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 national team of scientists has created the first atlas of the human brain surface based on genetic information, revealing distinct genetic divisions that differ from traditional brain maps. This atlas provides a new tool for understanding how genes influence brain development and function.
A study of Afghan DNA reveals a shared genetic heritage with a common ancestral population emerging during the Neolithic revolution. The analysis indicates that early civilizations in the region contributed to the unique genetic diversity of Afghans, shaped by migrations and invasions.
A genetic study has traced cattle back to a small herd of approximately 80 animals domesticated around 10,500 years ago. The research used DNA extracted from ancient cattle bones found in Iranian archaeological sites to determine the origins of domestication.
Researchers found that snakes from different parts of the world have evolved a limited set of genetic mutations to resist deadly neurotoxin TTX, which immobilizes nervous and muscle tissue. This study increases understanding of the genetic basis of adaptation and its limits.
A multinational team of researchers found that house mice (M. m. domesticus) colonized Iceland and Greenland during the Viking age, mirroring human settlement patterns. The analysis of mouse mitochondrial DNA showed no evidence of mice in Newfoundland, suggesting a fleeting presence.
Scientists have found highly similar signaling centers in the acorn worm that direct the formation of its embryonic body plan. This discovery provides unexpected insight into the evolution of vertebrate development and genetics, revealing complex mechanisms for establishing body plans in distant relatives.
A recent study led by Carlos J. Melian found that speeding up evolution through sexual reproduction may actually decrease species diversity. The researchers developed new models to connect the mode of reproduction to biodiversity and found that high genetic variation and evolutionary rates have little effect on general biodiversity.
The study compares the genomes of humans, chimpanzees, gorillas, and orang-utans, shedding light on human origins and genetic differences. Genetic changes important in evolution were found to be accelerated in genes related to sensory perception, hearing, and brain development.
Researchers found that bright light inhibits the firing of hydras' stinging cells, suggesting a daily rhythmic cue to regulate their behavior. The study links photoreception genes to the mechanism of hydra's harpoon-like cnidocytes, revealing unexpected functions beyond vision.
BGI's single-cell sequencing technology enables researchers to analyze genetic characteristics of essential thrombocythemia and clear cell renal cell carcinoma. The method provides clearer intratumoral genetic pictures and developmental history than previous bulk tissue sequencing, opening new ways for the genetic study of tumors.
Researchers propose that depression and related behaviors arose from genetic variations that helped ancestors fight infections, reducing mortality. This theory links depression to inflammation and physiological responses that were selected for reducing mortality from infection.
A study published in PLOS Genetics reveals that chimpanzees living in close proximity are substantially more genetically different than humans from different continents. This finding highlights the importance of conserving each population independently to address habitat loss and hunting challenges.
Researchers identify genetic differences between two closely related species of Nasonia wasps that yield distinct wing sizes. The discovery sheds light on the evolutionary origins of shape and size diversity in nature and has implications for understanding cell growth and diseases like cancer and diabetes.
A 28-year study found that wild cereal populations are undergoing dramatic changes due to climate change, including earliness in flowering time and reduced genetic diversity. These changes threaten the best genetic resource for crop improvement and may damage food production.
A team of Whitehead Institute scientists confirms that the human Y chromosome has not lost a single ancestral gene in the past 25 million years. The study, published in Nature, contradicts the 'rotting Y' theory and suggests the Y chromosome has been genetically stable since its divergence from other chromosomes 25 million years ago.
A new study found surprising diversity in a single neural connection in flies, challenging the idea that structure is key to understanding function. The research suggests that genetic drift or natural selection may have shaped these diverse connections, leading to rapid evolution.
Researchers have discovered two distinct groups of Sulfolobus islandicus bacteria speciating in a hot spring habitat, despite shared genetic material and gene exchange. The study reveals that these groups are already separate species, with differences spanning only 0.35% across the entire chromosome.
A new paradigm by Dr. Ehud Lamm redefines the genome as a dynamic system that can impact genes themselves, highlighting its physiological aspect. This perspective could provide deeper insight into how organisms develop and evolve.
A team of scientists developed the Drosophila Genetic Reference Panel to study complex traits like cold tolerance and starvation resistance. The project reveals hundreds of novel candidate genes, shedding light on the genetic basis of these traits.
A recent large and comprehensive analysis of 50,000 genetic variants has identified four genes associated with type 2 diabetes and six independent disease-associated variants at previously known loci. The study provides valuable insight into the genetic risk for T2D across multiple ethnicities.
Researchers found that enhancers, which are meant to be active only in certain muscle types, were occupied by transcription factors from other tissues. This discovery reveals a new model for how enhancers function and provides insights into the developmental history of cells.
A study by Jason Kolbe and colleagues reveals that the 'founder effect' persists even as lizard populations adapt to new environments. The research found that differences caused by the founder effect are retained in lizards with varying limb lengths, suggesting a complex interaction between natural selection and genetic variation.
Researchers found that genetic and morphological traits were influenced by both natural selection and founder effects in castaway lizards. The study shows how these mechanisms interact with each other, resulting in differences between populations adapting to new environments.
A study by Max Planck scientists found that available scientific information on genetically modified insect releases is highly restricted. They call for clear and accurate descriptions to be widely circulated before releases, particularly if mosquito species are involved.
A recent study using 30,000-year-old bison bones discovered in Canadian permafrost provides clues on animal adaptation to environmental changes. Researchers measured epigenetic modifications in extinct animals and populations, showing that it is possible to accurately measure these changes in ancient DNA.
Researchers found that stressful conditions increase chromosomal instability in yeast, allowing cells to rapidly adapt and acquire diverse aneuploid chromosome numbers. This stress-induced genetic variation enables yeast cells to thrive in environments with harsh conditions.
Researchers discovered a newly acquired trait in some HIV-related viruses that allows them to degrade primate SAMHD1 proteins. The ability emerged first in Vpr proteins before the emergence of Vpx proteins.
A University of Pennsylvania team has made significant inroads into understanding how Ethiopian populations adapt to high-altitude environments. Their genome-wide study reveals that different genetic mutations, known as convergent evolution, are responsible for their unique physiological traits.
A University of Florida study suggests that genome evolution in hybrid plants may follow predictable patterns, known as 'rules', which determine gene loss. This could lead to the creation of higher and more stable yields in crops like wheat, corn, and apples.
Researchers found that grass smut fungi can form hybrids with other species, which could lead to new plant diseases and accelerated evolution. The discovery was made possible by the collaboration of RUB Geobotany Laboratory and Heinrich Heine Universität in Düsseldorf.
A team of Yale researchers found genetic signatures of the extinct species Chelonoidis elephantopus in over 1600 tortoises, suggesting direct descendants may still exist. The discovery could allow for the resuscitation of the species through intensive breeding of hybrids.
Researchers have found genetic evidence suggesting that the Galapagos giant tortoise species Chelonoidis elephantopus may still exist in the wild, despite being thought extinct for over 150 years. The discovery was made by tracking the DNA of hybrid offspring between this species and another, C. becki, on Isabela Island.
Researchers investigated alternative nucleic acids that differ slightly from DNA and RNA, aiming to uncover a simpler genetic molecule. TNA, with its threose sugar backbone, showed promise as an early genetic carrier, folding into complex shapes that bind to targets with high affinity and specificity.
Researchers at Uppsala University have discovered a genetic mechanism underlying the evolution of fibromelanosis in black chickens. The study highlights the role of genomic rearrangements in driving rapid evolution in domestic animals.
A complex genomic rearrangement causes a massive expansion of pigment cells in chickens, resulting in black skin and organs. Genetic studies in domestic animals have shed light on the process of evolution, with genomic rearrangements playing a significant role.
Researchers found that changes in one part of the skull were linked to changes throughout, challenging the idea of independent evolutionary events. The study used genealogical data and simulated shifts in skull shape associated with human evolution milestones.
Researchers found that hatcheries rapidly select for fish with exceptional survival and adaptation abilities, at the cost of their reproductive success in the wild. This study confirms 'domestication selection' as a primary driver of genetic changes in hatchery-born salmon.
A PhD student in ecology and evolutionary biology is tracking how viruses spread from flying foxes to humans. Her research aims to fill gaps in bat population data using samples from museum specimens.
Scientists at UCL have discovered three new gene regions on chromosome 16 associated with Crohn's Disease, which could lead to personalized treatment and improved understanding of its inheritance. The study used a novel gene mapping approach to analyze genetic information from 1698 patients, replicating results using independent US data.
A team of international researchers has developed an algorithm to infer the internal interactions of proteins and generate their atomic details from sequence information alone. This method could revolutionize the understanding of protein shapes and their functions, leading to breakthroughs in biology and medicine.
A team of Penn researchers has discovered that the evolution of the TAS2R38 gene, responsible for bitter taste perception, was driven by factors other than taste. The study found that African populations have a broader range of PTC taste sensitivity and unique genetic variants not seen in non-Africans.
New research reveals that climate change is causing certain species to adapt to new habitats, helping them track ongoing warming. The Brown Argus butterfly has successfully expanded its distribution northwards in the UK, using a range of distinct habitats.
A genetic factor regulating sleep duration has been identified in a study of over 4,000 participants. The ABCC9 gene variant affects sleep duration and is associated with metabolic syndrome symptoms. The discovery may explain the underlying mechanisms linking sleep to metabolic health.
A recent genetic study confirms that the wolf ancestors of modern dogs came from southern East Asia, contradicting theories placing their origins in the Middle East. The research, led by Dr. Peter Savolainen, analyzed Y-chromosomal DNA and found strong evidence supporting an Asian origin for dog domestication.
Researchers at EPFL and University of Geneva uncover a genetic mechanism that modulates gene activity through seven enhancers, leading to diversity in finger shapes. This discovery could help understand hereditary malformations and evolutionary variations in the animal kingdom.
Researchers at Max Planck Institute found that certain mutations can be maintained in populations if they have a heterozygote disadvantage, reducing their spread. This could help achieve safer release of genetically modified animals, such as mosquitoes resistant to malaria.
A new model explains the emergence of complex insect societies by positing that workers' selfish interests drive colony formation. This hypothesis suggests that at the early stages of social evolution, workers and queens act primarily in their own self-interest, rather than altruistically helping relatives.
Researchers used magnetic resonance imaging data from 406 adult human twins to confirm the long-standing idea that human cortical regionalization is similar to and consistent with patterns found in other mammals. The study found genetic influences on brain development progress along an anterior-to-posterior scale, with differences base...
New research reveals that columbines achieved a rapid radiation of 70 species through a simple change in cell shape, not cell proliferation. The extent of cell elongation drives diverse spur lengths across species.
Researchers sequenced bacterial genomes to understand how a pathogen evolves in response to human defenses and medical treatment. The study found widespread purifying selection, but also identified specific genes that showed strong evidence of positive selection.
Scientists have pieced together the most comprehensive phylogeny for mollusks, revealing surprising relationships between enigmatic groups. The study places Monoplacophora, thought extinct, as a sister clade to cephalopods, and establishes a single origin for shelled mollusks.
Researchers have determined the evolutionary family tree for the Hawaiian honeycreeper bird family, revealing they evolved from Eurasian rosefinches. The study used genetic data from 28 bird species to identify the ancestors of the 19 remaining species, which are facing significant extinction threats.
A new study finds that young human-specific genes are correlated with the development of advanced brain structures, such as the neocortex and prefrontal cortex. The genes are most often expressed during fetal or infant development, indicating an early role in shaping the complexity of the human brain.
Francisco J. Ayala, a renowned evolutionary geneticist and UC Irvine professor, has donated $10 million to the School of Biological Sciences, the largest gift ever made by a UCI faculty member. The donation will fund four new research chairs in his name and support the department's efforts to recruit top talent.
A new study published in BMC Evolutionary Biology reveals that deep-reef coral species have adapted to low-light conditions by increasing their nutrient and plankton exploitation capacity. This physiological strategy allows them to outperform shallow corals in growth rate and abundance.
Researchers studied lungfish to understand pelvic fin muscle development and its connection to the emergence of hind legs. The team found a transitional mechanism in bony fish that paved the way for tetrapod physiology, highlighting the importance of understanding evolutionary pathways in land adaptation.
Perennial crops retain significant genetic variation, closer to their wild counterparts than annuals. Long-lived species have fewer sexual cycles due to clonal propagation, resulting in lower genetic change.
Scientists discovered that Denisova hominins interbred with modern humans at least 44,000 years ago, contributing genetic material to populations in Southeast Asia and Oceania. The study suggests that there were at least two migration waves, contradicting previous assumptions about human settlement in the region.
Scientists have pinpointed a key genetic change that enabled the domestication of corn from its wild relative teosinte. A jumping gene insertion about 23,000 years ago increased the expression of a gene affecting plant architecture, leading to larger ears with more kernels.
A study published in Nature Genetics reveals that genetic parasites invaded the mammalian genome over 100 million years ago and transformed reproductive biology. This led to the development of the placenta, which nurtures young within the womb.