Articles tagged with Evolutionary Genetics
A Brown University-led research team has created a genetic model that charts the internal and external signals guiding plant flowering across its native climate range. The model accurately predicts how plants will respond to environmental cues and can be used to understand how plants will adapt to future climate conditions.
A study of ancient DNA from 68 skeletal remains reveals a rapid evolution in the Icelandic mtDNA pool over the past thousand years. The original female settlers appear to be genetically less closely related to present-day Icelanders than previously thought.
Scientists have proposed a novel explanation for a long-standing floral genetic mystery in plants, revealing a complex mechanism that provides a clear selective advantage. The study used computational modeling to investigate potential explanations for the existence of interdependent genes that regulate flower development.
Researchers explore genetic mechanisms of skin color in zebrafish, a model organism for understanding human skin color and race. The studies shed light on the evolution of skin pigmentation and its relationship to environmental factors.
A study of the MSX gene family over 600 million years reveals duplication and diversification of protein regions as key to understanding certain birth disorders. The research provides a molecular explanation for disease patterns associated with cleft lip and palate.
Researchers recreated natural selection in real-time, demonstrating the first quantitative evidence for natural selection on standing genetic variation. The study found that only half of gene frequencies reverted to ancestral levels, highlighting the contingent nature of evolution.
Researchers document increasing resistance to adamantane-based antiviral drugs in over 30% of H5N1 samples. The study provides a framework for monitoring global evolution of drug resistance using molecular evolution tests and geographic visualization techniques.
This year marks the 200th birthday of Charles Darwin and the 150th anniversary of the publication of his theory. Genetic Engineering & Biotechnology News is celebrating this milestone by interviewing leading researchers in evolutionary science, including experts on Darwin.
A recent study published in Nature reveals that the common ancestor of all life on earth, LUCA, was not a heat-loving organism as previously thought. Instead, it thrived in a cooler microclimate, resolving a paradox about the origins of life on Earth.
Researchers at the University of Georgia discovered that natural selection on gene function is driving the evolution of LTR retrotransposons in plant genomes. The study found strong purifying selection across all gene regions, but rare episodes of positive selection and adaptation to host genomes.
Researchers found that genetically similar strains of Dictyostelium discoideum mix and cooperate during colony formation, contradicting earlier assumptions. The study's findings suggest specific genes produce sticky adhesives to secure partner connections.
In a breakthrough study, researchers discovered that social amoebas form multi-cellular organisms with genetically similar 'kin' to ensure survival. By aggregating based on genetic similarity rather than true kinship, cells can increase their chances of reproducing and passing on their genes.
A new theory in evolutionary biology proposes that sex promotes genes' ability to perform well with many partners rather than just one specific set of genes. This idea, called genetic mixability, finds that sexual reproduction favors genes that work well across multiple variations.
In response to environmental stress, yeast cells trigger a protein-misfolding mechanism that reveals hidden genetic variation, allowing them to adapt and evolve rapidly. This 'prion switching' enables cells to digest previously inaccessible materials, such as certain nutrients and antibiotics, without prior genetic mutation.
Researchers found that social amoebae, such as Dictyostelium discoideum, aggregate based on genetic similarity to minimize conflict and increase chances of gene reproduction. This self/non-self mechanism is similar to immune systems in higher organisms.
Females may mate with multiple partners to avoid passing on sperm-damaging genes, boosting offspring health and sex ratio. This adaptive strategy could explain why many species have polyandrous females.
A virus causing human-like symptoms may have emerged from a bird virus 200 years ago, according to scientists studying the common cold. Human metapneumovirus has high evolutionary rates and is closely related to Avian metapneumovirus C, suggesting a potential species barrier crossing event.
A team of scientists discovered that novel genes are responsible for morphological differences between two closely related species of freshwater polyps called Hydra. The study found that a secreted protein encoded by one such gene controls the pattern in which the tentacles develop, leading to species-specific traits.
Researchers identify key gene transferred from Sicilian plant to British Groundsel weed, allowing for natural genetic exchanges and evolution. This discovery challenges traditional views of evolution as a one-way process.
A new study by Rice University bioengineers provides a comprehensive mathematical analysis of virus evolution, incorporating gene swaps and recombination. The results suggest that designing drugs that force viruses to mutate themselves out of existence may be possible, potentially eradicating disease.
Using genetically diverse seed sources can improve revegetation outcomes for native flora, as local seed may be inbred and lead to poor results. The review recommends focusing on capturing high-quality seed to ensure restored populations have ample genetic diversity.
Researchers at NYU's Center for Genomics and Systems Biology identified approximately 300 genes that break phenotypic robustness when knocked out, leading to physical differences in the species. These findings provide new understanding of how organisms develop and function reliably despite environmental changes.
A new study at the University of Melbourne discovered that rare insect clones are favored by evolution, leading to increased genetic variation. This phenomenon, known as frequency-dependent selection, allows rare clones to become more common and produce more offspring.
A team at Duke University Medical Center has identified microsporidia as a sexually reproducing fungus that causes chronic diarrhea in AIDS patients and other host animals. The findings could help develop effective treatments against these common global pathogens.
Researchers sequenced Öetzi's mtDNA genome, finding that he belonged to a rare or extinct lineage. The study provides an unprecedented look at ancient human ancestry and sheds light on the frequency of genetic lineages over time, revealing potential gaps in knowledge left by the extinction of certain variants.
A team of ASU researchers will investigate the ecology, evolution, and genetic mysteries behind malaria and retroviral diseases in humans and nonhuman primates. The studies aim to understand malaria drug resistance and host shifts in parasites.
Researchers propose a simple model of development that explains patterns in morphology and body plans, attributing sparseness of variety to interactions between multiple genes. The hybrid developmental-phylogenetic model reproduces fossil record patterns, including increasing variation among taxonomic groups and decreasing within.
A study by Tomislav Domazet-Lošo and Diethard Tautz reveals that most disease-associated genes originated before the first cells emerged, with only recently evolved genes showing no link to human diseases. This discovery sheds light on the evolutionary origins of genetic diseases affecting humans and other living organisms.
A recent study by American Museum of Natural History scientists clarifies the evolutionary relationships among seven sea turtle species. The researchers found that specialized diets arose independently in three distinct groups of sea turtles, with flatback and green turtles being closely related despite their differing diets.
Researchers discovered that HIV-1 group M strain began spreading among humans between 1884 and 1924. The study suggests urbanization played a significant role in the pandemic's emergence. A genetic analysis revealed evidence of common ancestor around 1900, indicating an earlier origin than previously thought.
The study reveals that growing urbanization in colonial Africa allowed the HIV virus to flourish, leading to the outbreak of the epidemic. The researchers used genetic sequencing to analyze ancient samples and found that the pandemic strain emerged around 1900.
Researchers found that polygyny leads to an excess of genetic diversity on the X chromosome compared to autosomes. The process also results in fewer unique male genes being passed into the next generation.
Yale scientists have found genetic traces of extinct Galapagos tortoise species in living populations, paving the way for potential breeding programs. The study reveals that some islands, including Volcano Wolf, are home to tortoises with DNA from both known and extinct species.
Researchers at Uppsala University used medical x-rays to find rudimentary fingers in the fins of Panderichthys, a transitional animal between fish and tetrapods. This discovery indicates that fingers evolved earlier than previously thought, contradicting the long-held theory that they emerged in tetrapods.
Researchers at Yale University identified a key regulatory link in the evolution of pregnancy involving the altered function of HoxA-11 protein. This finding revolutionizes our understanding of how pregnancy evolved in mammals, highlighting a crucial genetic switch that tempered the immune system and allowed for internal development.
Researchers at Stanford University School of Medicine discovered that lager beers originated from an unlikely pairing between two species of yeast, including the long-used ale yeast. The study found that the hybridization event occurred twice, with each partner bringing unique advantages to the match.
The Chicago Center for Systems Biology will focus on transcriptional networks, studying how multiple genes work together to regulate life's basic processes. Researchers will use complex biological models to understand gene regulation in response to environmental and genetic variation.
Researchers studied the Prestin gene in echolocating bats and fruit bats, finding similarities in distantly related species. This suggests that echolocation has evolved more than once in bats, defying conventional wisdom on evolutionary relationships.
Researchers found a gene enhancer, HACNS1, that may have contributed to the evolution of the human opposable thumb and adaptations for walking on two legs. The discovery provides significant insights into genetic differences between humans and chimpanzees.
Researchers discover a 546-base pair element, HACNS1, that enhances gene expression in human limbs and brain, contributing to uniquely human digit patterning. The study highlights the power of conserved noncoding sequences in regulating gene expression across species.
Researchers at Penn State have developed a computational method to trace evolutionary histories of proteins back to cells or viruses, aiming to settle the debate on which came first. The new approach uses phylogenetic profiles and tree-like diagrams to provide clearer insights into retroelement evolution.
A team of Wisconsin scientists has discovered how a simple genetic switch controls decorative traits in male fruit flies, shedding light on the evolution of male lion manes, bull moose antlers and peacock tails.
A new study reveals that transfer RNA's (tRNA) dual functions of reading the genetic blueprint and adding amino acids to proteins evolved independently. The findings suggest that these functions were acquired at different points in time, with protein synthesis preceding the refinement of the genetic code.
Researchers found hundreds of genes affected by bacterial partnership in a squid host, including those associated with human responses to bacteria. This discovery may change our understanding of the main purpose of the immune system.
Scientists studying bacteria at Evolution Canyon found that ecotypes on hot and cool slopes have distinct fatty acid compositions, enabling them to cope with temperature differences.
A Harvard University study reveals that genes have evolved to minimize protein production errors, which can cause neurodegenerative diseases like ALS. The research found that natural selection favors the development of genes that prevent misfolded proteins resulting from translation mistakes.
A new study by Claus Wilke and D. Allan Drummond found that genetic evolution prioritizes minimizing errors in protein production to prevent misfolded proteins, which can cause neurodegenerative diseases. The research may lead to better detection of genes with mutations leading to toxic proteins.
Researchers found that when females capture more pollen, female-determining pollen tubes out-compete male-determining ones. The team's study on Rumex nivalis in the Swiss Alps shows how demographic aspects can influence plant sex ratios.
Recent RNA research reveals new roles in regulating gene expression and structural components, with potential for creating compounds to overcome genetic disorders. The EUROCORES programme brings together European groups to collaborate on RNA quality control and its applications.
Lemur males use scent glands on their bodies to advertise fitness and family relationships, with individual scents reflecting genetic quality. Researchers analyzed chemical components in ringtailed lemur scents using sophisticated machinery.
Researchers found female red squirrels mate with related males, contradicting expected social norms. Genetic relatedness does not impact offspring survival or growth rate.
A new computational tool provides accurate insights into DNA and protein sequence evolution by avoiding systematic errors. The results suggest that sequence turnover is much more common than assumed, with a higher frequency of insertions and lower frequency of deletions.
A recent study published in PLOS Genetics reveals hundreds of biological differences between male and female brains, with some differences persisting for millions of years. The findings suggest that these sex differences may have functional implications for brain function and disease treatment.
The study reveals hundreds of biological differences between male and female gene expression in the cerebral cortex, indicating a long-evolved signature of sex differences. These findings have implications for medical dosages and treatments of diseases or damage to the brain.
Researchers suggest a new evolutionary model for male homosexuality, involving genetically-based 'sexually antagonistic selection' that promotes female fecundity. This model provides insight into the origins and dynamics of male homosexuality in human populations.
Researchers identified sequence variations in the ARP gene that allow differentiating venereal syphilis from non-venereal Treponema pallidum subspecies. The findings have significant clinical, epidemiological and evolutionary implications.
A new study investigates the evolution of genomic imprinting in mammals, finding that different regions became imprinted at different times during mammalian evolution. This suggests that changes were in response to selection pressures and are adaptive.
A new analysis of the genome of St Louis encephalitis has shed light on its evolution, tracing the virus back to South America and identifying a single mutation that made it pathogenic to humans. The research suggests that population dynamics and point mutations played a key role in the virus's adaptation to humans.
Researchers have completed the first analysis of platypus DNA, revealing insights into gene regulation and immune systems that may lead to advances in human disease prevention. The study's findings also provide new perspectives on mammalian evolution and conservation efforts.
Researchers found that female mice prefer outbred males with diverse major urinary proteins (MUPs) in their urine. This distinction allows females to 'count' the number of protein types, avoiding inbred males with less varied protein profiles.