Researchers at Shinshu University found that a gene influencing snail shell coil direction also plays a key role in snail evolution, potentially leading to the creation of new species. The study reveals that genetic expression levels can determine handedness in snails, with reduced expression resulting in reversed handedness.
The completed genome of the Antarctic blackfin icefish reveals genes that have adapted or disappeared as the fish acclimated to rising oxygen concentrations. The study provides insights into how these traits arose and may help understand human disease mechanisms and potential new therapies.
A study reveals that unique genetic features in desiccation-sensing algae enabled the colonization of terrestrial habitats. The SAL1-PAP chloroplast retrograde signaling mechanism allowed early land plants to sense drought and protect vital photosynthetic tissue, facilitating their adaptation to harsh environments.
Researchers found that icefish have evolved transparent blood, increased energy production, and specialized proteins to protect against cold damage. These adaptations enable them to thrive in Antarctica's frigid waters.
Researchers have sequenced and analyzed the cultivated strawberry genome, providing a genetic roadmap for more precise selection of desired traits. This will help breeders grow strawberries that are resistant to diseases and meet consumer demands for quality.
Researchers expand the genetic alphabet from four to eight letters, demonstrating a double increase in information density. The new DNA and RNA-like systems may be useful for future synthetic biological applications, including larger molecular structures.
Researchers at the University of Nottingham discovered fertilized eggs inside a female stickleback fish named Mary, who was found to have internal fertilization and developed embryos without laying eggs. The team successfully delivered 54 nearly complete embryos via Caesarean section, with most offspring growing to adulthood.
Scientists discovered grasses are genetically modifying themselves by taking genes from neighbors, gaining a competitive advantage and breaking the rules of evolution. This process, called lateral gene transfer, allows them to adapt to their environment without millions of years of natural selection.
Researchers found that genetic variation in immune systems of rabbits allowed them to rapidly evolve resistance to the myxoma virus. The study discovered a multi-gene basis for this resistance, which emerged similarly in populations across Australia, France, and the UK.
Scientists sequenced DNA from nearly 200 rabbits spanning 150 years and found that modern rabbits in Australia, the UK, and France have acquired resistance to myxomatosis through cumulative genetic changes. The team also discovered that this resistance relies on multiple mutations of different genes.