Articles tagged with Evolutionary Genetics
The European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology has published new guidelines for Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis (PGD). The guidelines cover the organization of PGD centers, laboratory methods, clinical protocols, and follow-up recommendations. PGS is also included in the guidelines.
Recent advances in neurogenetics research have shed light on the genetic basis of human brain disorders, including Parkinson's and Alzheimer's diseases. Genetic discoveries have transformed clinical practice and provided new hope for patients and families affected by these devastating disorders.
Researchers at the University of Leeds discovered a 100-million-year-old gene mutation that led to differences in how plants produce male and female parts. The study found that the mutation, which occurred around 20 million years ago, creates a new role for one of the duplicate genes, enabling it to make both male and female parts.
Researchers have found genetic evidence that baleen whales lost their teeth 25 million years ago, a finding that matches the fossil record. The study used genetic analysis to show that a transposable genetic element was inserted into the enamel production gene in the common ancestor of baleen whales.
A study published by a CU-led team reveals that three genes in jawless vertebrates may have been key to the development of jaws in higher vertebrates. The findings suggest that creating a jaw in a jawless ancestor was a relatively simple matter of altering when and where these few genes are used.
A genetic variant reducing disease susceptibility is more prevalent in urban populations, suggesting exposure to TB led to its evolution. The study analyzed DNA samples from 17 populations across Europe, Asia, and Africa, revealing a link between city history and genetic resistance.
Researchers at Michigan State University used digital evolution techniques to study altruism in species, finding that genes are more likely to help those physically similar to them. This challenges traditional kin selection theory and raises the possibility of life on other planets based on shared genes rather than familial units.
Researchers at the University of Maryland have discovered how Mexican blind cavefish evolved adaptations to compensate for their loss of vision, including an enhanced vibration attraction behavior to detect food sources. This study provides new insights into the link between behavior, genetics, and evolution in these unique organisms.
The genetic study confirms Antillean manatees in Belize as a separate subspecies from Florida manatees. However, the Belizean population has extremely low genetic diversity, posing a long-term viability threat.
A recent study by Professor Sir Alec Jeffreys and his team at the University of Leicester has identified a key gene, PRDM9, that plays a significant role in shaping human diversity. The research reveals that people with different versions of PRDM9 exhibit distinct recombination behaviors, contributing to genetic disorders.
Researchers used RAD tagging to analyze the genetic structure of Wyeomyia smithii, a pitcher plant-dwelling mosquito. The study found that post-glacial populations originated from a southern Appalachian Mountain refugium and expanded sequentially into previously glaciated areas.
Researchers found that gene variants associated with type-1 diabetes and rheumatoid arthritis confer previously unknown benefits to their human carriers. This suggests that the human race may be evolving towards greater susceptibility to complex diseases.
Scientists found that epigenetic variation can significantly influence the adaptive potential of individual species in marsh orchids, affecting evolutionary potential at a quicker rate. This discovery brings new hope to plant conservation and highlights the importance of environmental factors in altering inherited traits.
A UT professor has made a groundbreaking discovery on how viruses jump from host to host. The study found that cross-species transmission may be driven more by host similarity than virus mutation and contact rates.
Researchers identify genes causing sterility in yeast hybrids, shedding light on reproductive isolation mechanisms. A genetic mismatch between nucleus and mitochondria is found to be a common cause of sterility in yeasts.
Researchers found that genetic variation, known as gene expression noise, can lead to increased vigour in species hybrids. This study provides a new explanation for hybrid vigor, covering both natural and domesticated varieties.
A study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences reveals that a fungal disease has decimated amphibian abundance and species diversity in Central America's highlands. The researchers used DNA barcoding to estimate the impact of the epidemic, discovering five new species were also lost.
Researchers document a novel form of adaptation through natural selection in bacteria-infected flies, which use co-opted genetic material to develop a defense against nematodes. The study reveals the rapid spread of beneficial bacteria across North America, increasing frequency from 10% to 80% in just two decades.
Rutgers researchers have discovered the genetic basis for a hard kernel in quality protein maize (QPM) corn, which is essential for economical and nutritious food crops. The findings could lead to better hybrids and increase the supply of this nutritional staple in developing countries.
A study on killer whales and pilot whales reveals a common link with humans in the evolution of menopause. Females in these species become genetically related to those they live with as they get older, leading to a 'grandmother' role that helps ensure group survival.
Researchers from the Max Planck Institute for Developmental Biology have discovered a control mechanism behind the development of Pristionchus' mouthparts. The organism's mouth dimorphism is triggered by environmental factors such as food scarcity and high population density, resulting in the development of strong teeth-like denticles.
Researchers found that p53 is activated during the formation of spermatozoa and ova, controlling the creation of gametes to prevent mutations. This discovery suggests a new role for the tumour suppressor gene in evolution, potentially leading to new approaches in cancer research.
A recent study reveals that the Neo-Tuberosum potato germplasm has its roots in Chile, challenging the long-held notion of its origins in the Andes. The Chilean potato's adaptation to long-day conditions made it a pre-adapted species for growth in other regions.
Researchers found that gene activity and protein levels in young paper wasp larvae predispose them to one caste or the other. Queens have high levels of proteins enabling survival and reproduction, while workers are shorter-lived and biased toward the worker role.
Yeast's ability to convert sugar to alcohol is attributed to duplicated genes at the chromosome margins, allowing for optimal sugar processing. This process likely evolved in beer and wine yeasts around the Cretaceous era, enabling them to digest various sugars.
A Brandeis biochemist confirms Darwin's theory of universal common ancestry using a large-scale, quantitative test. The study finds that all life forms share a genetic heritage from single-celled microorganisms to humans, supporting UCA millions of times over alternative theories.
A new study by University of Notre Dame biologist Jeffrey Feder challenges the prevailing assumption about genomic speciation. The research found that speciation in the classic apple maggot fly system involves genome-wide differentiation driven by natural selection.
A new DNA barcoding technique has found that many garden ferns sold at nurseries are actually exotic species from other parts of the world. The technique identified three species of ferns as mistakenly labeled, with over 50% of collected plants being incorrectly identified.
A genetic study of island lizards reveals they freely exchange genes, contradicting the prediction that geographical isolation would lead to separate species. The findings suggest ecological speciation due to differences in environmental conditions may play a crucial role in speciation.
A newly discovered strain of virulent airborne fungi has caused several deaths in Oregon and is expected to spread to California and other areas. The fungal disease, Cryptococcus gattii, typically affects transplant recipients and HIV-infected patients, but the new strain appears to be a threat to otherwise healthy individuals.
Research on blackcap birds found that strong directional selection for lower migratory activity leads to the evolution of partial migratory populations and finally, to non-migratory birds. This reduction in migration distance saves energy and time, allowing birds to occupy better breeding territories and produce multiple broods.
Researchers at Salk Institute found that genetic region determining sex in green alga Volvox carteri has changed dramatically relative to its unicellular cousin Chlamydomonas reinhardtii. The team discovered new genes added to the expanded mating locus, which control male/female reproductive cell development.
Scientists discover that a small genetic change controls the response to pheromones in moths, allowing males to find female mates of their own species. This finding sheds light on the evolution of sexual communication and speciation in moths.
Researchers at the Salk Institute found that direct interactions between amino acids and nucleotide triplet anticodons helped establish matching pairs, leading to the modern genetic code. The study provides the first in vivo data shedding light on the origin and evolution of the genetic code.
Researchers have developed a new web-based application called Supramap that maps genetic mutations of pathogens onto the globe. The tool uses geographic information to track the spread of diseases across time and space, predicting hotspots of disease reemergence.
A new study by University of Michigan scientists suggests that evolutionary genetic mechanisms underlying changes in form and function are distinct. Researchers found that genes affecting morphology (form) evolved faster than those affecting physiology (function), supporting the idea that morphological changes result from gene expressi...
Research finds that long-distance pine pollen can travel up to 1800 miles and still germinate, making it difficult to prevent transgenic traits from spreading to wild counterparts. This has profound implications for the approval of genetically modified trees.
Scientists have made a significant discovery in corn breeding that could lead to higher crop yields, improved disease resistance and heartier plants able to withstand severe weather. By understanding the genetics of photoperiod response, researchers hope to be able to overcome the barrier to using tropical maize for temperate varieties.
A new study reveals that fungi have the capacity to quickly change their genomes and become infectious to plants and animals, including humans. This discovery raises concerns for crop agriculture and human health, as fungal diseases are more difficult to treat than bacterial diseases.
Researchers analyzed over 900 dogs and 200 wild gray wolves worldwide, finding that modern dogs share more genetic similarity with Middle Eastern gray wolves than other wolf populations. The study's findings contradict previous research suggesting an East Asian origin for dogs.
Dr. Alexander Varshavsky, a pioneer in ubiquitin research, receives the Vilcek Prize in Biomedical Science for elucidating the process of regulated protein degradation. Dr. Harmit Malik, a young researcher, wins the Vilcek Prize for Creative Promise for his innovative approach to genetic conflict and its implications for human diseases.
Harmit Malik, an evolutionary biologist at Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, has received the Vilcek Prize for his groundbreaking research on the co-evolution of humans and diseases. His work explores genetic conflict and its impact on organisms.
Researchers at Great Ape Trust argue that bonobo Kanzi and others point with specific intent, unlike captive apes. The study builds on previous research on the effect of rearing culture on cognitive capabilities, potentially shedding light on human disorders such as Down's Syndrome or Autistic Spectrum Disorders.
The genome sequencing of three parasitoid wasp species offers new insights into the genetic mechanisms of evolution and their importance in controlling agricultural pests. The study identifies key genes responsible for venom production and reveals that these proteins have important physiological effects on host cells.
Researchers found that fa'afafine men in Samoa exhibit stronger kin selection, allocating resources to their nieces and nephews, potentially enhancing their own evolutionary prospects. This supports the kin selection hypothesis as a potential explanation for the persistence of male same-sex attraction.
Scientists at Queen Mary University of London have discovered that dolphins and bats evolved the same specialized inner-ear hair cells for echolocation, resulting in identical genetic changes. This unprecedented example of convergence highlights the complexity of evolutionary processes.
Researchers developed a new method to precisely track MRSA transmission in hospitals, enabling understanding of strain spread and leading to novel infection control strategies. The team used DNA sequencing technologies to compare individual isolates and identify genetic relatedness.
The Genetics Society of America has announced the recipients of the 2010 DeLill Nasser Travel Awards, which support young geneticists attending national and international meetings or laboratory courses. The six winners will use their awards to attend various conferences and workshops in the US and internationally.
Researchers found that some antiviral drugs may make viruses stronger, rather than killing them, raising concerns about their effectiveness and potential to create super viruses
A study by the University of Helsinki found that northern forests are unable to adapt to changing environmental conditions, with established trees' mortality promoting evolutionary adaptation. This means older trees will survive in a warmer climate but prevent genetically better adapted individuals from thriving.
A new study argues that a stable climate, rather than climate change, played a crucial role in the emergence of agriculture in the Near East. The research suggests that farming communities chose crops that functioned within the normal east Mediterranean rainfall pattern, allowing for sustainable farming practices during drought years.
Researchers devised method to precisely track evolution's influence on human health by identifying key genetic variations under positive natural selection. The study used a new approach called Composite of Multiple Signals (CMS) to pinpoint specific genes and changes in the genome.
A genetic study has identified the origins of cavity-causing bacteria Bifidobacterium dentium Bd1, revealing its genetic adaptations for oral survival. The study found that the genome sequence of this bacterium has evolved through only a few horizontal gene acquisition events, highlighting the narrow boundary between beneficial and pat...
Researchers identified associations between genetic variations and brain surface area, suggesting a key role for microcephaly genes in human brain evolution. The study found significant links with regulatory regions of the CDK5RAP2 gene, indicating a need to focus on these processes for future research.
A recent genetic study of African and African-American populations reveals a rich mosaic of ancestry, with individuals having as little as 1 percent West African or as much as 99 percent. The study found significant implications for pharmacogenomic studies, personalized medicine, and disease risk assessment.
Researchers propose that gene variants contribute to heterogeneity in populations, giving generations more opportunity to survive in a fluctuating environment. This idea may help explain the presence of common diseases and how organisms adapt quickly enough to environmental change.
Scientists at the Genome Institute of Singapore have created a genetic map of the Han Chinese population based on genome-wide DNA variations in over 6,000 samples. The map reveals that northern inhabitants were genetically distinguishable from those in the south, consistent with historical migration patterns.
Scientists have successfully generated long chains of RNA molecules in water, shedding light on the earliest evolutionary steps in biological molecule formation. The study found that cyclic nucleotides can merge together to form polymers over 100 nucleotides long at temperatures similar to ancient Earth.
Scientists reconstructed New Zealand's geological history using the first complete genetic history of the moa, revealing a history of marine barriers, mountain building, and glacial cycles over millions of years. The study also suggests that many iconic species evolved solely on the South Island.
A comprehensive study of over 260 sub-fossil specimens reveals that moas should be grouped into three families and six genera, reducing the number of species to nine. The study also presents a new geological model suggesting that land-dwelling animals on the North and South Island were isolated for most of the past 20-30 million years.