Research on how genomes change over time. Covers hidden DNA structure, chromosome bursts in cancer, plant pangenomes, and microbial adaptation.
Researchers exposed small worms to artificial climate change, finding that a half-degree warmer soil caused rapid genome changes. The study provides insight into evolution's ability to adapt to climate change, suggesting it may be more resilient than previously thought.
Researchers discovered that entire sets of maternal and paternal chromosomes can segregate into different cells in embryonic development, leading to chimeric embryos. This finding provides a new mechanism for chimerism and may improve embryo selection approaches for IVF preimplantation genetic diagnosis.
The Mount Sinai Hospital and Sage Bionetworks conducted a genome study of over 589,000 adults to identify individuals resistant to severe Mendelian childhood diseases. Thirteen healthy people with associated genetic variants were found, but limitations in the original studies' informed consent policies hinder further analysis.
Researchers analyzed 16 ant species to understand queen-worker differences, finding conserved gene sets associated with traits like queen numbers and worker sterility. This study provides insight into the evolution of gene expression across ant species.
Researchers found thousands of APOBEC-induced, clustered mutations in hominid genomes, leading to accelerated evolutionary changes. These mutations were predominantly in transcriptionally active regions and resulted in amino acid substitutions.
Researchers at Cornell University and Bar-Ilan University discovered a novel mechanism for mutation in primates triggered by the APOBEC family of virus-fighting enzymes. These enzymes can rapidly generate large changes in genes through 'friendly fire' events, which may have been passed on to subsequent generations.
A team of scientists has successfully assembled and analyzed the genetic code of the Y chromosome in malaria mosquitoes for the first time. The research reveals that the Y chromosome consists mainly of repetitive sequences with few genes, and may have crossed species boundaries.
Research resolves debate on gene interactions and adaptation by showing that the long-term response can be predicted in two scenarios: when genetic drift or selection dominate. Epistasis affects long-term response only if it changes sign during adaptation, regardless of initial trait variance components.
A new approach to sequence and assemble primate genomes has been developed using longer sequence reads. This technology has enabled the discovery of missing genes and genetic variation in Western lowland gorillas, providing new biological insights into a living species closely related to humans.
Scientists have assembled the gorilla genome using PacBio's long-read SMRT sequencing, achieving a 150-fold improvement over previous assemblies. The new assembly recovers nearly all missing sequence and provides additional euchromatic sequence, enabling researchers to study biological mechanisms and traits.
A vegetarian diet may have permanently shaped the human genome, favoring a mutation that regulates fatty acid production. This mutation is more frequent in Indian populations with primarily plant-based diets compared to traditional American meat-eaters.
Researchers sequenced Zika virus genomes from Brazil to estimate a single entry point into the Americas, likely between May and December 2013. This timing correlates with major cultural events and increased air travel from Zika-endemic regions.
A new study finds that genetic changes in bacteria have enabled them to develop resistance to copper's antibacterial properties. This increased resistance poses an infection risk for people, particularly in areas with high copper use, such as animal feed and hospital equipment.
A study published in Genome Biology and Evolution sequenced the genome of Metaseiulus occidentalis, a predatory mite widely used to control plant pests. The research revealed completely atomized Hox genes and superdynamic intron evolution, highlighting the unique biology of this agriculturally important predator.
The Spotted Gar genome is a small and manageable genome that has conserved its genetic material over time, making it an out-group for evolutionary studies. The study reveals the conservation of key genes involved in enamel formation, providing clues to the evolutionary history of gene families and their role in human complex diseases.
Researchers uncovered a group of retroviruses called ERV-Fc that affected 28 out of 50 modern mammal ancestors, spreading across every continent except Antarctica and Australia. The study also reveals patterns of evolutionary change and gene exchange between these viruses and other pathogens.
A University of Kansas researcher is questioning traditional methods for defining species by studying the genetic basis for species differences in lizards. He found that variation in dewlap colors and patterns, previously used to separate subspecies, were not a reliable sign of underlying genetic differences.
A genome sequencing project has identified the spotted gar as a genetically sound bridge between zebrafish and humans, enabling advancements in biomedical research on human diseases. The gar's genome retains ancestral characteristics lost by other fishes or humans, making it an evolutionary repository of ancient genetic materials.
Researchers at the University of British Columbia identified a common ancestral gene that enabled the evolution of advanced life over a billion years ago. This gene, found in all complex organisms, encodes for protein kinases that allowed cells to become larger and transfer information more rapidly.
Researchers at USC found that just two sites on the mouse genome control about half of the size variation between bacula, a crucial discovery for understanding bone development and diseases. The study also suggests that only a few genetic tweaks can have an enormous impact on the overall size and shape of the baculum.
A new study reveals that genetic variants associated with musical aptitude are linked to ear function, language development, memory, and brain reward mechanism. The findings suggest a common evolutionary origin between music and language.
Mitochondrial genes are retained to build organelle structure, resist damage from free radicals, and facilitate energy production. This design allows mitochondria to withstand the extreme environment and maintain their independence from the nucleus.
A bioinformatics error affected the results, overestimating the genetic impact. The corrected study reveals extensive Eurasian admixture only in Eastern Africa.
Researchers found genetic evidence of interbreeding between Neanderthals and modern humans, occurring around 100,000 years ago. This event likely occurred when some modern humans left Africa early and mixed with Neanderthals.
Researchers assembled largest mammalian phylogenomic dataset to test models of molecular evolution and confirm findings that Atlantogenata is the sister group to all other placentals. The study resolves the controversy over placental mammal family tree, revealing that Afrotheria and Xenarthra diverged from each other around 90 million ...
The bed bug's genome shows significant changes in receptor types for smell and taste, leading to increased resistance to pesticides. The decoded genome also reveals insights into the species' evolution from bat parasite to human feeder, highlighting genetic adaptations for chemosensation and traumatic reproduction.
A new IU study employs genome-wide sequencing to analyze the evolutionary mechanisms driving genetic divergence in 13 species of wild tomatoes. The research reveals three major genetic strategies behind tomato's ability to adapt to ecological change, including recruitment, introgression, and de novo evolution.
A new study of wild tomato genetics reveals complex genetic mechanisms driving diversification of plant species, with potential applications for creating more resilient crop plants. The research identifies three major genetic strategies behind the tomato's ability to adapt to ecological change.
The tick genome provides valuable biological resources for controlling ticks and understanding disease transmission. Researchers identified proteins involved in the interactions between deer ticks and pathogens, offering insights into developing strategies to halt tick-borne diseases.
Researchers at Stanford University School of Medicine used a novel approach to analyze noncoding genomes and identified associations between genetic mutations and medical histories. The study found that specific mutations in regulatory regions were linked to conditions such as narcolepsy, cardiac disease, and hypertension.
Researchers discovered that Dark-fly has a competitive advantage in reproduction over its wild-type counterpart when bred in the dark. The team sequenced the genome of Dark-fly and identified 28 genetic regions responsible for its unique adaptations, including genes involved in pheromone synthesis and circadian rhythms.
The seagrass genome has been sequenced, revealing evolutionary changes that enabled plants to thrive in the marine environment. The findings have significant implications for food security, climate change, and marine conservation.
Researchers at the University of Hawaii have successfully generated male mice without Y chromosome genes, which can now father offspring through assisted reproduction. These 'No Y' males were created by replacing essential Y chromosome genes with their X chromosome counterparts and demonstrate functional redundancy within genomes.
Researchers demonstrate Meselson effect for first time in any organism at genome-wide level, studying a parasite called T.b. gambiense. The study reveals that the parasite's inability to recombine with each other prevents genes from being exchanged between strains.
Researchers found that the bacterium Yersinia pestis persisted in Europe, causing repeated devastating waves of plague epidemics. The discovery sheds light on the evolutionary history of the pathogen and its potential role in modern-day antibiotic resistance.
The great tit's reference genome shows epigenetic processes influencing learning and cognitive processes, with conserved patterns found in humans and other mammals. The study suggests a correlation between methylation levels and molecular evolution rate.
Researchers used cactus species to test whether regions variable across closely related species show predictable intraspecific variability. The study found that rate-heterogeneity poses a practical challenge for researchers, and screening steps are necessary to discover regions of the genome with sufficient variability.
The study found a positive correlation between genetic recombination and adaptation rate, with a threshold recombination value of 2 cM/Mb indicating optimal genomic adaptation. This suggests that recombination facilitates adaptation and that linkage cost disappears beyond this threshold.
A team of researchers led by Professor Laurence Hurst found that the X chromosome contains few 'housekeeping' genes due to a single active copy, limiting its expression. The study identified gene migration patterns between chromosomes and suggests that replacement genes should not be inserted into the X chromosome for gene therapy.
New studies reveal that Neanderthal genes have increased the ability of modern humans to ward off infection, but may also contribute to allergies. The findings highlight the importance of interspecies relations in human evolution and specifically in the evolution of the innate immune system.
A new study reveals that random mutations can give rise to novel genes, leading to the evolution of new molecular functions. The researchers identified thousands of human-specific genes and found that certain macaque genome elements are less present than expected.
Researchers have discovered six new African frog species and added back one previously lost, increasing the known number of clawed frog species from 22 to 29. The discovery highlights striking new characteristics and sheds light on evolution through DNA analysis.
Researchers found genetic changes in threespine stickleback that occurred in less than 50 years, suggesting rapid adaptation to freshwater environments. The study uses genomic technology developed at the University of Oregon and provides insights into the impact of sudden environmental change on organisms.
Researchers have created a new 'periodic table' to visualize and predict how proteins combine to drive biological processes. The table reveals fundamental steps in the evolution of protein complexes, providing a systematic view on protein assembly.
Researchers at Stanford University School of Medicine have mapped the genome of the African turquoise killifish, a short-lived species that lives only four to six months. The study found evidence of rare genes influencing longevity and aging in other species, including humans.
Researchers identified 30 genes influencing ageing process across three species, finding that blocking these genes extended lifespan by at least five percent. The bcat-1 gene, which degrades branched-chain amino acids, was found to be particularly influential in extending nematode lifespan.
A recent study by an international group of evolutionary biologists has convincingly refuted the proposition that comb jellies are the phylogenetically oldest extant metazoan group. Sponges are now reaffirmed as the first phylum to diverge from the common ancestor of metazoans, restoring the classical view of early animal evolution.
A comprehensive genomic study of turtle shells has identified unique adaptations in genes that control hard cutaneous layers, dating back to the evolution of claws and feathers. The study also reveals a shared genetic organization between turtles and humans, highlighting the common ancestry of these defense mechanisms.
The corn snake genome has been sequenced for the first time, providing valuable insights into reptile evolution and genetic diversity. The study aims to understand how snakes lost their limbs and developed various skin colorations, shedding light on the evolutionary processes that shaped these animals.
Researchers analyzed ancient human DNA to understand genetic changes during farming's introduction in Europe. They found variants associated with height, lactose digestion and immune function, supporting the idea that early farmers adapted to their new diet.
The acorn worm's genome has revealed the origin of the human pharynx, showing how gill slits evolved into the jaw and throat. The study found that humans and other terrestrial vertebrates retain vestigial gills in embryos, a trait shared with marine animals.
Researchers sequenced acorn worm genomes to find similarities with human genes, establishing a distant connection. The study identified 8,600 shared gene families across deuterostomes, including humans, starfish, and frogs, suggesting a common ancestor that lived half a billion years ago.
Researchers propose a two-phase model describing gene loss patterns after whole genome duplication in teleost fishes, the largest group of bony fishes. Approximately 80% of duplicate genes were lost within the first 60 million years, with slower gene loss occurring in subsequent phases.
Researchers developed a strategy to recover plastid sequences from nuclear DNA in plants. This allows for the assembly of complete chloroplast genomes, providing valuable information about evolutionary relationships and plant processes linked to environmental changes.
Researchers at NYU Abu Dhabi have developed a map of genetic changes across the genome of date palms, shedding light on their origin and diversification. The study also identifies genes important for fruit ripening, disease resistance, and fruit color.
Scientists sequenced the pineapple genome to understand its unique photosynthetic pathways, such as crassulacean acid metabolism (CAM), which allows it to thrive in water-limited environments. The study also sheds light on the evolutionary history of grasses and their ability to survive drought.
Researchers have discovered highly conserved DNA sequences in non-coding regions of insect genomes, which are remarkably preserved for at least 180 million years. These findings provide new insights into the evolution of ancient animal ancestors and their influence on modern species.
Researchers developed an approach to predict human genome variation by compiling data from 46 vertebrate species and applying evolutionary probability analysis. The method predicts probable mutations and identifies evolutionarily improbable variations, which may be strong candidates for adaptive evolution.
A new study of chickens overturns the popular assumption that evolution is only visible over long time scales. The researchers found two mutations in the mitochondrial genomes of the birds in just 50 years, revealing a rate of evolution that is 15 times faster than previously believed.
Researchers have identified ORF0 sequences in human and chimp DNA that may produce hundreds of previously unknown proteins. The discovery suggests a new mechanism for generating novel proteins, which could be beneficial or disease-causing, depending on the evolutionary context.