Articles tagged with Evolutionary Genetics
A research team at Cornell University developed an algorithm that enables virtual creatures to evolve and learn to walk. The creatures' squishy, muscle-like features adapt through generations of evolution, creating counterintuitive designs that surpass human-engineered robots.
Researchers reconstructed modern Europe's genetic history using ancient DNA from skeletons in central Germany, revealing dramatic migrations and a mysterious genetic turnover around 4000-5000 years ago. The study provides a high-resolution record of human DNA evolution over 4000 years, shedding light on the demographic history of Europe.
Researchers discovered three unique genetic variations that influence body size and obesity in men and women of African ancestry. These gene variants, studied in a large-scale analysis of over 30,000 individuals, suggest a greater role for genes in causing increased BMI in African-Americans compared to Caucasians.
A new study reveals that microRNAs regulate the size of bald patches on fruit fly legs, driving natural variation in morphology. The findings suggest a novel mechanism for evolutionary adaptation involving small RNA molecules.
A new 'tree of life' for fishes has been recharted with the help of genetic and physical information, revealing significant changes to existing ideas on fish relationships. The research improves scientists' ability to predict how closely related species might react to environmental factors like climate change.
The coelacanth genome provides valuable clues for biologists studying the evolution of vertebrates, with key genes involved in immunity, nitrogen excretion, and limb development implicated in evolutionary transitions. The study offers a comprehensive look at the coelacanth's place in our evolutionary history.
The study reveals that varying genetic information copies affect cell tolerance to cancer medication and antibiotics. This discovery may help explain differences in organism responses to environmental changes and certain medications' side effects on sperm and eggs.
Researchers discovered that different wasp genotypes influence aphid behavior, including whether they die on the plant or elsewhere. The study sheds light on how genetic variation can manipulate host species.
Researchers found rapid genetic changes in laboratory soil mites leading to population growth and increased fertility, rescuing populations from extinction. The study demonstrates the intertwined nature of ecology and evolution.
A University of Leeds-led study found significant genetic changes in soil mites after just 15 generations, leading to doubling of age at adulthood and large population size changes. This research demonstrates the interconnectedness of ecology and evolution, with major implications for conservation and fisheries management.
This April issue of the Genetics Society of America's journal features research on genotyping-by-sequencing, a novel gene silencing system in fungi, and the role of protein chaperone HSP90 in facilitating gene duplicate divergence. Additionally, studies explore genome integrity and RNA editing in mice.
Research in African malaria mosquitoes reveals a more complex range of forms due to frequent inter-mating, leading to implications for controlling the disease. The resulting hybrids may have effects on insecticide resistance and malaria parasite infectivity.
A study published in Frontiers in Zoology found that female great tits' appearance signals healthy attributes in their offspring, with black stripe correlating to chick weight at two weeks and white cheek patches to immune strength. The research suggests a balance between genetic and environmental factors in determining offspring health.
A new genetic study has overturned previous ideas about the evolutionary history of polar bears and brown bears. The research found that a population of brown bears on Alaskan islands had a remarkable history of hybridization with polar bears, resulting in striking genetic similarities between the two species.
Researchers have found that nine separate mutations within a single gene in deer mice result in changes to their camouflage, illustrating the power of small genetic changes. The study suggests that natural selection acts on many small genetic changes to produce rapid and dramatic adaptations.
A 505-million-year-old fossil, Spartobranchus tenuis, provides a crucial missing link in the evolutionary history of hemichordates. The finding pushes back the fossil record of enteropneusts by 200 million years.
Researchers at Ohio State University have discovered the genetic mechanism that led to the development of wings in fruit flies, a key to their survival. By analyzing 20 cells present in the larval stage, they found that a specific gene, Dpp, triggers the growth of wings by activating another gene, vn.
Evolutionary biologists combine traditional methods with genetic techniques to identify new species, revealing cryptic species that show little visible difference. The study uses scale insects as a model organism, analyzing over 400 samples to discover four new species.
A recent genetic study of house dust mites demonstrates reversible evolution, contradicting Dollo's law. The research found that these tiny creatures evolved from parasites, but then returned to a free-living lifestyle, speciating in various habitats, including human habitations.
The March 2013 issue of Genetics journal highlights several key findings, including a study on oocyte-expressed genes that support early cloned embryo development and the role of cytoskeletal proteins in controlling clone quality. Additionally, research on self-incompatibility genes in Arabidopsis thaliana reveals the structural and fu...
Researchers discover that defective viruses, once thought useless, increase the spread of disease by 'hitchhiking' with functional viruses. The presence of a defective DENV-1 virus may have led to large increases in dengue fever cases in Myanmar in 2001 and 2002.
Påebo is being honored with the prestigious award for his groundbreaking work on extracting DNA from ancient human remains and sequencing Neandertal's nuclear DNA. The prize recognizes his discovery that Neandertals contributed up to 4% of modern humans' genetic material.
Anthropologist Robert W. Sussman explores the dangers of eugenics and the importance of cultural understanding in addressing human behavior. He argues that most individual variances result from social, environmental, and cultural exposure rather than genetics.
Research by Brown University professor Rose McDermott suggests a significant genetic component in shaping political preferences, particularly along the conservative-liberal spectrum. This finding could have implications for policy decisions and targeted interventions.
Research suggests that major life events can alter gene expression, leading to trans-generational effects on children's brain functions. This discovery has significant implications for understanding the causes of mood disorders and addiction.
Researchers at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute used next-generation gene-sequencing technology to chart changes in CLL tissue samples from 149 patients. The study provides a strobe-like look at the genetic past, present, and future of CLL tumors, shedding light on why CLL often recurs after treatment.
Researchers discovered that one wasp species uses a novel third ingredient in its sex pheromone, which is recognized by females only when combined with two original scents. This adaptation allows females to distinguish their own species from others, preventing costly interbreeding.
Researchers investigated genetic changes responsible for species divergence, developed new approaches to Drosophila genome manipulation, and found minimal effect of gene clustering on expression in bacteria. These findings shed light on mechanisms driving speciation and gene regulation.
Scientists review research on dog cranium development to identify genetic variations that may inform human skull development. The study suggests a connection between canine and human craniofacial development, potentially leading to new insights into craniofacial deformities such as Apert, Crouzon, and Pfeiffer syndromes.
Researchers developed an automated device called morbidostat to track the evolution of antibiotic resistance at the genetic level. The team identified key genes involved in creating drug-resistant states and documented real-time changes in genes that gave bacteria an advantage in evolving to outwit antibiotics.
Researchers decode genetic blueprint of rock pigeon, unlocking secrets about Middle East origins, feral pigeons' kinship with racing birds, and how mutations give pigeons fancy feather hairdos. The study also reveals a single mutation in the EphB2 gene causes head crests to grow upward instead of downward.
This special issue of Evolutionary Applications delves into the evolutionary principles underlying cancer, including natural selection, mutation, and genetic drift. Key findings highlight the diversity of cancer types and how environmental factors, such as tobacco availability, contribute to our vulnerability.
A study of ancient DNA from a 40,000-year-old human from Tianyuan Cave near Beijing found that the individual shared a common origin with present-day Asians and Native Americans. The genetic profile also revealed that this early modern human diverged genetically from present-day Europeans and did not carry a larger proportion of Neande...
Researchers found divergent mtDNA lineages in Bantu-speaking groups from Zambia, which were incorporated into their genepool through intermarriage with indigenous Khoisan women. These relic lineages demonstrate that Khoisan peoples survived until the present day despite the extinction of their source populations.
Researchers at U of T discovered a major source of evolutionary differences among species by analyzing hundreds of thousands of genetic messages in equivalent organs across 10 different vertebrate species. Alternative splicing has dramatically changed the structure and complexity of genetic messages during vertebrate evolution.
A study by Massachusetts General Hospital researchers found that mice with elevated urate levels showed significantly less neurodegeneration and improved movement abnormalities compared to those with low urate levels. The results support the possibility that increasing urate levels may slow progression of Parkinson's disease.
A team of researchers led by Drs. Marie Kmita and James Sharpe discovered the Turing-like mechanism responsible for generating human fingers and toes through genetic studies and mathematical modeling. The study reveals that Hox genes play a crucial role in modulating this mechanism, which is essential for proper limb development.
Researchers at UCL have identified over 200 gene locations linked to Crohn's Disease, a complex condition with a significant genetic component. The study uses a new method to analyze the human genome and provides evidence that specific clinical sub-groups may carry different risk genes.
Researchers used big data statistical tools to trace directionality in gene migration, finding a westward migration of genes from the Mediterranean to the Atlantic. This method can also be applied to estimate information flow in complex networks.
Research reveals distinct genetic mechanisms behind similar adaptations to low oxygen levels in Tibetan and Ethiopian populations, shedding light on convergent evolution. The study finds no long-term adaptation among the Oromo group, highlighting variations in biological responses to high-altitude environments.
Research identified genetic changes that enable Ethiopians to thrive in thin air, differing from those found in Tibetan populations. This discovery sheds light on how high-altitude populations worldwide have evolved differently from their low-altitude ancestors.
Researchers discover at least four different modules in the brain dedicated to self-location, each with its own internal GPS-like mapping system. The discovery challenges previous understanding of how the brain organizes abstract functions and opens up new possibilities for memory formation.
The December issue of Genetics Society of America's journal features research on genetic variation in yeast, gene functional trade-offs, and serotonin signaling in C. elegans. These studies explore how genetic variations affect function and provide insights into the evolution of pleiotropy and the mechanism of signaling by serotonin.
A new study published in Genetics reveals that assessing skin cancer risk can be improved by accounting for genetic factors, such as family history and ethnicity. The researchers developed a more precise model for assessing risk using phenotypic and genetic information from over 5,000 participants.
A study published in Genetics Society of America's journal found that Native Americans and Northern Europeans are more closely related than previously thought. The research used statistical tools to show that Neanderthals mixed with modern humans also revealed a common ancestor between Native Americans and Northern Europeans.
A recent study found that nearly three-quarters of gene mutations occurred within the past 5,000 to 10,000 years, indicating a significant impact on human evolution.
Scientists have discovered that microscopic protozoa stole genes from algae to produce energy, leading to the evolution of a new species. This process, called endosymbiosis, reveals a key moment in the history of life on Earth and may have implications for algae biofuel production.
A study of over 1 million DNA variations reveals most harmful protein-coding mutations emerged during the past 5,000 to 10,000 years. This finding highlights the profound impact of recent human evolutionary history on contemporary genetic disorders.
A research team has identified genetic markers for the Bornean elephant using cutting-edge DNA sequencing methodology. The discovery opens new avenues for conserving other endangered species with limited genetic diversity. The study, published in PLOS ONE, marks a significant breakthrough in conservation efforts.
A new gene called miR-941 has been found to play a crucial role in human brain development and may have contributed to the evolution of language and tool use. This unique gene emerged between six and one million years ago, making it a significant discovery in understanding what makes humans different from apes.
A new study by Brown University researchers found that men with more consistently made sperm have better swimming abilities. The research suggests that variability in sperm length may be a sign of trouble with the production process, potentially affecting fertility.
Researchers have identified 71 genetic regions associated with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), increasing the total number discovered to date to 163. The study reveals that IBD may result from an over-active immune response, which can lead to inflammation and damage in the intestinal tract.
A recent study using computer modelling shed light on the origin of sight in animals, including humans. The researchers found that the ability to detect light developed over a span of 11 million years from a 'blind' opsin ancestor.
A recent study published in Science suggests that evolution can be predictable by understanding a species' genes and how external conditions affect proteins. By analyzing DNA sequences from 29 insect species, researchers found that certain traits evolve similarly due to environmental pressures.
CWRU's Maxwell J. Mehlman examines the emerging issues in genetic engineering, balancing innovation with caution. The book discusses the potential for evolutionary engineering, which allows parents to form the next generation by altering reproductive cells to remove disease risks.
A new UCLA study reveals that women in stable but not-so-sexy relationships become more distant and critical during periods of high fertility, according to researchers. Despite this, the negative feelings appear fleeting and do not impact long-term commitment to their romantic relationship.
Researchers at the University of Veterinary Medicine in Vienna used fruit flies to study adaptation to changing temperatures, finding temporally heterogeneous trajectories of selected alleles. Genetic changes were widespread and rapid, with some genes adapting quickly while others showed little change.
A genetic study has found that Sumatran orangutans have undergone a substantial recent population decline due to deforestation. However, the research also identified critical corridors for dispersal migrations that can help maintain genetic diversity and aid in the species' conservation if protected.
A study found that a gene variant producing efficient arsenic metabolism is common among Atacameño Indian villagers in Argentina, reducing health risks associated with high levels of arsenic. The research suggests human evolutionary adaptation to environmental toxins may vary among populations.
A study published in European Journal of Wildlife Research has confirmed the genetic uniqueness of captive lions at Addis Ababa Zoo in Ethiopia. The research team recommends establishing a captive breeding program to preserve this vulnerable lion population and conserve its genetic heritage.