Articles tagged with Evolutionary Genetics
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 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.
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.
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.
Researchers discovered that certain cyanobacteria species have evolved rope-building traits to resist erosion and stabilize soil substrates in arid environments. This adaptation allows them to thrive in areas where other microbes would struggle to survive.
A DNA study confirms that Africa's rarest monkey, the kipunji, had an intriguing sexual past with baboons. The results may help to set conservation priorities for this critically endangered species by highlighting the importance of protecting its habitat and preserving genetic diversity.
A new study reveals a novel mouse gene that reduces Alzheimer's disease pathologies by interacting with a key cellular enzyme. The research found that the gene, Rps23r1, interacts with glycogen synthase kinase-3 (GSK-3) and inhibits its activity, resulting in improved AD-like pathologies in transgenic mice.
Researchers have discovered that ancient penguin DNA can significantly challenge the accuracy of traditional genetic aging measurements, suggesting that many specimens may be up to 600% younger than reported. This finding has major implications for our understanding of evolutionary rates and the history of evolution.
The 2009 AAAS Kavli Science Journalism Awards honored excellence in science reporting, including a story about probability told through a drifting balloon and a series on a rare genetic disorder affecting a family in rural Montana. The winners will receive $3000 and a plaque at the 2010 AAAS Annual Meeting.
Osedax marine worms feast on submerged bones using symbiotic bacteria, with unique sexual and digestive habits and diverse habitats across the world's oceans. Recent research discovered up to twelve further distinct evolutionary lineages exist beyond the five species already described.
The Genome 10K Project aims to sequence the DNA of approximately one species per genus of living mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, and fish. This will help reconstruct the genetic changes that gave rise to diverse life forms on Earth, with potential benefits for human and animal health, as well as conservation efforts.
Scientists have observed the emergence of a new adaptation strategy in bacteria Pseudomonas fluorescens, where variable offspring can survive in different environments. This bet-hedging strategy allows for species survival under rapidly changing environmental conditions.
Researchers have identified heterochromatin, a gene-poor compartment of DNA, as the key to explaining reproductive isolation. Odysseus, a fruit fly gene, has been found to interact with rapidly evolving DNA in heterochromatin, leading to hybrid sterility.
A University of Michigan study found that color differences in fruit flies have a common genetic basis with those in humans and chimps. Genetic analysis revealed the tan gene as responsible for part of the color variation within and between species.
A study by University of Oregon researchers found that nematode worms with partners were more resistant to genetic mutations and better adapted to changing environments. This suggests that having a mate provides an evolutionary advantage over self-fertilization, leading to longer lives for offspring.
Researchers analyzed ancient bison genetic mutations to identify important variations in domestic animals, potentially improving agricultural breeding programs and disease resistance. The study also revealed the evolutionary history of the ruminant family tree and provided insights into climate change adaptations.
Researchers developed a genetic family tree for cows and ruminants, spanning 29 million years, using a new technique that also applies to humans. The study provides insights into cattle domestication, breed formation, and evolutionary connections to humans.
Researchers mapped the sex chromosomes of cichlid fish from Lake Malawi and identified a mechanism for evolving new sex chromosomes. A genetic conflict over color patterns led to the emergence of new sex determining functions, resulting in distinct sex chromosomes among related species.
A University of Toronto-led team has identified the evolutionary ancestry of the prion gene, revealing its connection to ZIP family metal ion transporters. This discovery may provide new insights into prion protein function and underlying mechanisms of diseases like BSE and Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease.
A comprehensive study sheds light on the origin of whales and dolphins by analyzing morphology, behavior, and genetics of living and fossil relatives. The findings suggest that cetacean ancestors transitioned to water before becoming carnivorous, with a 48-million-year-old semi-aquatic herbivore named Indohyus being a key discovery.
Researchers at the University of Oregon have found that evolution can only go forward, as genetic mutations block paths to ancestral genes. The team resurrected ancient proteins and manipulated them to study reverse evolution, discovering that restrictive mutations act like an evolutionary ratchet, preventing reversal.
Dr. Jue D. Wang and Dr. Iiris Hovatta have been awarded the Rosalind Franklin Young Investigator Awards for their pioneering work on DNA replication regulation and neuropsychiatric diseases. They will receive a $75,000 award over three years to support their research.
Genetic sex determination allowed ancient marine reptiles to thrive in open oceans with live birth, freeing them from land-based nesting. This adaptation led to extreme physical changes and diversification of species.