Research on how genomes change over time. Covers hidden DNA structure, chromosome bursts in cancer, plant pangenomes, and microbial adaptation.
Researchers at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory created a new computational method, fitCons, which compares changes in DNA letters across species and within individuals to identify functionally important sequences. The analysis suggests that only about 7% of the human genome is functional.
Plant scientists have discovered a new self-incompatibility system in petunias that recognizes and rejects its own pollen, preventing genetic defects. The system involves 18 male proteins recognizing 40 female proteins, which are toxic to the plant's own pollen.
Researchers analyzed endogenous retroviruses to understand long-term interactions between viruses and hosts, finding that retroviruses are widespread across vertebrates and can switch among distantly related hosts.
Researchers detected three instances of cross-species mating that influenced the evolutionary paths of old world mice, suggesting hybridization may not be an evolutionary dead end. The study found shared genetic code between two species of mice from Europe and Africa, with implications for human genetics and health.
Scientists sequenced the genomes of 48 bird species to reveal a new family tree for birds and understand their rapid evolution after the mass extinction. The study resolves fundamental questions about bird diversity and adaptations.
A new computational technique developed at UT Austin has enabled the construction of an avian tree of life that sheds light on bird evolution, including a 'big bang' in timing and rearranged evolutionary relationships. The study analyzed entire bird genomes, providing new insights into song pattern recognition and other traits.
A study of bird genomes reveals that birds are less susceptible to viral invasions or purge them more effectively than mammals. The research, published in Science, identified five viral families that have left a footprint in the bird genome during evolution.
The study reveals that modern birds diversified in the wake of the mass extinction that marked the end of the age of dinosaurs. The new analysis helps clarify the evolutionary relationships of major groups of birds, showing which groups share more recent ancestors and which are more distantly related to each other.
A team of scientists has developed a detailed map of the bird genome, shedding light on their evolution and diversification. The study reveals that birds have lost hundreds of genes compared to humans, leading to unique traits such as lighter skeletons and respiratory systems.
The study provides insights into how penguins have adapted to the cold Antarctic environment through complex biological systems. The researchers identified genes related to beta-keratins, lipid metabolism, and forelimb evolution that are unique to penguins.
A team of scientists completed the largest whole genome study of a single class of animals to date, sequencing and comparing full genomes of 48 bird species. The study resolves early branches in the tree of life of modern birds, providing new insights into their evolutionary history and adaptation to different lifestyles.
A global collaboration has sequenced and compared full genomes of 48 bird species, revealing the origins of feathers, flight, song, and sex chromosomes. The study resolves key debates on bird family trees and evolutionary timelines.
Researchers reconstructed a partial genome of the common ancestor of crocodiles, birds, and dinosaurs, showing an exceptionally slow rate of genome evolution in crocodilians. The team found that population sizes declined sharply during the last ice age, with alligator populations experiencing a continuous decline.
A recent study sequencing the complete genomes of 45 avian species reveals that avian genomes have slower rates of evolutionary change compared to mammals. This finding suggests a larger-scale pattern of evolutionary stasis in avian genomes, with fewer opportunities for gene duplication and functional innovation.
Researchers have discovered that birds and humans share the same genes to produce speech, with similar brain circuitry involved in singing behavior. The study, led by Duke neuroscientist Erich Jarvis, reveals that vocal learning evolved twice or three times among songbirds, parrots, and hummingbirds.
An international team has sequenced and compared full genomes of 48 bird species to resolve the timing and relationships of modern birds. The study suggests that only a few bird lineages survived the mass extinction event, giving rise to the 10,000 Neoaves species that comprise 95% of all bird species.
A Texas Tech University biologist led a team of over 50 scientists in mapping the genomes of three crocodilians, including a crocodile, alligator, and gharial. The research reveals that crocodilian genomes change very slowly compared to birds, with an estimated 93% identical DNA across their genomes.
A genetic study of 48 bird species reveals most modern birds diversified after dinosaurs became extinct, with some lineages emerging around 100 million years ago and others in a window of less than 10 million years afterwards.
Researchers have sequenced the genomes of 16 Anopheles mosquito species, revealing genetic differences between deadly parasite-transmitting species and their harmless cousins. The study offers new insights into how these species adapt to new environments and interact with humans, potentially advancing malaria control efforts.
Researchers sequenced the genomes of 16 mosquito species found in Africa, Asia, Europe, and Latin America to understand how they transmit malaria. The study found that some species have varying capabilities for transmitting the disease and adapting to new environments.
A team of researchers sequenced the genomes of 16 Anopheles species to understand their genetic differences and how they adapt to new environments. The study offers new insights into the evolutionary history of these mosquitoes and their ability to transmit malaria parasites.
The genome of Strigamia maritima, a blind Scottish centipede, has been sequenced, providing insights into the genetic basis of centipede biology and the diversification of arthropods. The study reveals that these animals have lost genes encoding light receptors and circadian rhythm, suggesting alternative detection mechanisms.
The first myriapod genome sequence has been completed, revealing new insights into the biological evolution and unique characteristics of venomous centipedes. The genome sequence uncovered clues about their absence of vision and circadian rhythm, as well as their ability to detect chemicals in air.
Two University of Houston scientists, Dan Graur and Mary Ann Ottinger, were elected as AAAS Fellows for their distinguished contributions to the fields of biology and biochemistry. They join a select group of researchers recognized by their peers as among the best in their fields.
A team of international researchers has detailed the functional parts of the mouse genome and compared them with those in humans, finding that certain processes are preserved through time. The study reveals new insights into mammalian biology and human illness mechanisms.
Rice University researchers have developed PhyloNet, an open-source software package that models more detailed evolutionary networks from genetic data. The software uses a maximum likelihood method to infer network models that better describe the evolution of certain groups of species than traditional tree models.
A 36,000-year-old fossil skeleton's DNA reveals the early divergence of Eurasians once they left Africa and their deep shared ancestry. The study also shows that Neanderthals and early modern humans interbred around 54,000 years ago.
Researchers found that adults rely on novel genes---called taxonomically restricted genes (TRGs)--found in honeybees to develop new traits. These genes are often expressed at high levels in specific tissues and provide specialized work for adult organisms, supporting the evolution of novel physiological traits.
A genetic variant once aiding Arctic survival now linked to increased risk of hypoglycemia in modern populations. Researchers analyzed genomes from Northern Siberians, Europeans, and East Asians, finding the CPT1A gene variant was prevalent in Northern Siberians but absent in other populations.
Researchers find genetically similar bioluminescent organs in two squid species, suggesting predictable evolution of complex traits. The study's novel bioinformatic approaches indicate that convergent phenotypes are associated with the convergent expression of thousands of genes.
Researchers use 'pool sequencing' to analyze entire groups of organisms, allowing for rapid evolution experiments and discovery of genetic factors influencing aging and disease resistance. The approach provides insights into how evolution works and has potential applications in understanding climate change.
Researchers have uncovered how chlamydia, a leading sexually transmitted pathogen, has evolved to evade its hosts through genomic shuffling and adaptation. The study found extensive genetic variation between chlamydia families, highlighting the importance of understanding this diversity for developing new therapeutics.
Swiss researchers have discovered a new parasite species that represents the missing link between fungi and extreme parasites. The study reveals that microsporidia adopted intracellular parasitism first, followed by genome modifications such as the loss of mitochondria and metabolic simplification.
Cichlids' egg-spots developed through insertion of a mobile genetic element influencing pigmentation gene expression. This discovery provides insight into the evolution of novel traits and their regulatory mechanisms.
Researchers mapped red fox ancestry across 1,000 individuals worldwide, revealing the species evolved into a new distinct species in North America after 400,000 years. The study suggests climate change and environmental shifts impacted global distribution.
Recent advancements reveal polyploidy's ubiquitous nature, facilitating instant speciation and increasing biodiversity. Genome doubling is now recognized as a crucial evolutionary force, especially in plant lineages.
Researchers at Trinity College Dublin discovered a mechanism called 'mutational robustness' that explains how gene duplication leads to novel functions and survival across long evolutionary timescales. This breakthrough has implications for understanding genome evolution and the importance of redundancy in organisms.
Scientists discovered genes in humans that make repressor proteins to shut down specific jumping genes, a type of retrotransposon. The findings suggest an ongoing battle between mobile DNA sequences and the genes that control them, leading to the evolution of greater genomic complexity.
A four-year National Science Foundation-funded project aims to resolve the evolutionary relationships of zygomycetes through genome sequencing, fossil analysis, and bioimaging. The project will also develop educational resources highlighting the importance of this poorly known group of fungi.
The gibbon genome sequence provides a new understanding of the genetic mechanism behind rapid chromosomal rearrangements, shedding light on chromosome structure and function. The study's findings have significant implications for cancer research and the origin of human diseases.
The gibbon genome study provides new insights into the biology and evolutionary history of this family of apes. Factors contributing to gibbon diversity and adaptability are reported, highlighting the dynamic evolution of mobile elements in primate genomes.
The gibbon genome sequencing project provides new insights into chromosomal rearrangements, evolutionary history, and genetic factors in human health. The study sheds light on the complex evolution of gibbons and their role in understanding human diseases.
The Glanville fritillary genome, approximately 390 million base pairs long, has been fully sequenced at the University of Helsinki. The study confirms a key hypothesis about the ancestral lepidopteran species' chromosome count, revealing stability over 140 million years.
Scientists sequenced the coffee plant genome to uncover its unique characteristics. The study found that genes related to caffeine production evolved independently in coffee, tea, and chocolate, suggesting that coffee developed its own pathways for caffeine production.
A recent study has identified key sets of co-expressed genes essential for animal cells, regardless of species. The researchers used RNA-seq data from multiple tissues and developmental conditions to create a map of highly important genome regions.
A Yale-led analysis of genomic data reveals shared molecular toolkits in flies, worms, and humans, with comparable numbers of functioning genes and coordinated gene expression patterns. However, pseudogene regions show stark differences reflecting divergent evolutionary histories.
A global analysis of honeybee genome variation reveals high levels of genetic diversity and suggests the species originated from Asia. The study also identifies specific mutations linked to adaptation to climate and pathogens, providing new insights into evolution and genetic adaptation.
The Antarctic midge's small genome lacks many DNA segments and repeat elements found in most animal genomes. This 'bare-bones' genome may be an evolutionary answer to surviving the cold conditions of Antarctica.
The Antarctic midge's genome is the smallest sequenced so far, with only 99 million base pairs. This compact genome may hold clues to the insect's incredible ability to survive in extreme conditions. Researchers are now eager to explore whether other sub-Antarctic organisms have similar genomes.
Researchers successfully corrected disease-causing mutations in cells from patients with beta-thalassemia using CRISPR/Cas9 technology. The corrected cells showed restored expression of hemoglobin and could differentiate into mature blood cells.
African rice genome sequencing enables scientists to identify traits resistant to environmental stress and develop new varieties with high-yield potential. The effort aims to solve the 9 billion-people question by creating a super-rice that requires less water, fertilizer, and pesticides.
Researchers found that only 8.2% of human DNA has a clear function, with most being 'junk' DNA. This figure challenges the previous claim of 80% functional DNA, highlighting the need for a more precise definition of 'function'.
Researchers found that African elephants have the largest number of olfactory receptor genes, with almost 2,000 OR genes. This unique repertoire is likely important for their living environment and allows them to detect subtle scents.
Researchers analyzed the marmoset genome, revealing insights into primate biology and evolution. The study highlights the importance of mobile elements in shaping the primate genome.
The marmoset genome reveals unique genetic characteristics associated with twinning and dizygotic twins' chimerism. Researchers also discovered a cluster of genes linked to small body size in marmosets.
The study reveals genetic changes associated with twinning in marmosets, including the WFIKKN1 gene that may act as a critical switch between multiples and singleton pregnancies. Marmosets also exhibit unique social behavior, where relatives care for offspring while reproductively suppressed.
A study has identified over 27,000 endogenous retroviruses preserved in the genomes of 38 mammal species, including humans. Larger animals have fewer ERVs, suggesting they may have evolved mechanisms to combat cancer-causing mutations.
The International Wheat Genome Sequencing Consortium has released a genetic blueprint for bread wheat, enabling researchers to rapidly locate specific genes on individual chromosomes. This milestone brings the organization closer to its goal of obtaining a complete reference sequence of the hexaploid bread wheat genome within three years.
A groundbreaking study by Harvard University researchers shows that orb-weaver spiders do not share a single origin, contrary to long-held popular opinion. The study's findings suggest that the orb web evolved independently in two groups of spiders, with distinct behaviors and silk characteristics.
Jason Stajich, a UC Riverside microbiologist, has been awarded the 2014 Alexopoulos Prize for his groundbreaking research on fungal biology and evolution. His work focuses on building new methods for comparative and evolutionary genomics.