Articles tagged with Evolutionary Genetics
Comprehensive exploration of living organisms, biological systems, and life processes across all scales from molecules to ecosystems. Encompasses cutting-edge research in biology, genetics, molecular biology, ecology, biochemistry, microbiology, botany, zoology, evolutionary biology, genomics, and biotechnology. Investigates cellular mechanisms, organism development, genetic inheritance, biodiversity conservation, metabolic processes, protein synthesis, DNA sequencing, CRISPR gene editing, stem cell research, and the fundamental principles governing all forms of life on Earth.
Comprehensive medical research, clinical studies, and healthcare sciences focused on disease prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. Encompasses clinical medicine, public health, pharmacology, epidemiology, medical specialties, disease mechanisms, therapeutic interventions, healthcare innovation, precision medicine, telemedicine, medical devices, drug development, clinical trials, patient care, mental health, nutrition science, health policy, and the application of medical science to improve human health, wellbeing, and quality of life across diverse populations.
Comprehensive investigation of human society, behavior, relationships, and social structures through systematic research and analysis. Encompasses psychology, sociology, anthropology, economics, political science, linguistics, education, demography, communications, and social research methodologies. Examines human cognition, social interactions, cultural phenomena, economic systems, political institutions, language and communication, educational processes, population dynamics, and the complex social, cultural, economic, and political forces shaping human societies, communities, and civilizations throughout history and across the contemporary world.
Fundamental study of the non-living natural world, matter, energy, and physical phenomena governing the universe. Encompasses physics, chemistry, earth sciences, atmospheric sciences, oceanography, materials science, and the investigation of physical laws, chemical reactions, geological processes, climate systems, and planetary dynamics. Explores everything from subatomic particles and quantum mechanics to planetary systems and cosmic phenomena, including energy transformations, molecular interactions, elemental properties, weather patterns, tectonic activity, and the fundamental forces and principles underlying the physical nature of reality.
Practical application of scientific knowledge and engineering principles to solve real-world problems and develop innovative technologies. Encompasses all engineering disciplines, technology development, computer science, artificial intelligence, environmental sciences, agriculture, materials applications, energy systems, and industrial innovation. Bridges theoretical research with tangible solutions for infrastructure, manufacturing, computing, communications, transportation, construction, sustainable development, and emerging technologies that advance human capabilities, improve quality of life, and address societal challenges through scientific innovation and technological progress.
Study of the practice, culture, infrastructure, and social dimensions of science itself. Addresses how science is conducted, organized, communicated, and integrated into society. Encompasses research funding mechanisms, scientific publishing systems, peer review processes, academic ethics, science policy, research institutions, scientific collaboration networks, science education, career development, research programs, scientific methods, science communication, and the sociology of scientific discovery. Examines the human, institutional, and cultural aspects of scientific enterprise, knowledge production, and the translation of research into societal benefit.
Comprehensive study of the universe beyond Earth, encompassing celestial objects, cosmic phenomena, and space exploration. Includes astronomy, astrophysics, planetary science, cosmology, space physics, astrobiology, and space technology. Investigates stars, galaxies, planets, moons, asteroids, comets, black holes, nebulae, exoplanets, dark matter, dark energy, cosmic microwave background, stellar evolution, planetary formation, space weather, solar system dynamics, the search for extraterrestrial life, and humanity's efforts to explore, understand, and unlock the mysteries of the cosmos through observation, theory, and space missions.
Comprehensive examination of tools, techniques, methodologies, and approaches used across scientific disciplines to conduct research, collect data, and analyze results. Encompasses experimental procedures, analytical methods, measurement techniques, instrumentation, imaging technologies, spectroscopic methods, laboratory protocols, observational studies, statistical analysis, computational methods, data visualization, quality control, and methodological innovations. Addresses the practical techniques and theoretical frameworks enabling scientists to investigate phenomena, test hypotheses, gather evidence, ensure reproducibility, and generate reliable knowledge through systematic, rigorous investigation across all areas of scientific inquiry.
Study of abstract structures, patterns, quantities, relationships, and logical reasoning through pure and applied mathematical disciplines. Encompasses algebra, calculus, geometry, topology, number theory, analysis, discrete mathematics, mathematical logic, set theory, probability, statistics, and computational mathematics. Investigates mathematical structures, theorems, proofs, algorithms, functions, equations, and the rigorous logical frameworks underlying quantitative reasoning. Provides the foundational language and tools for all scientific fields, enabling precise description of natural phenomena, modeling of complex systems, and the development of technologies across physics, engineering, computer science, economics, and all quantitative sciences.
An international team of researchers has created a detailed genetic map of two sea turtle species, revealing surprising similarities and differences. The study finds that green turtles have evolved more immune-related genes, while leatherbacks have historically lower population levels and reduced genetic diversity.
A study at Nagoya University found that specific neurons in fruit flies process and distinguish between different courtship songs, differing between species. The researchers used calcium imaging to determine how these neurons respond to different courtship songs, finding that the responses varied between species.
Researchers at Lund University identified two areas in the genome that decide whether a willow warbler migrates across the Iberian Peninsula or the Balkans. This discovery sheds light on the genetics behind songbirds' migratory behaviour and has implications for understanding how species adapt to climate change.
A study published in Genome Biology and Evolution found a core genetic toolkit for reproductive division of labor in rudimentary insect societies. The authors identified common genes associated with fundamental social divisions in bees and wasps, suggesting a universal molecular 'theme' for cooperation across species.
Researchers discovered a single protein called Gr8a that plays an inhibitory role in mating decision-making, helping flies avoid inter-breeding with the wrong partner. The findings provide insight into how signal production and perception are tied together, shedding light on pheromone communication.
A new study analyzes the microstructure of eggshells from living and extinct flightless birds, shedding light on their evolutionary history. The research finds that wedge-like microstructures in rhea eggs evolved from ancient ancestors, while prism-like structures in ostrich and tinamous eggs likely developed independently.
A new study by University of California, Berkeley researchers suggests that iconic desert plants came preadapted to stresses of arid living. The rock daisy study found these pioneers developed adaptations on dry, exposed rock outcrops within older areas, making it easier for them to thrive in expanding deserts.
A recent study published in Nature Climate Change has discovered that hybridization between species can help vulnerable populations adapt to climate change. Hybrid populations have been found to contain more genetic diversity, making them less susceptible to extinction due to environmental changes.
A study by UC San Francisco and Stanford Medicine found that removing the oxytocin receptor does not interfere with monogamy or giving birth. Prairie voles bred without receptors for oxytocin showed similar mating, attachment, and parenting behaviors as regular voles.
Researchers from McGill University found that changes in sea levels during the Ice Age affected crocodile gene flow, isolating Caribbean and Pacific populations with distinct genetic mutations. The study reveals the resilience of American crocodiles to climate swings and highlights the need for targeted conservation efforts in Panama.
Researchers uncover mechanism explaining how embryos form larvae or miniature adults, correlating gene activation timing with life cycle evolution.
Researchers uncovered evidence of blue-green algae presence in a German lake dating back 11,000 years, with species diversity increasing significantly after Bronze Age burials. Climate change and industrial agriculture have since accelerated the growth of these toxic algae.
A study published in Evolution found that polygamous birds have higher efficiency of natural selection, leading to fewer harmful mutations and increased genetic diversity in small subsets of species with polygamous females.
Researchers studied cavefish metabolism to understand how humans might adapt over long periods of inactivity, finding genetic changes that enable muscle endurance and efficient energy storage. The study suggests potential implications for understanding and mitigating the negative effects of sedentary lifestyles on human health.
A new study in Scientific Reports identifies four genes associated with whales' massive size, including GHSR, IGFBP7, NCAPG, and PLAG1. These genes promote large body sizes while mitigating potential drawbacks like increased cancer risk.
Researchers have discovered that ancient crocodilian hemoglobin required 21 interconnected mutations to develop its hyper-efficient oxygen-binding properties. This complexity, not found in other vertebrates, enabled crocodilians to exploit their onboard oxygen stores for extended periods underwater.
A study by Rockefeller University scientists found that older male fruit flies are more likely to pass mutations onto their offspring due to less efficient mutation repair mechanisms. This could have implications for inherited-disease risk in humans.
Researchers have decoded the genetic composition of self-incompatibility in grasses, enabling new breeding strategies. The study found that two loci control self-incompatibility, allowing for more diverse populations to be bred.
Deep-sea squat lobsters are reclassified after Harvard researchers discovered five new species, showing wider geographic distribution ranges and shallower genetic diversity. The discovery highlights the importance of molecular data in understanding evolutionary history.
A new study estimates that Madagascar's unique modern mammal species could take 23 million years to evolve if the endangered ones go extinct, highlighting the urgent need for conservation action. The island's biodiversity is threatened by habitat loss and human activities.
Researchers found parallel genomic signatures in urban Anolis cristatellus lizards, which also exhibit physical differences such as longer limbs and larger toe pads. These adaptations enable the lizards to thrive in cities.
Researchers found a novel gene-transfer mechanism in Prochlorococcus that enables the transmission of entire blocks of genes between organisms, even when widely separated. This mechanism, dubbed 'tycheposons,' involves sequences of DNA that can include several genes and are transported by membrane vesicles or hijacked virus particles.
A new study reveals that smallpox originated more than 3,800 years ago, confirming historical sources and shedding light on the disease's history. The researchers used genetic analysis to trace the evolution of the virus, finding that different strains descended from a single common ancestor.
Researchers at Indiana University found that the average age of human conception is around 26.9 years, with fathers averaging 30.7 years and mothers averaging 23.2 years over the past 250,000 years. The study also suggests that the age gap between fathers and mothers has narrowed in recent times.
Scientists have developed a novel metric to analyze the rate of convergent evolution in protein-coding DNA sequences. This approach can reveal which genetic changes are associated with phenotypic traits, shedding light on how species diversify over time.
Researchers compared genetic codes from 62 animals to uncover the story of human body hair loss. The study found that a set of genes and regulatory regions are essential for making hair, and suggests new ways to recover hair after balding or chemotherapy.
Researchers found that zebrafish lacking the baz1b gene exhibit increased sociability, reduced fear, and physical changes similar to those in domesticated species. The study suggests the gene impacts both morphological and behavioral characteristics associated with domestication syndrome.
Researchers at the University of Helsinki found that distinct hybrid wood ant populations evolved independently towards the same direction, indicating predictable outcomes. The study suggests that hybridization can help species cope with a warming climate by combining temperature ranges from both species.
Researchers discovered that radiation damage to paternal DNA is passed on to offspring through a highly error-prone repair mechanism. This leads to structural changes in the paternal chromosomes and causes developmental defects. Histone proteins play a crucial role in shielding damaged chromosomes from accurate repair.
A team of scientists identified 155 new genes that spontaneously arose from tiny sections of the human DNA, some associated with growth defects, muscular dystrophy, and other diseases. These 'microgenes' also play a role in maintaining healthy heart tissue.
A new study by the University of Bath suggests that diving birds like penguins and puffins are more prone to extinction than non-diving birds. The research found that diving evolved independently 14 times and led to a loss of evolutionary diversity in these species.
A new study reveals that certain types of lipids found in ancient fossils are produced by specific living bacteria. By identifying these microorganisms and understanding how they produce the lipids, scientists can create more accurate climate reconstructions. This discovery also sheds light on the early evolution of life on Earth.
The discovery of microRNAs in octopus species reveals a common role in advanced brain development and cognition, linking the evolution of intelligent life. MicroRNAs regulate protein expression, diversifying cell function and enabling complex organisms to perform specialized tasks.
Researchers identified a single protein, FETUA-3, that inhibits a broad spectrum of rattlesnake venom toxins. The discovery may lead to the development of improved snake bite treatments and novel therapeutic options.
Research at the University of British Columbia found that intensive agriculture has driven rapid evolutionary change in waterhemp, a North American native plant, turning it into a problematic weed. The study compared genetic samples from modern farms and historical specimens to track evolution over two centuries.
A recent study found that Denisovan DNA sequences near immune-related genes in modern Papuans regulate their activity, affecting how people respond to infections. The research suggests that Denisovan DNA contributed to the adaptation of early modern humans living in New Guinea and nearby islands.
A study found that genetic variants near ERAP2 and TICAM2 provided protection against Yersinia pestis, the bacterium responsible for the Black Death. These variants were also associated with improved detection and resistance to other pathogens, but at a cost: increased risk of autoimmune disorders like Crohn's disease.
A husband-and-wife research team at UC Riverside found a simpler gene network is involved in specifying the gut in nematodes related to Caenorhabditis elegans. The discovery was made possible by the COVID-19 pandemic, which freed up time for the researchers to explore their question of how nematodes develop their gut.
Researchers discovered a new ancient branch of life, Provora, comprising microbial predators that nibble prey to death. These microbes, called nibblerids and nebulids, were found in marine habitats globally and differ by 170-180 nucleotides from all other living things.
A new study pinpoints the first-ever domestication of cats to nearly 10,000 years ago in the Fertile Crescent region. Genetic analysis reveals that humans' transition from hunter-gatherers to farmers sparked the bond between humans and rodents-eating cats, leading to their migration with humans worldwide.
A group of biologists is exploring the potential of seed banks, frozen zoos, gene editing, and assisted gene flow to create second chances for species affected by climate change. By understanding local adaptation strategies, conservationists can design more effective conservation actions.
A simple breeding experiment identified genes that promote cooperation and higher yields in plant populations. Plants with specific alleles were found to produce 15% more biomass when grown in close proximity, while reducing root competition.
A study finds that microbial communities can rapidly respond to temperature fluctuations by re-activating latent species adapted to thrive at different temperatures. This 'species sorting' mechanism allows communities to survive in response to changing environmental conditions.
A study published in the Journal of Archaeological Science reveals that a domestic dog lived in the Palaeolithic period 17,000 years ago in the Erralla cave in the Basque Country. The bone remains identified as Canis lupus familiaris, making it one of Europe's most ancient domestic dogs.
Researchers at Uppsala University have discovered a crucial DNA sequence in jawed vertebrates that plays a major role in shaping the joint surfaces during embryonic development. This finding has significant implications for understanding the evolution of vertebrate jaws, which is believed to have occurred around 423 million years ago.
A team of scientists found that bats have multiple copies of the PKR gene, allowing them to develop an antiviral repertoire. This adaptation enables bats to defend themselves against a wide range of viruses.
A global analysis of matches and mismatches between human genetic and linguistic histories found that populations often shift to neighboring languages despite genetic differences. This suggests that giving up one's language isn't difficult, but preserving original linguistic identity is rare despite genetic assimilation.
A large-scale analysis of over 2,700 species of anurans reveals that the vertebral stripe evolves repeatedly and is adaptive to the animal's habitat. The study identifies a key gene linked to the stripe pattern, which may allow species to adapt to environmental changes.
A study reveals that porcini mushrooms have evolved in different ways across the globe, with local ecological factors playing a stronger role in maintaining genetic distinctiveness than genetic flow. The findings challenge traditional notions of species development and suggest multiple evolutionary strategies for this organism.
A new web-based tool called Taxonium is helping scientists track the evolution of SARS-CoV-2 and other viruses by analyzing massive genetic datasets. The analysis reveals that COVID-19 variants worldwide are repeatedly evolving the same mutations, suggesting a convergent evolutionary process.
Scientists have identified a single 28-million-year-old receptor gene that allows plants to recognize and respond to caterpillar peptides, a common threat. This ancient gene has evolved over time, with some plant species losing it, and its reintroduction through breeding or genetic engineering could protect crops against failure.
Researchers have developed a tool that maps breast cancer growth and highlights the role of surrounding cells in controlling disease spread. The new technology provides insights into cancer evolution, genetics, and environmental interactions.
A genetic variant associated with a 10-15% reduction in fat storage has been identified in 60% of Europeans. Researchers studied the effect of this variant in mice and found it to be linked to leanness, highlighting the complex interplay between genetics and obesity.
Researchers identified a genetic variant that predisposes people to being slim, carried by 60% of Europeans. The variant affects the amount of fat stored in the body and is associated with the biochemical signalling pathway that tells cells what nutrients are available.
Researchers have published seven draft genomes for Nordic hare species, including three heath hares with distinct grey/blue winter pelage. The findings suggest the heath hare colonized Scandinavia from the south after the last ice age, diverging from the mountain hare population.
A new study found that large river dams are significant barriers to platypus movements, leading to increased genetic differentiation and vulnerability to threats. This restriction of movement limits gene flow between groups, making separate populations more susceptible to inbreeding depression and loss of adaptive genetic variation.
Researchers used DNA from two ancient human individuals to unravel the deep demographic history of South America, providing new genetic evidence supporting existing archaeological data. They also discovered migrations along the Atlantic coast for the first time and found evidence of Neanderthal ancestry within ancient genomes.
Researchers at CSHL have created genetic blueprints for two types of groundcherry, which can guide plant geneticists in unlocking their potential. The new models also uncovered a gene essential for inflated calyx development, shedding light on the evolutionary process behind this unique trait.
Scientists discovered that ancient fish favored cold, dark waters of the deep sea, challenging the assumption that shallow habitats have always been diverse. The study revealed three major events that drove speciation rates in the deep sea, including the breakup of Pangea and the Cretaceous Hot Greenhouse period.
Researchers from Trinity College Dublin have identified several new species of sunbirds, including the Wakatobi Sunbird, found on tiny Indonesian islands. The study reveals unique evolutionary processes and adds to our understanding of the importance of biodiversity in this region.