Articles tagged with Evolutionary Genetics
Ricardo Azevedo's study using a computational model suggests that sexual reproduction can lead to the evolution of negative epistasis, which confers an evolutionary advantage on sexually reproducing organisms. This finding implies that sex may be self-reinforcing, leading to increased robustness in populations.
The Tree of Life Project, a massive collaboration among scientists worldwide, is growing its database of life on Earth. With the help of Katja Schulz's new system, researchers and non-scientists alike can now easily upload data, allowing for new connections and insights into biological patterns.
Recent genetic epidemiology studies have empirically supported Mayr's ideas on genetic interaction and its impact on evolutionary change. These studies show that genes interact extensively, leading to a strong interaction between natural selection and genetic drift, resulting in 'genetic revolution.'
Research using Daphnia pulex reveals that sexual reproduction efficiently removes deleterious gene mutations, suggesting it is a key mechanism for maintaining population health. Asexual species, in contrast, accumulate bad mutations at an increased rate, supporting the idea that sex plays a crucial role in purifying genomes.
Researchers at Emory University Health Sciences Center have engineered a more efficient variant of the RuBisCO enzyme, which could lead to faster plant growth and more effective carbon dioxide conversion. The new enzyme produces up to 500% more enzyme than existing variants, paving the way for potential solutions to global warming.
Researchers at UC Berkeley have successfully forced a benign virus to evolve into a more effective delivery vehicle for genes in gene therapy. By accelerating the process of viral evolution, they were able to bypass the immune system's defenses and increase the virus's ability to deliver genes to target cells.
Researchers found a novel gene critical for regulating Hh signaling in mammals, revealing the first clear difference in conserved signaling pathway function between species. The discovery suggests that multi-component pathways evolve by inserting new proteins into existing pathways.
Scientists Jun-Yi Leu and Andrew Murray evolved yeast populations in the lab to study early stages of speciation. After 36 generations, the evolving population became five times more likely to mate with other evolved cells, suggesting genetic mutations altered mating timing and promoted reproductive isolation.
Duke University biologists evolved a complex polyphenic trait in tobacco hornworms by applying temperature shocks to create two distinct strains with different color responses. The researchers discovered that the level of juvenile hormone regulated the color change, and their experiments demonstrated genetic accommodation.
A recent study has found that human and chimp molecular evolution rates are surprisingly similar, indicating that certain human-specific traits such as generation time may have evolved only one million years ago. This slowdown in the molecular clock correlates with a longer generation time, which is also characteristic of humans.
A recent study by UC Riverside graduate student Matthew Walsh found that harvesting large individuals from a fish population introduces genetic changes that harm the overall fish population. The remaining fish become progressively smaller, have fewer and smaller eggs with lower survival rates, and lower foraging and feeding capabilities.
Researchers discovered a genetic mechanism in plants that prevents the regrowth of a trait once it's lost, contradicting earlier studies. The findings highlight the importance of considering genetic data when reconstructing evolutionary history.
David Kingsley's work on stickleback populations shows major morphological changes are controlled by simple mechanisms. The study highlights the importance of evolutionary biology in understanding animal adaptation and aiding human health.
A new study suggests that the animal family tree looks fuzzy because early evolution occurred in clusters, making it difficult to reconstruct relationships. Scientists used DNA data to try to generate a clear picture of the tree, but instead found a bush with many branches sprouting close together.
Studies on evolution at the genetic level revealed new insights into the human species' evolutionary history and potential for personalized medicine. Other research advances included planetary discovery, plant molecular biology, and a deeper understanding of neutron stars and climate change.
Researchers analyzed genes and developed new statistical technique to estimate divergence time. They found that humans and chimpanzees likely shared a common ancestor between 5-7 million years ago, with a maximum limit of approximately 7 million years ago.
Researchers found genetic markers for albinism in two cave-dwelling fish populations appeared in the same location, suggesting a common mutation. The Oca2 gene was identified as responsible for pigmentation and the deletion of a specific exon produced albinism.
Researchers discovered a distinctive variant of the prodynorphin gene in humans, which increases production of neuropeptide prodynorphin. This variant is linked to increased brain size, memory, perception, and sensitivity to pain, as well as potential risks for drug addiction, schizophrenia, and bipolar disorders.
Researchers have identified a specific microRNA - miR 196 - playing a protective role in hindlimb development, but not forelimb development, suggesting a fail-safe mechanism to regulate gene expression. This finding may be useful in understanding birth defects and has implications for the regulation of protein expression in limbs.
A new study published in Science demonstrates that microRNAs affect the expression or evolution of the majority of human genes. The researchers found that nearly all genes contain short sequences matching microRNA target sites, which are evolutionarily conserved across species.
A Stanford study reveals that the sea squirt Botryllus schlosseri uses a gene similar to the human immune system to distinguish between self and non-self. This finding may lead to new ways to control natural killer cells and treat diseases like leukemia and multiple sclerosis.
A comprehensive genetic analysis of snakes, lizards, and other scaly reptiles has revealed surprising relationships among the animals. The study places primitive-looking iguanian lizards at the top of the tree, near advanced lineages like snakes and monitor lizards.
Researchers analyzed the history of metabolic genes acquired by E.coli bacteria over 100 million years, finding that approximately 25 genes were added through horizontal gene transfer. This mechanism allows bacteria to evolve new functions and adapt to changing environments, rather than improving existing performance.
Researchers have found that two genetic conditions, sickle cell trait and a mild version of thalassemia, offer natural protection against malaria but can be rendered ineffective when occurring together. This study of Kenyan children highlights the complexity of genetic interactions in naturally acquired immunity.
A 'Perception' gene tracked by scientists suggests regulation of this gene played a crucial role in the evolution of modern humans' mental capacity. The gene, prodynorphin, is implicated in pain perception, social attachment, learning and memory.
Researchers mapped how genes are shared between bacteria through lateral genetic transfer, a process where genes are transferred between unrelated organisms. The study reveals that this phenomenon is widespread and can occur even between distantly related organisms, contributing to the rapid spread of disease-causing bacteria.
A new study finds that sea otters played a key role in driving up the size of abalones in California's coastal kelp forests. The researchers speculate that by preying on sea urchins and smaller snails, otters allowed abalones to thrive and grow huge on abundant kelp.
Researchers discovered that changing an embryo's genetic elements can alter its adult fish jaw structure and function. The study revealed a complex link between embryonic development and biomechanical systems, with specific genes controlling different aspects of the lower jaw.
Researchers discover bmp4 gene plays key role in regulating craniofacial diversity, with implications for understanding human craniofacial defects and preserving species biodiversity. The study provides new insights into the mechanisms underlying biodiversity and offers possibilities for exploring what genes make a head.
Scientists have discovered that large structural changes in the genome, called inversions, may account for much of the evolutionary difference between humans and chimpanzees. These inversions also shed light on genetic changes that lead to human diseases.
A recent UCSD study shows that non-coding regions of DNA, often referred to as 'junk' DNA, are essential for maintaining an organism's genetic integrity and play a crucial role in evolutionary survival. These findings suggest that these regions are not functionally inactive but rather provide resistance to new mutations.
Researchers found that mating between two less harmful fungal strains of the same sex produced a more virulent form, which has taken hold and is spreading. The fungus, C. gattii, infects individuals with normal immunity, causing symptoms like persistent headaches and coughing.
A study suggests that the evolutionary history of tuberculosis is linked to historical patterns of human migration. The researchers found that the genetic signatures of over 300 strains of Mycobacterium tuberculosis reflect the dispersal and evolution of the pathogen according to human migration patterns, with a strong gender bias obse...
A study published by Yale University scientists analyzed the genetics of quagga and plains zebra populations to understand how the quagga evolved its distinctive stripes. The research found that the quagga diverged from Plains zebra around 120,000-290,000 years ago during the Ice Age.
Researchers identified a single crystallin gene in sea squirts that likely evolved into the ß?-crystallins responsible for forming the vertebrate eye lens. The study found a regulatory link between these genes, suggesting a co-opted mechanism in early vertebrates.
Researchers found that the human Y chromosome has stabilized itself over 6 million years, while the chimpanzee Y chromosome is accumulating mutations making its genes useless. The human Y's ability to defend itself is due to carrying spare copies of testis-expressing genes.
Researchers used genome synteny to study two closely related flower genes, AGAMOUS and PLENA, in Arabidopsis and Antirrhinum. They found that the genes originated from a single duplicated event around 125 million years ago.
A recent study using ancient DNA extracted from fossilized bones of extinct American big cats has shed new light on their evolutionary history. The research reveals that the saber-toothed cats were a sister group to modern felines and diverged early on from their ancestors.
The study found age-related changes in gene expression in the human brain's cortex, but not in non-brain tissues. The results support a theory that DNA damage and protein degradation contribute to aging, with more metabolically active tissues showing greater gene activity reduction.
A team of scientists led by Michael Russello has discovered a new taxon of Galápagos tortoise, characterized by distinct genetic features. The discovery highlights the importance of accurate taxonomy for effective conservation policy and preservation of genetic diversity in these endangered species.
A study of twins and their partners/friends reveals a strong genetic component to our tendency to seek out people like ourselves. The researchers found that 34% of preference for similar mates was due to shared genes, with the greatest self-similarity seen in more heritable items.
Researchers found that holly trees can serve as an indicator of climate change due to their adaptability and ability to thrive in changing environments. This is attributed to the tree's flexibility, allowing it to survive in a range of conditions.
A recent study using ancient DNA reveals that South American horses diverged from North American caballines around 3 million years ago. The research also suggests that all North American caballines belong to the same species and convergently evolved morphologically.
A new study overturns decades-old theory, suggesting that gene mutation rates can affect fixation rates in species. The research found that faster mutations are more likely to be accepted by genes, leading to a shift in the understanding of natural selection.
Researchers have identified a new mechanism of resistance to CMV, involving the interaction between two genes that flag infected cells for destruction and allow Natural Killer cells to recognize and terminate them. This discovery increases the likelihood of therapies being developed to fight CMV.
An international team has determined the complete genetic blueprint of Dictyostelium discoideum, a simple social amoeba long used by researchers to gain insight into human diseases. The genome contains nearly twice as many protein coding genes as previously thought and provides a new tool for studying human disease.
A study comparing human and chimpanzee genomes identified genes involved in sensory perception and spermatogenesis, as well as a strong link between immune defense and positive selection. The authors suggest that an evolutionary arms race may have driven the development of tumor-suppressor and apoptosis genes.
The new technique improves specificity of human estrogen receptor alpha by 100 million times, allowing for targeted activation or deactivation of genes in living systems. This breakthrough could lead to advances in gene therapy, metabolic engineering, and animal disease model studies.
Researchers found genetically similar fish in ecologically similar habitats across vast distances, contradicting the idea that geographical barriers drive speciation. This discovery supports ecological speciation and suggests a new approach to understanding biodiversity evolution on land and sea.
A Stanford study reveals that a single genetic mutation, Eda, is responsible for the evolutionary adaptation of freshwater fish losing their body armor, allowing them to thrive in lighter environments. This discovery provides insights into how animals adapt to new conditions and challenges previous assumptions about evolution.
The study found that one gene, Eda, controls the armor-plating trait in stickleback fish, which evolved rapidly after ocean fish colonized new environments. This suggests that evolution can occur quickly with just a few genes changing slightly, allowing newcomers to adapt and populate new habitats.
Researchers discovered RNA loops and knots play a crucial role in A-to-I RNA recoding, enabling species-specific editing of proteins. By understanding these molecular structures, scientists can gain insights into the genetic code and improve our ability to interpret genome information.
Researchers discovered a retrovirus in the chimp and gorilla genome that didn't appear in human DNA. The virus, which affected ape species between three to four million years ago, may have driven evolutionary changes in chimps and gorillas.
Researchers found that genetic diversity of the Mlabri is significantly lower than other agriculture-based hill tribes, indicating a severe population reduction around 500-1000 years ago. This reverts previous assumptions that contemporary hunter-gatherer groups represent pre-agricultural human populations.
The study analyzed a dataset of 107 plants and animals, showing that the opportunity for selection to act on a gamete can influence recombination rates. The researchers found that strong selection on female gametes could lead to lower recombination rates in females.
Dr. Brooks' research highlights the link between biodiversity decline and emerging human and wildlife diseases, such as West Nile Virus and avian flu. He argues that understanding parasite life cycles is crucial to preventing these diseases.
A team of Wisconsin scientists discovered molecular switches that govern the development and evolution of form in animals. The study found that genetic changes to these switches can produce diverse patterns and features, such as spots on fruit fly wings or stripes on zebras, which confer advantages for survival and reproductive success.
Researchers discover a new paternal effect gene in Drosophila that has a relatively recent origin, overturning the theory that genes with vital functions must have been created long ago. The gene's evolution raises questions about why and how it emerged.
Researchers found that human genes are less carefully controlled due to a small population size, leading to increased disease risk. The study suggests that natural selection would have overridden harmful mutations with a larger population.
Researchers use genetic analysis to trace a genetic gradient across distance, challenging the theory of speciation by distance. The findings have broad implications for conservation approaches, highlighting the importance of preserving gradients of forms rather than well-defined groups.