Articles tagged with Evolutionary Genetics
Researchers uncover evolutionary origin of vertebrate limbs by analyzing genetic elements first used to develop dorsal fins in ancient fish. The findings suggest that these elements were later redeployed to produce paired appendages, like arms and legs.
A study by Hokkaido University researchers predicts insect community structure by analyzing genomic variation in a tree species. The findings show that genetic distance between alders is the most important predictor of arthropod communities, providing clues for effective ecosystem preservation plans.
A new study has identified the earliest stages of evolution where distinct sperm and egg cell types first emerged from a simpler ancestral mating system. The research found that the sex-determining region associated with male-female differentiation in algae is surprisingly small, consisting of only one gene called MID.
A new study using ancient and modern genome-wide data found that Papuan ancestry replaced early Austronesian-Lapita population in Vanuatu, yet the original Austronesian languages persisted. This provides a unique case of demographic history where genetic ancestry but not language was replaced.
A new study by Ohio State University researchers found that psychedelic mushrooms developed psilocybin to interfere with insect neurotransmitters, lowering the chances of being eaten. This evolutionary explanation could guide medical science in finding novel treatments for neurological disorders.
A new ultra-deep DNA sequencing approach uncovers competing mechanisms of evolution as a threat to efficient large-scale fermentation. Evolution constrains bioproduction, leading to yield decrease and productivity issues.
Researchers used historic and modern plant genomes to measure the rate of evolution in a wild plant. They found that Arabidopsis had been introduced to North America by Europeans around 1600, with new mutations appearing over the past 400 years. These findings provide insights into the genetic paradox of invasion.
A recent study of ancient DNA has found that the Bell Beaker culture in Europe comprised two genetically distinct populations, challenging previous assumptions about their spread. The research also revealed a significant genetic shift, introducing variants for paler skin and lighter-colored eyes, as well as genes for digesting lactose.
A genomic study reveals that the Beaker culture spread throughout Europe through cultural diffusion, replacing around 90% of populations in areas like Great Britain. The study shows no evidence of large-scale genetic migration from Iberia to Central and Western Europe.
Researchers found the hybrid zone had moved north nearly 40 kilometers due to warming, impacting genetic composition and potential for gene flow. Climate change may lead to a loss of genetic variation, threatening population sizes of individual species.
New research reveals that plants originated 100 million years earlier than previously believed, with ancient plant fossils now estimated to be around 320 million years old. This discovery challenges existing models of atmospheric change and highlights the critical role of early plant life in shaping Earth's climate.
A comprehensive map of butterfly evolution has been created using a 35-fold increase in genetic data, revealing key relationships between species and classification units. The study confirms swallowtails are a sister group to all other butterflies, while blues are nested within hairstreaks.
A new themed issue of the Royal Society journal explores human evolution through an interdisciplinary lens, combining biological, anthropological and cultural perspectives. Researchers found that English speakers' regional dialects influenced Sranan creole's development, shedding light on events in human history with few other traces.
Red-fronted lemurs demonstrate ability to differentiate between conspecifics and closely related sister species based on facial pattern and color variations. The study found that females showed a stronger reaction than males, indicating visual and olfactory signals play crucial role in species recognition.
The Amazon molly's unique reproductive method has allowed it to thrive for millennia, defying expectations that asexual reproduction would lead to extinction. The fish's hybrid genome and high genetic diversity have enabled it to adapt to environmental changes without accumulating harmful mutations.
Researchers have discovered that Bayesian model selection tends to produce very high posterior probabilities for estimated evolutionary trees even if they are clearly wrong. This phenomenon is attributed to the non-nested nature of some models, which can lead to polarized behavior.
A new study reveals that up to 16% of Earth's species could qualify as potential alien species, posing significant challenges to biosecurity efforts. The research found that the number of newly emerging alien species continues to rise, with insects and molluscs being the groups most affected.
A Wits University PhD student has solved part of the evolutionary puzzle of multicellularity by studying the genomic sequence of a four-celled algae. The research identified the ubiquitin proteasomal pathway as a process controlling cell division, which played a key role in the evolution of multicellularity.
A genetic study found that house dust mites replaced the traditional Piwi pathway with a new small RNA mechanism to control transposable elements, affecting up to 1.2 billion people worldwide. The discovery provides insights into the evolutionary history of these common indoor pests.
Researchers found a transient, shape-shifting mechanism in DNA that influences the frequency of spontaneous mutations, which can drive evolution and diseases like cancer. The study reveals that specific DNA sequences affect the rates of these errors.
A new study published in Molecular Biology and Evolution has found that recombination between the X and Y chromosomes takes place in sex-reversed XY females, helping to maintain the Y chromosome. This discovery challenges conventional views of sex-chromosome evolution and provides strong support for the 'fountain of youth' hypothesis.
New research suggests that language is learned in brain systems also used for tasks like remembering shopping lists and driving. Children learn their native language in evolutionarily ancient brain circuits, while adults learn foreign languages in both declarative and procedural memory.
Researchers found a genetic mutation that alters limb shape by changing the regulation of a specific gene. This discovery provides evidence for how interchromosomal translocations can lead to morphological alterations.
Direct DNA sequencing is uncovering unexpected genetic connections between ancient and modern populations in Eurasia, suggesting early gene flow or population structure that led to Europeans and Asians. Genetic analyses also reveal Neanderthal ancestry and mixing events, providing new insights into human prehistory.
Scientists have shown that alternation of wet and dry conditions can drive the prebiotic synthesis of RNA nucleosides. The new experiments demonstrate a plausible route for the formation of these building blocks, which constitute the informational components of RNA.
The 2018 AAAS/Subaru SB&F Prize for Excellence in Science Books recognizes outstanding science books for young readers, including 'Beauty and the Beak' and 'Animals by the Numbers'. The winners showcase engaging science writing and illustration, highlighting diverse topics such as animal statistics and waste management.
Researchers at UC are studying the genetic development of spider eyes to find opportunities for research into human visual challenges. They found that spiders evolved from simple compound eyes to complex eyes over a short period of 50 million years, and that they use similar genetic pathways to build their eyes as insects do.
UK schoolchildren's evolution acceptance is linked to their scientific aptitude, not psychological conflicts with belief systems. The study found that lower-aptitude students struggled to understand science concepts and responded poorly to teaching on both evolution and genetics.
A UCR study reveals how intensive pesticide use is driving mosquito evolution at the genetic level, boosting resistance to insecticides. The findings highlight the need for new strategies to overcome pesticide-resistant mosquitoes and control malaria.
Recent research suggests up to 5% of modern humans' DNA originated from Neanderthal populations, sparking questions about species' genetic makeup. Dr. Anthony J. Tosi's new NSF-funded project aims to investigate the evolutionary mechanics of hybridization across a primate radiation.
Scientists at the University of Oregon have isolated blood-feeding and non-biting genes in mosquitoes, a breakthrough that could lead to female mosquitoes that no longer bite and spread diseases. The goal is to identify universal non-biting genes across multiple disease vectors.
A genetic analysis of 33 Candida glabrata strains found that they can reproduce sexually, exchanging genes that may lead to drug resistance. This discovery sheds light on the evolution of candidiasis and highlights the need for a more diverse approach in studying this pathogen.
A genetic mutation that occurred 700 million years ago may have facilitated the connection of gene networks involved in animal embryogenesis, leading to the formation of complex organs. This discovery highlights the importance of serendipity in evolution and the versatility of biological tools.
Seemingly identical sea snake populations revealed to be genetically distinct, emphasizing the importance of preserving biodiversity. Targeted research on habitat and diet requirements is crucial to understanding the sudden disappearance of sea snakes from Australian reefs.
A study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences found that men infected with one type of HPV are 20 times more likely to be reinfected within a year. Vaccination before sexual contact is crucial in preventing initial infection, while vaccinating previously infected men could also reduce reinfection risk.
A new study by Voskarides suggests that genetic variants beneficial for survival at extreme temperatures can predispose individuals to cancer. The study analyzes the relationship between cancer risk and local average annual temperatures, concluding that extremely cold environments contribute to cancer risk.
Researchers analyzed vervet monkey genes to understand their interaction with SIV, a close relative of HIV. The study revealed the monkeys' ability to live with the virus has evolved over time, offering valuable data for humans to develop more effective treatments.
An international team of researchers discovered a previously unrecognized genus of extinct horses in North America, diverging from the main trunk of the Equus family tree around 4-6 million years ago. The new species, Haringtonhippus francisci, was a widespread and successful species that survived until roughly 17,000 years ago.
Researchers at Georgia Tech found that physical stress drove the evolution of multicellular bodies in yeast cells, allowing them to grow larger and more robust. This process was mainly driven by forces within the cells' physical structures, which pushed the snowflakes to evolve towards bigger, tougher bodies.
Researchers identified key genes involved in scale and feather development, demonstrating their ability to convert scales into feathers by turning on specific molecular circuits. The study reveals five morpho-regulatory modules essential for modern feather formation and potentially explains how early birds evolved flight.
A study found that mirror-image Japanese land snails can overcome their physical barrier to mate in a face-to-face position. The researchers also discovered genetic similarities between the two types, suggesting they should be considered a single species.
A study of snapdragons has yielded a clue about how nature controls fundamental evolutionary change in all species. A new genetic mechanism, known as a hairpin, has been identified that favours colour schemes which signpost a flower's entry point most clearly to pollinating bees.
A newly discovered fossil, Jablonskipora kidwellae, fills the missing evolutionary link in the history of bryozoans. The tiny marine creature lived 105 million years ago and evolved a unique structure to tap into flowing water, giving it a competitive advantage over other species.
Researchers successfully created a fully functional extra eye in the center of a beetle's head using a simple genetic tool. The study provides new insights into how developmental processes reorganize to create novel complex traits, and could help address fundamental questions in development, evolution, and medicine.
Researchers at Osaka University have found a key gene responsible for the development of male and female traits in an ancient crustacean. The study reveals how this gene, doublesex1, is expressed differently in males and females, leading to distinct sex-specific characteristics.
A genetic inversion led to the development of mimicry in Asian swallowtail butterflies, with some species maintaining multiple forms of disguise to evade predators. The researchers found that the genetic change carried unrelated material, potentially introducing long-term disadvantages.
Researchers at Kyoto University used a chimpanzee parent-offspring trio to estimate direct mutation rates, finding higher rates than in humans. The study also revealed a strong male-biased mutation spectrum and new structural alterations.
A study on guppy fish reveals how their immune genes evolve to resist parasites while maintaining critical function over millions of years. The research sheds light on the evolutionary dynamics of the immune system and its ability to adapt to new threats.
A new NSF-funded project at UNC-Chapel Hill aims to make expertise in comparing anatomical or physiological knowledge about different organisms accessible to computers. The project will develop tools for semantic ancestral character reconstruction and enrichment, enabling researchers to study how phenotypes evolve along the tree of life.
Researchers from the University of Zurich have identified a distinct third species of orangutans, Pongo tapanuliensis, through genomic and morphological analysis. The Tapanuli population is believed to be direct descendants of the first Sumatran population and has been isolated for at least 10,000 years.
Researchers found that prehistoric migration rates increased in three distinct pulses, coinciding with the spread of agriculture, Bronze Age advancements, and Iron Age population growth. This suggests a strong link between technological innovation and human mobility.
A genetic study of dingoes found the species likely migrated to Australia in two separate waves via a former land bridge with Papua New Guinea. The study recommends treating genetically distinct populations as different groups for management and conservation purposes.
A recent study by TGen-USC reveals that Precision Medicine in oncology is less precise for individuals with Latin American, African and Asian ancestry. A new genomic tool called LumosVar has been developed to help identify genetic variants, but more research is needed to overcome population differences.
A new flu forecasting tool combines data on virus spread with evolutionary analysis to predict the severity of upcoming seasons. By factoring in how much the virus has changed compared to recent years, the model can generate disease forecasts before the season begins, significantly earlier than existing tools.
Scientists have developed a new theory of molecular evolution that explains how genes function and why proteins evolve. The theory applies statistical mechanics to understand protein evolution at a basic level, revealing the importance of amino acid interactions and sequence entropy of folding.
Researchers have discovered two new genes responsible for the formation of fan-like structures on the legs of a specific water strider species. The findings suggest that genetic mutations can lead to the emergence of new structures that affect an organism's lifestyle and access to ecological niches.
Researchers identified two genes, geisha and mother-of-geisha, controlling water strider fan development in new environments. The discovery highlights the role of taxon-restricted genes in adaptation to fast-flowing stream environments.
Researchers at Michigan State University have discovered a new concept called 'drift robustness', where small populations evolve to protect themselves from harmful mutations. This adaptation allows them to survive and thrive in environments where larger populations would struggle.
A mutated Hoxd3 gene affects intestinal development and absorption, contributing to certain types of intestinal insufficiency in premature infants. The discovery provides a potential diagnostic tool for this disease, which remains unknown until now.
Scientists sequenced genomes of 2,092 Africans to uncover genetic basis of skin pigmentation, finding a light pigmentation variant introduced by gene flow from non-Africans. The study also identified the MFSD12 region as crucial for melanogenesis, a process in which skin produces pigment.