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.
Researchers analyzed DNA from 13 Neandertals, finding evidence of a close-knit community with 10-20 individuals. Genetic data suggests that female migration played a key role in maintaining the group's cohesion, contradicting previous theories about male-dominated movements.
Researchers have discovered a family of selfish genes, wtf, that have survived for over 100 million years in yeast, contradicting established beliefs on their longevity. These 'killer meiotic drivers' transmit themselves to half of offspring and destroy reproductive cells without being suppressed by natural selection.
Researchers analyzed DNA from victims and survivors of the Black Death to identify genetic differences that determined who lived and died. The study found four genes involved in immune defense against pathogens, with versions of these genes linked to increased susceptibility to autoimmune diseases.
Scientists are conducting a first-of-its-kind study to investigate the origin of psychedelic compounds in fungi, including psilocybin found in 'magic mushrooms'. The research aims to understand the evolution of these compounds and their potential applications in medicine and conservation.
Genetic and genomic technologies can protect marine life by identifying illegally harvested seafood products and monitoring disease outbreaks. Assisted evolution and synthetic biology could also benefit ocean ecosystems by introducing beneficial species or manufacturing products in the lab.
A new dataset provides an unprecedented insight into the Arctic Ocean's biological life, revealing a year's worth of microbial communities and their responses to climate change. The EcoOmics dataset aims to guide conservation efforts and provide evidence for novel biology that may influence our understanding of evolution on Earth.
Researchers found that horizontal gene transfer can accelerate bacterial adaptation under most growth conditions, but not all. By analyzing the fitness effects of gene transfer, they can predict when it will provide an advantage.
Researchers at the University of Zurich have successfully decoded the genome of Aldabrachelys gigantea, one of the world's two remaining giant tortoise species. The reference genome provides crucial information for breeding programs in zoos to represent genetic diversity and conservation efforts across East Africa and Madagascar.
Researchers from University of Konstanz discovered a new species of cichlid fishes in Nicaraguan crater lake Xiloá through genetic hybridization. The hybrids exhibit transgressive traits and occupy a unique ecological niche, outcompeting parental species for food resources.
Researchers identified 49 plant genes transferred to the silverleaf whitefly genome, including genes neutralizing toxins produced by plants as a defense mechanism. This discovery opens up new research opportunities for innovative pest control methods based on plant breeding, potentially reducing pesticide use.
Researchers uncover previously unknown lineage of wild goats over 10,000 years old in the Taurus Mountains of southern Turkey. The discovery sheds light on the region's faunal history and highlights the impact of climate change and human activity on ancient populations.
This study reveals genetic insights into artificial selection and ecological adaptation in silkworms, identifying 468 domestication-associated genes and 198 improvement-associated genes. The pangenome dataset also sheds light on the origins of domesticated silkworms and their economic traits.
A large wingless wood-eating cockroach unique to Australia's Lord Howe Island has been rediscovered at the foot of a single Banyan tree. The species was thought extinct since the 1930s, but its genetic difference from offshore relatives suggests it may have survived due to co-evolution with ground-dwelling insects.
Researchers found the moths originated from the Baja Peninsula and Arizona, with a new subspecies discovered in western North America. The study recommends using synthetic pheromones to control the invasive pest.
A study published in Science found that more than one-tenth of the world's terrestrial genetic diversity may already be lost due to climate change and habitat destruction. This could have serious implications for species' ability to adapt to climate change, highlighting the need for urgent conservation efforts.
A new computer program, ExtRaINSIGHT, has been developed to track harmful mutations in the human genome throughout evolution. The study found three regions of the genome that are extremely sensitive to mutations, including splice sites, miRNA molecules, and central nervous system genes.
Brown algae's unique pigments have evolved through a complex genetic pathway, enabling them to harness more light energy than green plants. This discovery could lead to insights into fucoxanthin's health applications and improved photosynthetic efficiency for biofuels production.
A recent genetic study has found that three-quarters of the Early Medieval population in Eastern England was comprised of migrants originating from Continental regions bordering the North Sea. These migrants intermarried with local populations, but integration varied greatly from region to region.
Researchers deciphered the diversity and evolution of nerve and gland cell types in sea anemones, revealing common progenitor populations and conserved regulatory mechanisms. The study highlights a remarkable ability of sea anemones to maintain neural balance throughout their lives.
Research found that human brain hemispheres have distinct functional patterns, with regions on the left and right sides specialized for different tasks. Individual differences in these arrangements were heritable, suggesting genetic influence, while environmental factors also play a role. The study also compared humans to monkeys, find...
Researchers produced human and chimpanzee brain organoids to investigate the role of ARHGAP11B in brain evolution. The study found that the gene is essential for neocortex development, with its absence or inhibition leading to decreased levels of critical brain stem cells.
A new study finds that lab adaptation involves mutations to highly conserved proteins, but natural adaptation exhibits more complex patterns, including non-conservation within functional domains. Lab conditions differ significantly from natural environments with variable and changing selective pressures.
A new study from Harvard University identifies the genes and genetic sequences that orchestrate the formation of the human pelvis during pregnancy. The research shows that key pelvic features form around 6- to 8-week mark, including a curved and basin-like shape.
Researchers at Stockholm University solved the mystery of the supergene responsible for distylous flowers with differing lengths of male and female sexual organs. The study reveals that the supergene itself varied in length, with a dominant form containing about 260,000 base pairs of DNA.
Research suggests that COVID-19 patients can transmit viruses with multiple genetic sequences simultaneously, which may impact the development of new variants. This complex sequence diversity highlights the need for continued research into the evolution and transmission of SARS-CoV-2.
Researchers found that modern human brains produce more neurons than Neandertal brains, particularly in the frontal lobe, due to a single amino acid substitution in the TKTL1 protein. This increase is attributed to changes in metabolism and membrane lipid synthesis.
Threespine stickleback fish evolved resistance to freshwater tapeworms by forming scar tissue around them, which prevents the worms from growing. However, this defense has a significant fitness cost for female sticklebacks, as they are 80% less likely to successfully breed due to the accumulated scarring.
Researchers have identified eight new species of tiny brown geckos in Madagascar's rainforests, expanding our understanding of their distribution and evolution. The discovery highlights the importance of continued sampling across the region to uncover new species.
A new study reveals that the emergence of a new gene called PGBD1 is linked to the evolution of a new structure in nerve cells. PGBD1 controls paraspeckles, tiny structures that act like traps for RNAs and proteins, and its regulation is crucial for nerve cell development.
Two papers published in Nature Plants unveil the first full-length genomes for homosporous ferns, a group containing 99% of modern fern diversity. The Ceratopteris genome suggests that ferns stole genes from bacteria for anti-herbivory toxins.
Researchers found that corals can pass somatic mutations to their offspring, which increases genetic diversity and provides a potential route for evolutionary adaptation. The discovery challenges conventional wisdom on the role of reproductive cells in evolution.
Researchers identified a group of Ashkenazi Jews who fell victim to antisemitic violence during the 12th century, shedding new light on Jewish medical history in Europe. The study suggests that a bottleneck event shaped the modern-day Ashkenazi Jewish population prior to the 12th century, earlier than previously believed.
Researchers identified 15 instances of mucinization, where new mucins emerged from non-mucin proteins by adding repeating sequences. This process transformed the proteins into mucins with gooey consistency, contributing to their various biological functions.
A new study sheds light on the ancestry of manatees, tracing their evolution back 47 million years to northern Africa. The research suggests that modern manatees migrated from South America to the Caribbean and North America around 34 million years ago, with some species thriving in communities for millions of years.
Researchers successfully produced mice with novel and sustainable karyotypes, mimicking evolutionary changes on a million-year scale. Chromosome-level engineering enables insight into how rearrangements influence evolution and potentially correct misaligned chromosomes.
A new study at the University of Helsinki reveals how the actin cytoskeleton in cells is controlled in an evolutionarily distant Leishmania parasite. The findings provide tools to combat leishmaniasis and trypanosomiasis by exploiting structural differences between parasite and human actins.
Scientists reconstruct evolution of complex multicellular organisms using genomic data and computational models, revealing gradual changes that began early in evolution. The research reveals distinct paths taken by animal and fungal lineages, shedding light on their shared eukaryotic supergroup.
Researchers found that genetic makeup of mice affects bacteria in their gut, with heritable species and co-evolution observed. The study's findings could provide new insights into treating human gut-related conditions like Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD).
The University of Guam is conducting a four-person research team's study on the genetics of corals from the Northern Mariana Islands to understand coral population connections, diversity, and adaptations. The study aims to identify potential reserves for declining reefs and assess the impact of warming waters.
A new DNA extraction technique has enabled researchers to analyze genetically diverse mollusc species from museum collections, shedding light on their evolutionary history and informing conservation management. The method's success opens up novel research avenues, particularly for endangered or never-before-seen-alive molluscs.
Bacteria in the Neisseriaceae family evolved to divide along their longitudinal axis without separating, forming caterpillar-like filaments that aid in attachment and cooperation. This unique strategy helps them survive in the oral cavity, where competition is high.
The winning image depicts a parasitic fungus infecting a fly, while other images showcase the relationships between species, biodiversity under threat, and research in action. The competition highlights the intersection of art and science, celebrating ecologists' creativity to protect the natural world.
A new paper in The Quarterly Review of Biology reviews studies on workload distribution and division of labor to better understand individual differences in cooperation. The authors argue that integrating collective action and offspring care literatures could lead to a deeper understanding of these factors.
A team of researchers developed a deep learning pipeline to analyze vascular system images of plants with high accuracy. The pipeline can detect vascular bundles, identify specific zones, and perform statistical analysis of traits in different stem internodes. This study has the potential to improve crop resilience and food security.
Researchers at the University of California San Diego have developed a precision-guided sterile insect technique (pgSIT) to control invasive fruit fly populations. The technology uses CRISPR editing to target key genes in female viability and male fertility, resulting in a fertility dead end for the species.
A new study reveals that four living amphibian clades, including the dominant Plethodontidae family of lungless salamanders, develop lungs as embryos but lose them as adults. This finding sheds light on the evolution of lung loss over millions of years and suggests that losing lungs may have enabled their remarkable evolutionary success.
A Texas A&M AgriLife Research project investigates the ages-long interaction between parasitic lice and mammal species, including humans. The researchers aim to answer why various louse species parasitize specific hosts and what makes these species good hosts.
A new study found that 'gaps' within DNA protein and sequence alignments can provide valuable information about nucleotide and amino acid substitutions. The finding is particularly relevant for studying distantly related species.
A newly identified species of Liberibacter, a family of bacteria known for causing citrus greening disease, is rapidly evolving its ability to infect insect hosts. The research team found 21 genes associated with infectious qualities and identified mutations affecting pilus proteins that allow the bacteria to move into host insects.
Scientists have gained insight into how evolution takes place and how several species evolved from a single one by studying trees found in the Galapagos Islands. The research revealed genetic variations associated with vascular development, growth, adaptation to salinity, and flowering time.
Researchers found 87 genes affected by deletions or short insertions in the woolly mammoth genome, potentially impacting its adaptability to cold environments. These changes may have contributed to unique traits such as fur growth and hair shape.
A self-pollinating monkeyflower plant lost 13-24% of its genetic variation within nine generations when isolated from bumble bees. This rapid loss of genetic variation could have devastating impacts on the plant's ability to adapt to changing environments, highlighting the importance of pollinators for plant survival.
A new study found that ageing desexualizes the Drosophila brain transcriptome, causing both males and females to exhibit reduced gene expression differences. This effect is larger in males than females, indicating a weaker investment in sexual behaviors as they age.
A recent study has revealed that the great current diversity of eukaryotes is largely due to the large number of habitat transitions between sea and land over millions of years. Microbial eukaryotes have made hundreds of leaps from one habitat to another, allowing them to occupy vacant ecological niches.
A study of wild baboons in southern Kenya found that most carry traces of hybridization in their DNA, with about a third of their genetic makeup coming from another species. However, new genetic evidence reveals that some borrowed genes came at a cost, affecting the hybrids' survival and reproduction.
Researchers observed a decline in blue and yellow colouration among two blue tit populations over 15 years due to rising temperatures and falling rainfall. This change may affect mating patterns as traits like coloration serve as signals to indicate quality.
A research team uncovered the secret of powdery mildew's success by comparing genetic compositions of 172 strains from 13 countries on five continents. The pathogen was introduced to new regions through human migration and trade, undergoing hybridization with local species to form better-adapted hybrids.
Researchers investigate how foraging adaptations affect Arctic charr resilience to climate change. The team aims to develop a framework linking genetic and malleable components of feeding trait diversity to population demography, habitat, and eco-evolutionary potential.
Researchers uncover the 'cortex' gene responsible for leaf mimicry in Kallima butterflies, revealing a complex interplay between genetics and environmental pressures. The study provides insights into the evolution of this remarkable adaptation and its potential applications in understanding biodiversity.
Scientists discovered that ancient eelgrass migration and Pleistocene ice ages left lasting signatures in their DNA, impacting size, structure, and community composition. Genetic legacy played a stronger role than the present-day environment in determining these traits.