Research on how genomes change over time. Covers hidden DNA structure, chromosome bursts in cancer, plant pangenomes, and microbial adaptation.
The completed mouse genome provides a powerful research tool to extract meaning from the human genome sequence. It allows scientists to recognize functionally important regions in the human genome by virtue of their conservation through evolution.
Researchers at UCSD estimate that many evolutionary genome rearrangements accounted for differences between human and mouse genomes. The study found over 245 major and 3,170 micro-rearrangements, revealing significant evolutionary distance between the two species.
Researchers suggest that life emerged from chemical reactions in deep ocean environments, challenging traditional views of cell evolution. The theory proposes that inorganic iron sulphide cells were the first to form and eventually gave rise to living cells.
Researchers aim to isolate and sequence chloroplast and mitochondrial genomes from 50-100 plants to determine relationships among ancient plant groups. By comparing these genomes, they hope to answer questions about how many times land was colonized by green algae and how multicellular plants evolved.
Researchers analyzed genomes of five bacteria to understand how photosynthesis evolved, finding evidence of horizontal gene transfer and the merging of evolutionary lines. The study sheds light on the origins of complex metabolic pathways and may inspire human-directed biodesign.
Scientists found retrotransposons inserting DNA into chromosomes with a high frequency, causing deletions and inversions. The study suggests these elements have been remodeling host genomes more than previously realized, potentially increasing genetic variation.
Scientists identify FOXP2 gene as crucial for human language development, but theologians argue that language and culture are complex matters that may require deeper explanations. The study's findings challenge the notion that language is a uniquely human trait, sparking discussion on Catholic views of evolved body vs created soul.
A new study suggests that a burst of transpositional activity occurred at the same time humans and chimps diverged, implicating retroelements in the emergence of modern humans. The research found that ancient families of HERV elements may retain biological activity over long evolutionary times.
Scientists have sequenced the genome of Chlorobium tepidum, a green-sulfur bacterium that performs photosynthesis in the absence of oxygen. The analysis reveals strong similarities between its metabolic processes and those of Archaea, suggesting a possible duplication of genes involved in photosynthesis.
Researchers from Stanford University analyzed thousands of proteins shared by yeast and roundworms, finding that those with more interactions evolve slower. The study confirms a prediction made over 20 years ago, suggesting protein networks play a crucial role in shaping evolutionary rates.
Scientists successfully inserted a gene into chloroplasts, increasing tryptophan production by 10 times in tobacco plants. This approach could lead to improved yield and value in crops, as well as the production of pharmaceuticals like edible vaccines.
Researchers identified complete set of pollen coat proteins, revealing genetic clues to plant mating and self-recognition. The study found rapid divergence of mating genes across species boundaries, shedding light on evolutionary processes.
Researchers have used new methods to track the evolution of human chromosomes over a 130 million-year period, finding that one chromosome is shared only with chimpanzees. By examining analogous chromosomes in other mammals, scientists can reconstruct how human chromosomes evolved from ancient origins.