Articles tagged with Genome Evolution
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 at the University of California, Santa Cruz, have found evidence that mobile repetitive elements, or 'jumping genes,' significantly impact the evolution of gene regulatory networks. At least five percent of the human genome has been under negative selection during most of mammalian evolution, indicating functional importance.
Researchers at ASU have discovered that humans have a unique genetic adaptation to starch consumption, with high-starch diets associated with more copies of the AMY1 gene. This finding provides insight into why certain populations may be better equipped to handle diarrheal diseases.
Researchers from Max Planck Institute and 454 Life Sciences Corp. have completed a draft version of the Neandertal genome, providing insights into their genetic relationship with modern humans. The study reveals significant differences between the Neandertal and human genomes, shedding light on how our species diverged.
Researchers develop feature frequency profiles technique for organizing large sets of data, including nucleotide base sequences, books, and images. The method provides more comprehensive analysis over standard tools, correctly grouping works by category and author, and shedding new light on Shakespeare's authorship.
Researchers found a surge in duplicated sequences containing rapidly evolving genes in the genomes of humans and great apes, with most differences occurring prior to the speciation of chimpanzees. The study suggests that genetic differences contribute significantly to the distinctiveness between humans and chimps, and that these region...
A study by the Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute suggests that around 1 in 200 human genes may be unnecessary for human health. The researchers found that single-letter changes in genetic code can disrupt proteins, leading to variations that are either beneficial or have little consequence.
Researchers at Instituto Gulbenkian de Ciência discover mechanism to silence transposable elements in sperm cells, preventing harmful mutations. The technique, developed by Jörg Becker's team, uses small interfering RNA to target and silence these DNA elements.
A rapidly evolving gene contributes to the origin of new species by driving an evolutionary arms race inside cells. The Nup160 and Nup96 genes, which code for gatekeepers of a cell's nucleus, have become incompatible between closely related fruit fly species.
Researchers compared four different strains of Coxiella burnetii to build a comprehensive picture of its genetic architecture and content. They found that strain virulence was associated with a smaller genome and the loss of genes, possibly due to pseudogene formation.
A new class of nonprotein coding genes, known as lincRNAs, has been discovered in mammals with critical regulatory roles in health and disease. The study reveals that these long RNAs play important roles in regulating cellular processes such as cell proliferation, immune signaling, and stem cell biology.
Researchers at Helmholtz Zentrum München sequenced sorghum's genome, gaining insights into its drought tolerance and C4 photosynthesis. The analysis provides new information on the evolution of crop plant genomes.
Researchers have developed a new method for comparing whole genome sequences, revealing new genetic relationships and surprising discoveries. This technique can compare entire genomes, not just selected genes, and has classified previously enigmatic bacteria and viruses.
Researchers at Uppsala University identified fast-evolving human genes with patterns of molecular evolution not driven by natural selection. Instead, biased gene conversion (BGC) speeds up the rate of evolution in certain genes, fixing harmful mutations.
Research by Drs. Bergman and Siegal explores evolutionary capacitance, a concept addressing stability of species under accumulated genetic variation. They found that most genes hold variation in reserve, releasing it when functionally compromised.
Researchers at the University of Georgia discovered that natural selection on gene function is driving the evolution of LTR retrotransposons in plant genomes. The study found strong purifying selection across all gene regions, but rare episodes of positive selection and adaptation to host genomes.
Researchers have developed a new method to prioritize disease-associated SNPs by analyzing genes with high differential expression rates. This approach, called fitSNPs, successfully distinguished true disease genes from false positives in genome-wide association studies, and can serve as a powerful tool for prioritizing disease genes.
A new theory in evolutionary biology proposes that sex promotes genes' ability to perform well with many partners rather than just one specific set of genes. This idea, called genetic mixability, finds that sexual reproduction favors genes that work well across multiple variations.
Researchers at McGill University have found a molecular mechanism that maintains social harmony in ants by limiting their fertility. This discovery supports Charles Darwin's theory of natural selection and provides insight into the evolution of eusocial organisms like ants.
Researchers discover a single gene, FLO1, that enables yeast cells to cooperate and protect each other from stress and harm. Cells expressing FLO1 form flocs, shielding inner cells from danger while excluding 'cheaters' that do not express the gene.
Researchers compared many human and chimpanzee genomes to identify duplicated or lost regions during evolution, finding similar patterns in copy number variation but key gene differences. CNVs affected genes involved in inflammation and cell proliferation, with one gene linked to HIV susceptibility found to have reduced numbers in chimps.
Researchers at the Genome Institute of Singapore found that 'junk' DNA plays a crucial role in distinguishing humans from other species. These repeats provide a source of evolutionary variability and may hold the key to understanding physical differences between humans and other organisms.
A study by Tomislav Domazet-Lošo and Diethard Tautz reveals that most disease-associated genes originated before the first cells emerged, with only recently evolved genes showing no link to human diseases. This discovery sheds light on the evolutionary origins of genetic diseases affecting humans and other living organisms.
A recent study published in Genome Research found that ultraconserved elements, identical between humans and animals, play a crucial role in the natural evolution of species. These elements account for less than 2% of the human genome but are essential for the survival of many species.
Researchers at Stanford University School of Medicine discovered ultraconserved DNA regions that have been highly conserved throughout evolution. Despite being deleted in laboratory animals, these regions are less likely to be lost in primates and rodents, suggesting a possible role in fundamental biological processes.
A new computer program trains itself to predict genes in fungal DNA sequences, improving accuracy and efficiency. The program uses a probabilistic mathematical model to pinpoint boundaries between coding and non-coding sequences.
The Pristionchus pacificus worm genome is substantially larger and more complex than C. elegans, containing nearly 170,000 chemical bases and 23,500 protein-coding genes. The genome supports the theory that P. pacificus might be a precursor to parasitic worms.
The Pristionchus pacificus genome consists of a large number of genes, some with unexpected functions, providing clues to understanding complex interactions between host and parasite. The discovery sheds light on the evolution of parasitism and has potential implications for our understanding of host-parasite relationships.
Researchers have identified the genomic origins of Saccharomyces pastorianus, a hybrid yeast used in lager brewing. The study reveals two independent origins of today's extant S. pastorianus strains, suggesting that each group derived its Saccharomyces cerevisiae portion from distinct ale yeasts.
Researchers identified a genetic contributor to fundamental morphological differences between humans and apes, finding that changes in 'junk DNA' activated genes in primordial thumb and big toe in developing mouse embryos. This study suggests non-coding regions of the genome play a crucial role in human development.
The Trichoplax genome sequence provides a 'Rosetta Stone' for understanding the origins of animal-specific pathways. It shares over 80% of its genes with humans and defines Trichoplax as a branching point of animal evolution.
Researchers characterize grapevine transposons, finding they capture and amplify gene sequences, influencing gene evolution. The study also reveals 'domesticated' transposons with cellular roles, contributing to genetic diversity.
A new resource called Proteopedia links written information with interactive 3D images of biomacromolecules, enabling easy creation and editing by users. By integrating 3D structures with descriptive text, Proteopedia aims to make complex structural information comprehensible to all.
The analysis of Trichoplax adhaerens' genome sheds light on the ancestral relationship between placozoans and other animals, revealing a complex suite of genes and signaling pathways. The findings also suggest that placozoans may have played a more significant role in animal evolution than previously thought.
A study on Trichoplax genome findings aids researchers in learning how groups of genes function in humans and other species. The genetic code of this simple saltwater creature reveals common genes among many species, helping scientists figure out their lineage and divergence.
A new study identifies three groups of cancers distinguished by early developmental signatures, shedding light on their gene expression patterns. This research provides a reference framework for interpreting smaller-scale functional studies and has implications for understanding human disease from a 'macrobiological' approach.
Research suggests that schizophrenia may be a by-product of human brain evolution, driven by increased metabolic demands. The study found molecular mechanisms involved in the evolution of human cognitive abilities and identified changes in gene expression and metabolite concentrations in both healthy humans and individuals with schizop...
A new study by Claus Wilke and D. Allan Drummond found that genetic evolution prioritizes minimizing errors in protein production to prevent misfolded proteins, which can cause neurodegenerative diseases. The research may lead to better detection of genes with mutations leading to toxic proteins.
A Harvard University study reveals that genes have evolved to minimize protein production errors, which can cause neurodegenerative diseases like ALS. The research found that natural selection favors the development of genes that prevent misfolded proteins resulting from translation mistakes.
A multi-disciplinary group proposes ten principles to guide the use of racial and ethnic categories in genetic research, minimizing misinterpretation and misuse of human genetic variation. The guidelines recognize that racial and ethnic categories are socio-political constructs that change over time.
Researchers have discovered that choanoflagellates, single-celled organisms, possess similar levels of proteins used for cell communication in more complex organisms like humans. This finding confirms their role as an evolutionary link between single-celled and multi-cellular organisms.
A large-scale genome analysis reveals that birds did not evolve from a common ancestor as previously thought, but instead underwent multiple adaptations to diverse environments. The study's results challenge current classifications and provide valuable insights into the evolutionary history of birds.
A symposium in the Biological Bulletin highlights the powerful advantages of using gene catalogs to infer biological function in marine animals, including the sea urchin and tubeworm. By comparing their genomes with those of other organisms, researchers can gain new clues about how physiological systems evolved.
Researchers have developed a method to classify liver toxins using gene-expression profiling of blood samples, improving the precision of compound classification. The study highlights the importance of 'phenotypic anchoring' in linking gene expression data analysis to traditional measures of toxicology.
A newly sequenced lancelet genome confirms a 40-year-old theory that gene duplication drove vertebrate evolution. The study shows that genes quadrupled during the evolution of vertebrates, with most duplicate copies lost.
Researchers have discovered insights into vertebrate origins and the evolution of immune systems, nervous system development, and cell signaling through the analysis of the amphioxus genome. The study reveals conserved genes and DNA elements between amphioxus and humans, suggesting a common ancestor with vertebrates.
A new study investigates the evolution of genomic imprinting in mammals, finding that different regions became imprinted at different times during mammalian evolution. This suggests that changes were in response to selection pressures and are adaptive.
Researchers can now contribute to large-scale community protein annotation, enhancing comprehensive coverage of biomedical knowledge. WikiProteins combines existing authoritative databases with mined scientific papers, creating over one million concept clouds called 'Knowlets', which can be annotated by experts.
Researchers have discovered a critical flaw in the standard method for analyzing gene evolution, particularly for genes encoding multi-domain proteins. A new tool called Neighborhood Correlation has been developed to correctly identify gene ancestry, which is essential for understanding gene function and regulatory circuitry. The tool ...
A consortium of scientists including CSHL's Gregory J. Hannon report findings about mammalian evolution gleaned from comparative study of small-RNA function in platypus, revealing unique characteristics such as egg-laying and venom delivery. The platypus genome also shows conserved small-RNA roles across species.
The platypus genome provides a comprehensive understanding of the animal's mix of features, including duck-billed snout, venomous spur, and electroreceptors. The analysis compares the platypus genome with other mammals and birds, revealing conserved genes and traits, as well as unique characteristics such as odor receptor expansion.
The first duck-billed platypus genome analysis reveals clues about early mammalian genome organization and the evolution of unique characteristics. The study found that the platypus shares more than 80% of its genes with other mammals, but also has distinct genetic features associated with reptilian and avian traits.
The platypus genome provides insights into the evolution of venom components and a bird-like sex-determination system in mammalian ancestors. Researchers have found that platypus venom genes evolved by gene duplication of antimicrobial beta-defensins, mirroring an independent evolutionary pathway in reptiles.
The genome sequence of Podospora anserina shows the fungus has a large set of genes involved in breaking down complex carbon sources, including cellulose and lignin. This discovery may lead to novel regulatory mechanisms during growth and reproduction, with potential applications in biotechnology.
Researchers analyzed genomic data to reveal the evolution of rickettsial genomes and their diversity. The study provides an ideal resource for developing vaccines, diagnostics, and therapeutics for Rickettsia diseases.
A broad collaboration has produced a first draft of the papaya genome, offering insights into its evolutionary path and genetic changes that make it resistant to the papaya ringspot virus. The findings indicate that papaya diverged from Arabidopsis 72 million years ago, taking a different evolutionary path.
Researchers discovered a preference for certain DNA letters across intron regions and the opposite preference in coding regions, affecting at least a third of the genome. This finding supports previous studies suggesting that non-coding DNA is biologically important.
A recent study suggests that selenium supplements may not be necessary for most people due to a reduced reliance on the trace element in mammals. This discovery raises questions about the need for supplements and highlights the importance of considering individual factors such as age, sex, and medical needs.
The journal highlights a method for ENU mutagenesis to screen the mouse genome, allowing researchers to identify genes important in specific tissues or processes. A second featured protocol provides a step-by-step process for selecting the proper method for analyzing evolutionary relationships between genes.
A new study by Yale and Washington University researchers challenges the idea that complex traits have a 'cost of complexity,' suggesting that many mutations only affect a small number of traits. The team identified genomic regions affecting skeleton characteristics, revealing a well-coordinated process in tuning up complex traits.
Researchers have identified a plant gene cluster that produces a triterpene compound, previously unknown in plants. The study reveals how plants can assemble beneficial gene clusters to produce valuable natural products.