Research on how genomes change over time. Covers hidden DNA structure, chromosome bursts in cancer, plant pangenomes, and microbial adaptation.
A study identified significant DNA differences in the human kallikrein cluster among Eastern Asian populations, including those related to KLK4 gene activity. These findings may contribute to unique dental traits and a lower risk of skin conditions like eczema.
Researchers have developed a reliable method to trace viral evolution, supporting the hypothesis that viruses are alive and share a long evolutionary history with cells. The study found that viruses possess unique genetic sequences and protein folds that are unlike anything seen in cells.
Scientists from OIST and Nagoya University have decoded the first lingulid brachiopod genome, showing that despite being referred to as 'living fossils', these animals are actively evolving. The study highlights significant changes in genomic structure and gene families, contradicting the idea of a genuine living fossil.
Synthetic biology holds promise for revolutionizing science and medicine, but its safe and stable application is crucial before being applied in real-world settings. Engineers are working on developing safety infrastructure, including kill switches and microbial sensors, to ensure the reliability and predictability of engineered microbes.
Scientists have developed a technique to capture rapidly evolving intronic regions of the genome, increasing knowledge of evolution in difficult groups. The new method resolved evolutionary relationships between closely related Heuchera species, previously impossible to infer.
Researchers explore gene network that guides limb development in mammals, finding it varies little in early stages and more widely later on. This pattern makes it easier for evolution to tweak rather than remodel limb structure.
Researchers have sequenced the first complete ancient genome from the Mediterranean area, shedding light on the genetic changes of Neolithic migration in Southern Europe. The study reveals a common ancestral population among Mediterranean route farmers, who had distinct physical characteristics compared to inland route farmers.
A new theoretical analysis by MIT researchers demonstrates how their compression techniques can expand applications of accelerated searching in biology and other fields. The algorithms cluster similar genomic sequences, then choose one representative sequence to focus on, significantly reducing the search time.
A research team led by Alexander Mikheyev found a population of wild bees in Ithaca, New York, that has retained its strength despite the presence of Varroa destructor mites since the mid-1990s. The bees have developed genetic resistance to the disease.
The University of Miami study reveals that the KLF/SP gene family expanded and diversified during animal evolution through domain shuffling, gene duplication, and de novo domain evolution. This 'tinkering' process led to an increase in repressor domains, which may have contributed to the development of complex cell types and tissues.
A new study by Uppsala University researchers has found that evolution is more complex than the traditional Tree of Life model suggests. Incomplete lineage sorting, a phenomenon where genetic variation passes from one species to another, has been documented and quantified for the first time in evolutionary research.
The California two-spot octopus genome was fully sequenced, revealing widespread genomic rearrangements and a dramatic expansion of genes involved in neuronal development. The findings provide an important foundation for evolutionary studies and deeper investigations into the genetic mechanisms underlying cephalopod-specific traits.
Researchers from OIST, University of Chicago, and UC Berkeley sequence and analyze the first cephalopod genome, unlocking secrets of octopus's intelligent behavior and extraordinary features. The study sheds light on the evolution of cephalopods and their brain development, potentially inspiring robots that can explore the ocean floor.
A new study reveals that lager yeasts originated from a hybrid of two yeast species, Saccharomyces cerevisiae and S. eubayanus, with two independent origin events detected. The findings suggest that domestication for beer making has placed yeast on similar evolutionary trajectories multiple times.
Researchers found that the evolutionary loss of the worker caste in ants is not accompanied by a loss of genes. Instead, most genes are expressed in both queens and workers, but often at different points in development. Regulatory changes may have facilitated the evolution of sociality.
A new study proposes that the common baker's yeast genome was duplicated by mating between two distinct species, contradicting the current widely accepted theory. The researchers used advanced computational methods to study the origins of the whole genome duplication in yeast.
Researchers propose a new theory on the origin of yeast's whole genome duplication, suggesting it was caused by hybridization between two species. This finding contradicts the current scientific consensus and provides new insight into the process of genome evolution.
Recent study finds that Mammalian-wide Interspersed Repeats (MIRs) serve as genetic landmarks to target regulatory mechanisms, coordinating gene expression in cells. Boundary elements, encoded by MIRs, help establish the geography of genome packaging, controlling timing and extent of gene expression.
The kiwi bird's genomic changes help explain its unique characteristics, such as eliminated color vision and a highly developed sense of smell. Research identified evolutionary changes in the genome that underpin the bird's adaptations to nocturnality, with potential implications for conservation efforts.
The kiwi genome sequencing reveals several genes involved in colour vision are inactivated, while the diversity of odorant receptors is higher than in other birds, indicating a reliance on their sense of smell for foraging. Genetic changes occurred about 35 million years ago, reflecting the kiwi's adaptation to its nocturnal lifestyle.
Mint research aims to unlock their chemical diversity to develop new medicines, fragrances and synthetic molecules. The study will map the mint genome to identify key genes driving their unique properties.
A comprehensive genome analysis of 7 melon varieties provides new insights into phenotypic variability and selective breeding. The study identifies 902 genes potentially affected by DNA structural variations, including disease resistance and sugar metabolism.
Scientists found that a single generation of the US fruit fly can undergo a significant genetic shift, allowing it to infest apples and threaten the $7 billion apple industry. The study's findings suggest that environmental changes can drive evolutionary adaptations in just a few generations.
Researchers sequenced the genomes of two extinct woolly mammoths and three modern Asian elephants, identifying genetic variants associated with traits such as hair development, fat storage, and temperature sensation. The study found that these changes likely enabled the mammoths to adapt to harsh Arctic environments.
The study identifies extensive genetic changes responsible for woolly mammoths' adaptations to arctic life, including genes linked to fat metabolism, insulin signaling, and temperature sensation. Researchers resurrected a mammoth gene involved in temperature sensation and characterized its protein product in the laboratory.
Researchers have developed a new tool that uses phylogenetic profiling to identify genes associated with genetic diseases and cancer. This approach can be used to analyze genes within the same network as known disease-related genes, such as BRCA1, and predict their biological functions.
Researchers found that up to 20% of a mosquito population's genome is subject to evolutionary pressures, leading to local adaptation and potential resistance to pesticides. The study provides insights into the contemporary evolution of mosquitoes and informs strategies to control populations.
Researchers at Indiana University discovered that the parasitic plant Viscum scurruloideum lacks genes involved in energy production, a phenomenon not seen before in complex organisms. The plant's ability to survive without these genes is likely related to its parasitic lifestyle.
A global team has sequenced over 200 Ebola virus genomes to capture the fullest picture yet of how the virus is transmitted and changes over time. The study reveals that cross-border transmission played a smaller role in the outbreak than previously thought, and that the virus has begun to weed out mutations that do not benefit it.
Researchers at North Carolina State University developed a precision scalpel to excise target genomic regions, revealing essential and non-essential genes. The CRISPR-Cas system enables targeted editing of DNA sequences, allowing for the identification of core genomic regions critical for bacterial survival.
A study published in Cell has described the comprehensive erasure of epigenetic information in early primordial germ cells prior to egg and sperm formation. However, researchers found that around 5% of DNA remains resistant to reprogramming, potentially contributing to conditions such as schizophrenia and obesity.
A recent study published in Current Biology found that while cheaters do not take over populations, they also cannot ever fully be removed. By identifying how diverse societies prevent or cope with cheating, researchers can identify general principles about how to promote cooperation and prevent conflict.
The 2015 EMBO Gold Medal was awarded to Sarah Teichmann and Ido Amit for their groundbreaking research on gene expression, protein complexes, and immune systems. Their work has significantly advanced our understanding of cellular regulation and disease mechanisms.
A new study by CIFAR Fellow John McCutcheon's lab found that bacteria in cicada guts have split into many separate but interdependent species. This phenomenon leaves the cicadas reliant on a bloated genome and multiple species to create essential amino acids.
Researchers from Yale University have reconstructed the ancestral snake's body plan, revealing a nocturnal, stealth-hunting predator with complete ankles and toes. The study sheds light on the origin of snakes, which originated around 128.5 million years ago during the Early Cretaceous period.
A new genomic study of bee species found that gene regulation and network complexity are linked to the evolution of social complexity. The research revealed changes in gene activity and DNA methylation as social behavior increased, indicating a 'collective genome' less vulnerable to environmental changes.
A genome analysis of ten bee species reveals that eusociality evolves differently each time, but shares common trends in gene regulation and complexity. Natural selection relaxes for key genes after complex social forms emerge, as seen in honeybees.
A transposable element has invaded a new species of fly, Drosophila simulans, through horizontal gene transfer. The P-element's rapid spread suggests that transposable elements can quickly adapt and evolve within species.
A new open-source software program named MarkerMiner facilitates identification of genes for elucidating evolutionary relationships between flowering plants. The software helps researchers discover genes useful for inferring evolutionary patterns by comparing genes across superficially similar plants.
The bumblebee genome has been mapped, revealing a relatively small fraction of genes involved in the immune response compared to flies and mosquitoes. Despite its weak social organization, the bumblebee has just as few immune genes as the honeybee, suggesting that diet may play a role in shaping its immune system.
The study provides insights into the genetic basis and evolution of bumblebee biology, including their social living, coping with chemicals, and diseases. The findings suggest that the immune system of bees has remained largely the same since before the origin of bee sociality.
The study analyzed ancient mammoth genomes to understand population dynamics and genetic diversity. The results showed low genetic variation and inbreeding, indicating a small population size. The research provides insight into the woolly mammoth's evolutionary history and potential reasons for their extinction.
Researchers found a bacterium, Trichodesmium, with a unique genome that contradicts the understanding of free-living microbial genome architectures. The DNA sequence contains only about 63% expressed protein, breaking the mold for oligotrophs and challenging current knowledge.
A new study provides an accurate description of citrus evolution, tracing the genus back to a single common ancestor and identifying six genes driving genetic variation. The research also sheds light on the emergence of popular citrus species like mandarins and lemons.
Researchers at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center found that the non-coding BRAF pseudogene contributes to the development of an aggressive lymphoma-like cancer in animal models. The study suggests that pseudogenes may play a primary role in various diseases and could significantly expand the functional genome.
The $670,797 grant will support research on biodiversity in West and Central Africa, with a focus on amphibian and reptile wildlife. The project aims to identify the processes driving high species diversity in the region and develop efficient approaches for maintaining biodiversity.
Gene duplication events in early vertebrate evolution led to the development of novel functions in vertebrate eyes, including distinct opsins and transducin proteins. These specializations enable vertebrates to adapt to their environments, such as detecting ultraviolet light and responding to varying light intensities.
A study by University College London researchers discovered that male birds with physical ornaments tend to have genomes with mildly negative mutations. This leads to reduced fitness in their descendants. The study focused on the Galloanserae bird group, analyzing genetic material from various species.
Research published in Genome Biology found that humans and other animals have acquired 'foreign' genes from microorganisms, suggesting ongoing gene transfer. The study identified 17 previously-reported genes and 128 additional foreign genes in the human genome, related to metabolism, immune responses, and more.
A genome-scale CRISPR-Cas9 screen in a mouse model of non-small cell lung cancer reveals genes involved in tumor evolution and metastasis. The study highlights well-known tumor suppressor genes and identifies several microRNAs that promote tumor growth.
A study published in Molecular Biology and Evolution identifies a key set of nucleotide variants in the AS3MT gene, which are associated with increased resistance to arsenic. These protective variants were found at higher frequencies in Andean women, who have been exposed to high levels of arsenic for thousands of years.
Researchers found that schizophrenia gene loci are linked to regions called human accelerated regions (HARs) in the genome, which control gene expression. These HAR-associated loci play a key role in regulating genes linked to schizophrenia, particularly those related to neurotransmitter GABA and brain development.
A new study reveals that carnivorous bladderwort Utricularia gibba packs an impressive number of genes into its tiny genome, outperforming well-known plant species. The plant's unique genetic architecture allows it to thrive in aquatic environments, boasting floating branches and miniature traps that capture prey using vacuum pressure.
Researchers found that C2H2-ZF transcription factors evolved to defend the genome from self-replicating parasitic DNA, known as selfish DNA. These proteins eventually took control of genes, including those involved in brain and heart development.
Researchers have discovered that Alu RNAs form complexes with specific proteins, regulating ribosome activity and contributing to cell immunity. This process helps cells adapt to stress and defend against viruses, such as HIV and hepatitis C.
A team of scientists has sequenced 120 birds to study the evolutionary history of Darwin's finches and identified a gene associated with beak shape variation. The research reveals that hybridization between species played a critical role in shaping the genetic diversity of these iconic birds.
Researchers identified a gene influencing beak shape in Galápagos finches, which varied among individuals within species. This finding highlights the genetic basis for evolution and natural selection, shedding new light on how species diverge over time.
Scientists have identified the canary genome and deciphered the evolution of hormone-sensitive gene regulation in seasonal singing birds. The study reveals specific evolutionary changes in different parts of the song system that control seasonal singing behaviour.
A study identified thousands of genes expressed in the uterus during the evolution of pregnancy in mammals, with many recruited from other tissue types by transposons. These genes played a crucial role in establishing maternal-fetal communication and suppressing the maternal immune system, protecting the developing fetus.
A study comparing genome sequences of 29 mammals reveals how evolution repurposes shared genes for unique traits. The research provides insights into the 'mammalian radiation,' a period of rapid morphological evolution that occurred after the asteroid impact that caused the dinosaurs' extinction.