Research on how genomes change over time. Covers hidden DNA structure, chromosome bursts in cancer, plant pangenomes, and microbial adaptation.
Researchers sequenced over 1,000 stick insect genomes to study early phases of speciation, finding that genetic differences across the genome are crucial for distinguishing between species. The study suggests that rapid reversals of speciation can occur when distinct species cross paths again.
A University of Wyoming researcher and her team have discovered that the rapid evolution of Lake Victoria cichlids was facilitated by earlier hybridization between two distantly related species. This phenomenon has resulted in over 700 species of fish evolving in just 150,000 years.
A team of researchers from Universitêl Laval cast doubt on the idea that genetic redundancy makes organisms more resilient to genetic perturbations. They found that paralogous genes in bread yeast were more often necessary for cellular function than previously thought, highlighting a potential vulnerability to mutations.
A new study found that most vertebrate genomes exhibit dynamic behavior, with some species losing and gaining DNA over time. This study provides the first comprehensive comparison of warm-blooded vertebrates, revealing surprising similarities between birds and mammals.
A four-year genetic research effort has mapped the major landmarks in the evolution of dinoflagellates, a key species in the environment. The study found that nonphotosynthetic dinoflagellates have retained vital metabolic functions and could lead to a better understanding of bioluminescence and toxic algal blooms.
A new method for filtering genetic study results has been developed to refine understanding of preterm birth risk factors. The technique, known as evolutionary triangulation, uses ancestry patterns to identify key genes involved in preterm birth.
Researchers used comparative genomics to study the giant panda and red panda, revealing 70 adaptively convergent genes involved in limb development, digestion, and pseudogenization. These findings provide insights into the genetic mechanisms underlying phenotype convergence in these species.
New research reveals that retroviruses, including HIV, have been present on Earth for at least 450 million years, originating together with vertebrate hosts in the early Paleozoic era. This finding sheds light on the evolutionary history of these medically important viruses and their ongoing interactions with host immunity.
A new study reveals that no single model or common molecular toolkit exists behind the diverse array of mollusk shells. Instead, each species has evolved its own 'shell secretome' through a combination of co-opting existing genes and rapid evolution of novel genes.
A recent genome study has identified a 'gray zone' of animals that are in the process of transitioning from one to two species. This zone is characterized by intermediate molecular divergence and semi-permeable genomes, where some genes are freely exchanged between populations.
The study provides a detailed genome sequence of the gulf pipefish, which can be used as a reference for other labs to follow. The genome reveals genetic changes responsible for the evolution of unique features in the species, including its ability to gestate embryos.
Researchers are sequencing the genome of an ancient apple tree that inspired Isaac Newton's discovery of gravity. The study aims to understand how technological advancements have affected the evolution of apples over the past 350 years.
Scientists analyzed hundreds of viral genome sequences to identify evolutionary patterns in rabies viruses that jump between host species. The study found unique trends in bat-related and dog-related rabies strains, suggesting different evolution rates and host jumping mechanisms.
Researchers sequenced the Iberian lynx genome, finding extreme erosion of its DNA and low genetic diversity. This limits its ability to adapt to environmental changes, with multiple potentially harmful genetic variants identified.
A international research collaboration sequenced the entire seahorse genome, revealing gene losses and duplications that enabled specialized traits such as male pregnancy and armored body. The study provides insights into evolutionary mechanisms driving biodiversity.
A Chinese research group found that the Tibetan Mastiff's high-altitude adaptation is due to interbreeding with the Tibet grey wolf, introducing a DNA swap at two genomic hotspots. This process shares similarities with human evolution, highlighting ancient interbreeding as a key factor in adaptations.
The ginkgo genome reveals extensive expansion of gene families for defensive mechanisms against pathogens and insects, as well as unique traits such as transposable elements. The sequence provides a genetic resource for studying early events in tree evolution and the history of demography and distribution.
A new international collaboration has reconstructed the tree of life for Rosaceae and found strong evidence for whole genome duplications contributing to fruit diversity. The study suggests that enlarged and fleshy fruits likely evolved through two distinct ways, resulting in a wide range of fruit types across the 3,000 known species.
A new Illinois study makes detailed predictions about an intriguing mechanism of genomic evolution. The researchers modeled the interaction between Alu and L1 elements as a stochastic process, predicting oscillations similar to predator-prey interactions.
A new bioinformatics tool has revealed that the evolution of white rot wood decay strategies in fungi involves a general elaboration of the decay apparatus, including numerous enzymes with unknown functions. The study found 409 genes associated with white rot wood decay, shedding light on the complexity of this process.
A recent study on two echolocating bat species found a contraction of smell receptors and loss of vision-related genes, indicating evolutionary trade-offs. The research also revealed genetic adaptations associated with high altitudes in the great leaf-nosed bats.
The Amur leopard genome sequence reveals that a meat-only diet leads to physiological, biochemical, and morphological adaptations. This finding has implications for the species' conservation status, as specialized diets result in low genetic diversity and small population sizes among cat family members.
The study reveals a striking pattern of genome duplication in the African clawed frog, which arose through interspecific hybridizations between 15-20 million years ago. The research has significant implications for understanding human conditions and diseases, as well as applications in regenerative therapy.
Scientists have sequenced the entire genome of Xenopus laevis, an African clawed frog that inherited two sets of chromosomes from different species. The study provides insights into vertebrate evolution and sheds light on how tetraploidy emerged in animals.
Researchers found a genetic mutation responsible for the loss of limb formation instructions in snakes, which are unable to form limbs. By restoring the missing DNA sequence in mice, scientists demonstrated that snakes' inability to form limbs is due to a critical stretch of DNA involved in limb growth.
University of Florida researchers found a trio of mutations in a genetic switch that controls limb development, leading to the loss of legs in snakes. The study reveals that pythons and boa constrictors retain rudimentary leg structures, while completely limbless snakes show more extensive decay of the Sonic hedgehog enhancer.
The African clawed frog X. laevis genome contains nearly double the number of chromosomes as its related species, a result of whole genome duplication and polyploidy. The study reveals that the genome is comprised of two distinct sets of chromosomes from two extinct ancestors.
Scientists sequenced the entire genome of Xenopus laevis, revealing it inherited two sets of chromosomes from different diploid ancestors. The discovery provides insights into vertebrate evolution and tetraploidy, a phenomenon where an organism has four sets of chromosomes.
A new species of plant, Gastrodia kuroshimensis, has been discovered in Japan, exhibiting unique characteristics of non-photosynthesis and cleistogamy. This discovery provides an opportunity to investigate the ecological significance and evolutionary history of complete cleistogamy.
Researchers found that a small fraction of phosphosites remain conserved across species, while new sites are rapidly evolved. This suggests that changes in protein regulation can quickly generate diversity in response to environmental conditions.
Researchers have demonstrated that horizontal gene transfer may play a major role in compensating for genome reduction in endosymbionts. This process involves the acquisition of genes from neighboring bacteria through horizontal gene transfer, which fills gaps in organelle-localized biosynthetic pathways.
Researchers have solved the mystery of how Paulinella, an amoeba, engulfed a bacterium and harnessed its genes for photosynthesis. The study reveals that microbial genomes can move genes between organisms according to need, and that this process allows for adaptation and evolution.
The tarsier genome analysis confirms that tarsiers belong to the dry-nosed primate category, sharing recent transposon families with humans and bushbabies. The study also identified 192 genes linked to the tarsiers' unique traits, which may be associated with human diseases.
Researchers at Ben-Gurion University of the Negev have discovered a unique genetic basis for autism that may enable earlier diagnosis. The study found distinct genomic characteristics and evolutionary forces shaping autism genes, which could help identify new candidate genes.
A new analysis of over a thousand fossil fishes reveals that holosteans were as evolutionarily innovative as teleosts, and perhaps even more so. The study, led by the University of Pennsylvania's John Clarke, challenges the traditional view of teleosts' success story.
A new study examining the genetic history of eczema finds that a key genetic variant strongly associated with the disorder has no apparent adaptive value. The research suggests that the variant may have simply endured due to chance rather than providing any survival or reproductive benefits.
Researchers studied rates of mutation in a range of organisms and found that males contribute more genetic mutations than females. This male mutation bias may arise from errors in DNA replication and is critical for understanding disease-associated mutations.
The study found that balancing selection increases immune system gene diversity, which leads to a higher frequency of harmful gene variants. This suggests that our genetic adaptation to new pathogens comes at a cost, allowing some high-risk gene variants to persist in the population.
Researchers have reconstructed the first high-quality genome of the Justinianic strain of Yersinia pestis, shedding light on the evolutionary history of the plague bacterium. The study provides new insights into the genetic diversity of the pathogen and its human impact.
Recent studies on plant polyploidy have shed light on its significance in shaping plant diversity and ecology. The special issue in American Journal of Botany highlights the latest developments and research in the field, including the origins of polyploidy, evolutionary consequences, and impacts on plant ecology.
A single mutated gene, SNORD118, has been found to cause leukoencephalopathy with calcification and cysts (LCC), a progressive white matter degeneration in the brain. This discovery opens up possibilities for genetic testing and future treatments.
A recent Field Museum study using comparative genomic analysis has challenged the long-standing Red Queen Theory by revealing that mutualistic ant species evolve at a higher rate than their non-mutualistic counterparts. This discovery suggests that these species face an additional selective pressure due to their symbiotic relationships.
A study published in Nature found that the majority of new genetic mutations in E. coli bacteria are beneficial and occur at variable rates, contrary to previous assumptions. This discovery has implications for treating bacterial infections and may impact personalized medicine.
Researchers sequenced whole genomes and epigenomes of 1,001 Arabidopsis plants to illuminate evolutionary history and interaction between genetic and epigenetic variation. The study found that approximately 25% of genes exhibit diversity in their methylation state, with correlations to climate and geographic location.
A study reveals that viruses have driven protein adaptation in humans and other mammals, with 30% of all protein adaptations since humans' divergence from chimpanzees being influenced by viruses. This discovery sheds light on the impact of viruses on cellular machinery and could lead to new therapeutic leads against viral threats.
A new study shows that the planktonic organism Oikopleura dioica has lost most of its genes related to retinoic acid metabolism, a vital molecule for vertebrate physiology and embryonic development. This finding challenges the idea that evolution always requires more complexity or number of genes in living beings.
A team of researchers has sequenced the complete genome of the olive tree, a species domesticated over 6,000 years ago. The findings reveal over 56,000 genes and provide insights into the tree's evolution, longevity, and adaptability to environmental conditions.
A recent study found that balancing selection can increase the frequency of harmful mutations in non-HLA genes within the MHC region. This mechanism may contribute to the prevalence of heritable diseases. The research team used DNA sequencing data from 6,500 individuals to test this hypothesis.
A team of researchers at Oxford University has identified four genes that play a crucial role in early human development. These genes, known as Argfx, Leutx, Dprx and Tprx, are activated for an extremely brief period, when the embryo is a tiny ball of 8-16 cells. They then switch off, controlling the 'first gear' of embryonic growth.
Scientists at KIT discovered that the synchronized repair of two single-strand breaks consistently leads to tandem duplications of shorter sequences near the break locations. Using CRISPR/Cas system like molecular scissors, they found a new mechanism for the formation of tandem repeat DNA sequences in plant genomes.
A recent study by Maria Chikina and Nathan Clark found that during three major independent evolutionary events, mammals returned to the sea, involving many genetic trade-offs. The researchers identified hundreds of genes affected, including those involved in sensory systems, muscle function, skin, and metabolism.
Researchers at the University of Illinois have observed transposon activity in real-time using fluorescent microscopy. The study reveals that jumping gene activation is dependent on environmental factors such as food availability.
A study published in Molecular Biology and Evolution identifies ultraconserved elements (UCEs) essential for animal development. Researchers found that UCEs act as hubs to allow genome access for multiple proteins, contributing to the extreme DNA sequence conservation observed.
Researchers analyzed genome sequences of fungi to understand their environmental response mechanisms. They found that whole-genome duplication led to the development of specialized genes enabling refined signal perception, which could aid in natural control of metabolic processes and biofuels production.
Researchers Richard Benton and Ben Lehner received the 2016 EMBO Gold Medal for their groundbreaking work on insect olfaction and developmental biology. They discovered novel genes in odorant receptors, shedding light on the evolution of scent perception, and revealed stochastic variances in gene expression driving phenotypic diversity.
The study reveals dozens of genes that allow corals to coordinate their response to environmental changes and explains the origin of hard skeleton-forming genes. The database will help researchers understand which coral species may survive or succumb to climate change.
Researchers at UT Austin detected a rare event of intron gain in the genome, which could expand our understanding of gene expression and its impact on diseases like cancer. The study found that only two instances of intron addition occurred over nearly half a trillion attempts.
A UCL-led study identifies five genes controlling nose and chin shape, providing new insights into human face evolution and potential forensics applications. The study analyzed over 6,000 individuals with varied ancestry and found specific genes influencing facial features.
The study discovered 70 genes that show multiple signs of adaptation, including unique amino-acid-sequence substitutions and positive natural selection. These adaptations are linked to the development of the giraffe's cardiovascular system, blood pressure, and long neck and legs.
Scientists have identified 91 novel microRNAs in the dog genome, which can help understand their role in regulating gene expression and potentially lead to breakthroughs in human diseases. The discovery provides a significant opportunity for future studies on biomedicine, evolution, and animal domestication.