Manes, trains and antlers explained
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.
Evolutionary Genetics
Articles tagged with Evolutionary Genetics
Study reveals surprising details of the evolution of protein translation
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.
Symbiotic microbes induce profound genetic changes in their hosts
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.
Bacteria reveal secret of adaptation at Evolution Canyon
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.
New study of gene evolution could lead to better understanding of neurodegenerative disease
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.
Various species' genes evolve to minimize protein production errors
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.
U of T discovers environmental factors linked to sex ratio of plants
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.
RNA emerges from DNA's shadow
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.
Primate's scent speaks volumes about who he is
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.
When it comes to female red squirrels, it seems any male will do
Researchers found female red squirrels mate with related males, contradicting expected social norms. Genetic relatedness does not impact offspring survival or growth rate.
Researchers find an evolutionarily preserved signature in the primate brain
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.
Scientists fix bugs in our understanding of evolution
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.
Researchers find an evolutionarily preserved signature in the primate brain
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.
Study shows male homosexuality can be explained through a specific model of Darwinian evolution
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.
Emory study of syphilis bacteria yields valuable diagnostic tool
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.
Evolution of an imprinted domain in mammals
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.
Geneticists at the American Museum of Natural History trace the evolution of St. Louis encephalitis
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.
First analysis of platypus genome may impact disease prevention
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.
Female mice can identify inbred males by their scent
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.
AMNH scientists grace Science & Nature covers
Researchers at the American Museum of Natural History contributed to a study analyzing over 2,300 species in Madagascar to develop a more efficient conservation plan for the country's unique biodiversity. A new phylogenetic tree of multicellular animals has also been redrawn by comparing genetic data from diverse animal phyla.
Kansas State flower receives scientific attention
A K-State biology professor is studying the evolution of the state flower, sunflower, using a $610,000 grant from the National Science Foundation. The research focuses on how environmental stress may have caused the activation of retrotransposons in hybrid species, leading to massive genomic expansion and restructuring.
Scientists find a fingerprint of evolution across the human genome
Researchers discovered a preference for certain DNA letters across intron regions and the opposite preference in coding regions, affecting at least a third of the genome. This finding supports previous studies suggesting that non-coding DNA is biologically important.
Yale study suggests evolutionary source of alcoholism's accidental enemy
A new genetic analysis by Yale School of Medicine researchers suggests that a genetic variant in East Asian populations may have protected residents from becoming alcoholics. The study found that this variant became widespread through natural selection in specific Hmong- and Altaic-speaking groups, hinting at an environmental factor.
Study questions 'cost of complexity' in evolution
A new study by Yale and Washington University researchers challenges the idea that complex traits have a 'cost of complexity,' suggesting that many mutations only affect a small number of traits. The team identified genomic regions affecting skeleton characteristics, revealing a well-coordinated process in tuning up complex traits.
New research provides insight into menopause
Menopause is thought to be an evolutionary adaptation that helps minimize reproductive competition between females in the same family unit. The researchers propose that older women should cease breeding when younger women start to breed, explaining the observed timing of reproductive cessation in humans.
Gene's 'selective signature' aids detection of natural selection in microbial evolution
Scientists at MIT have developed a mathematical approach to analyze protein patterns across species to identify natural selection in microbial evolution. By analyzing the 'selective signature' of genes, researchers can infer gene function and understand ecological shifts.
New study changes conditions for Spanish brown bears
A recent study published in PNAS found that Spanish brown bears have genetic material from bears in other parts of Europe, challenging the idea of their isolation. The research, led by Anders Götherstam and Cristina Valdiosera, analyzed DNA sequences from prehistoric material and discovered a unexpected pattern.
Loss of egg yolk genes in mammals and the origin of lactation and placentation
Researchers found that milk-protein genes arose in the mammalian common ancestor and preceded the loss of egg protein genes. This transition allowed mammals to feed their young via the placenta and with milk, abandoning eggs as a source of nutrition. The study provides insights into the origins of lactation and placentation in mammals.
Royal corruption is rife in the ant world
Scientists have discovered that ants deliberately spread their offspring with 'royal' genes to avoid detection and maintain an unfair advantage in queen selection. This genetic cheating undermines the notion of egalitarianism in ant societies, revealing a complex web of conflict and cooperation.
Invasive species can produce 'hotspots of evolutionary novelty,' study shows
An invasive population of the freshwater snail Melanoides tuberculata shows a tremendous amount of genetic variation for key life-history traits, allowing for large potential for evolutionary change. This diversity can arise from multiple invasions and amplification through sexual reproduction.
Giant panda genome to be sequenced
The International Giant Panda Genome Project aims to sequence and assemble the giant panda's draft genome within six months. The project will aid in understanding the genetic and biological underpinnings of this unique species, informing conservation efforts and advancing sequencing technology.
Study shows Darwin was wrong about the origins of chickens
A new study found that chickens have a different version of a gene that codes for white skin, but the yellow-skin variant is present in a completely different wild species, grey junglefowl. This discovery contradicts Charles Darwin's theory that all chickens came from a wild red junglefowl species.
Major mid-century influenza epidemics caused by novel hybrid viruses
Researchers found that genetic reassortment events led to the creation of new hybrid viruses in humans during severe influenza epidemics in 1947 and 1951. This challenges the standard model of human influenza virus evolution, suggesting a more complex co-circulation of multiple forms of the same strain.
Total, genetically-based recall
Psychologists Agneta Herlitz and Jenny Rehnman found significant sex differences in episodic memory, favoring women. Women excel in verbal episodic memory tasks and are better at remembering faces, especially of females.
MIT: No easy answers in evolution of human language
Researchers have speculated that the Foxp2 gene is linked to language ability, but MIT's Robert Berwick argues this connection is unlikely due to complexity and speculative chain of events. Language is likely the result of a subtle interplay among various factors, making direct genetic connections impossible.
Avian origins: new analysis confirms ancient beginnings
A new study using molecular genetic data confirms that modern birds originated more than 100 million years ago, contradicting earlier fossil-based estimates of around 60 million years ago. The analysis suggests that both the fossil record and molecular clock methods have limitations in dating biological events.
Inherited individual variations influence patterns of gene shuffling
Researchers discovered a significant amount of variation in genetic recombination events among individuals, with some hotspots being used more by one sex. The study found heritable differences in recombination rate and hotspot use, which could provide insights into the evolution of recombination rates.
Scientists explore factors contributing to DNA mutations
A Penn State University research team investigated the simultaneous effects of numerous factors on microsatellite mutability, finding that repeat number, length, and composition are significant predictors. The study has applications in medical genetics, forensics, and conservation genetics.
Evolutionary 'battle scars' identify enhanced anti-viral activity
Researchers at Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center discovered that rapid evolution of protein ZAP is associated with increased antiviral activity in humans. The longer human ZAP protein isoform has higher antiviral activity against various viruses, including alphaviruses and filoviruses.
Evolutionary battle scars' identify enhanced antiviral activity
Researchers found that a protein produced by an immunity gene called ZAP has increased antiviral activity in humans, linked to evolutionary changes. The study suggests that studying evolutionary biology and virology can accelerate the discovery of viral-defense mechanisms.
'Telepathic' genes recognize similarities in each other
Genes have been found to recognize similar patterns of chemical bases without physical contact, shedding light on the process of homologous recombination. This ability could explain how genes group together to perform key processes involved in species evolution.
Scientists look at those in evolutionary race who don’t make it 'out of the gate'
Researchers have developed a method to measure the reproductive value of female side-blotched lizards, revealing that large clutches are associated with increased survival rates. Male lizards also exhibit improved survival with small clutch sizes due to hormonal changes, highlighting an 'ontogenetic conflict' between the sexes.
Study discovers secret of Scottish sheep evolution
Researchers found that dark coat color is linked to genes reducing fitness, contradicting Darwin's theory. The study reveals that light-coated sheep have higher reproductive success despite being smaller.
Evolution of human genome's 'guardian' gives people unique protections from DNA damage
A recent study has found that human genes have evolved additional safeguards to boost the p53 regulatory network's ability to guard against DNA damage. This enhancement is thought to be linked to humans' increased need for coordinated control of molecular repair activities during DNA replication.
Molecular evolution of limb length
Researchers successfully switched a gene regulatory element from a bat to a mouse, resulting in abnormally long forelimbs. This study demonstrates that evolution can be driven by changes in gene expression patterns, rather than solely genetic changes.
A special issue of the International Journal of Plant Sciences
This special issue of the International Journal of Plant Sciences presents exciting research on flower evolution, pollination, and reproductive strategies in flowering plants. The focus is on evolutionary transitions, which are key elements of biological diversification.
Progeny of blind cavefish can regain their sight
Research shows that blind cavefish populations can regain vision in their offspring through hybridization, highlighting genetic differences behind eye loss. The study found that mutations in distinct genes are responsible for eye loss in separate lineages, which can be compensated by good gene copies in hybrids.
Life's 6-legged survivors -- evolutionary study shows beetles are in it for the long run
A new study reveals that large numbers of modern-day beetle lineages evolved soon after the first beetles originated and have persisted ever since. The team used DNA sequencing and fossil records to compile an evolutionary family tree for beetles, showing that many species pre-date the appearance of flowering plants.
Gene neighbors may have taken turns battling retroviruses
New research identifies a second gene, TRIM22, that exhibits rapid evolutionary adaptation to defeat retroviruses, suggesting alternate defense mechanisms over time. The study suggests that both TRIM5 and TRIM22 have played roles in protecting humans against retroviral infections.
More evidence for new species hidden in plain sight
Research on frogs and giraffes reveals three distinct species of terrestrial leaflitter frog and at least six genealogically distinct lineages of giraffe, highlighting underestimated biodiversity. The findings suggest that some subspecies have fewer than 100 members, making them highly endangered.
Same genetic machinery generates skin color evolution in fish and humans
Researchers found that a common genetic mechanism, involving the Kitlg gene, is responsible for the evolution of skin pigmentation in both fish and humans. This discovery reveals a surprising parallel between the evolutionary history of stickleback fish and human populations.
Are humans evolving faster?
A new study suggests humans are evolving rapidly, with genetic differences accelerating on a continental scale. The pace of change has accelerated in the last 40,000 years, especially since the end of the Ice Age, leading to increased divergence among human populations.
Genome study places modern humans in the evolutionary fast lane
A recent genome study found that positive selection has occurred at a rate roughly 100 times higher in the past 5,000 years compared to other periods of human evolution. The study, led by University of Wisconsin-Madison anthropologist John Hawks, identified 1,800 genes with recent genetic changes, driven by major cultural shifts such a...
Ice Ages and rivers may have affected gorilla diversification
A genetic study suggests that gorilla populations' geographic variation may be tied to Ice Age climate change and river barriers. Regional differences in gorillas were shaped by 'refugia' that harbored suitable habitat remnants.
Natural compound in broccoli could treat devastating genetic skin disorder
Researchers have identified a natural compound, sulforaphane, found in broccoli that may treat a genetic skin disorder called epidermolysis bullosa simplex (EBS). Sulforaphane has been shown to induce the production of missing keratins in basal epidermis, potentially restoring skin integrity in EBS patients.
Rebuilding the evolutionary history of HIV-1 unravels a complex loop
Researchers have developed a new method to reconstruct the evolutionary history of the HIV-1 V3 loop, revealing biologically dependent amino acids that form 'co-evolving' ties across the protein. This study advances understanding of HIV-1 evolution and identifies potential targets for future research.
Simple reason helps males evolve more quickly
Researchers found that males' simpler genetic architecture enables them to evolve faster and more efficiently in response to sexual selection. This is because males have only one X chromosome, making their inheritance pathway less complicated compared to females, who have two X chromosomes with interacting genes.
Changing environment organizes genetic structure
A study by Deem and Jun Sun found that genetic information becomes increasingly modular when exposed to a changing environment and horizontal gene transfer. This modularity arises spontaneously due to selective pressure, resulting in complex biological structures.
New genetic lineage of Ebola virus discovered in great apes
Scientists have identified a new genetic lineage of the Ebola virus in great apes, which contradicts previous assumptions about its evolutionary development. This discovery suggests that wild strains of Ebolavirus can exchange genetic material through recombination processes.
To fight disease, animals, like plants, can tolerate parasites
Researchers found that animals, like plants, can build tolerance to infections at a genetic level, allowing them to withstand parasite loads. This tolerance is negatively related to resistance, with animals either killing or tolerating parasites but not both.