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Reverse evolution in real-time

Researchers recreated natural selection in real-time, demonstrating the first quantitative evidence for natural selection on standing genetic variation. The study found that only half of gene frequencies reverted to ancestral levels, highlighting the contingent nature of evolution.

SourceInstituto Gulbenkian de Ciencia·JournalNature Genetics·DateJan 11, 2009

Development puts an end to the evolution of endless forms

Researchers propose a simple model of development that explains patterns in morphology and body plans, attributing sparseness of variety to interactions between multiple genes. The hybrid developmental-phylogenetic model reproduces fossil record patterns, including increasing variation among taxonomic groups and decreasing within.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Computational Biology·DateOct 23, 2008

The bee that would be queen

A team of researchers from Arizona State University has discovered evidence that honeybees use a phylogenetically old molecular cascade to develop queens and workers. The findings, published in PLoS ONE, show that the TOR pathway is directly linked to nutrient-induced development, enabling two distinct phenotypes to evolve.

SourceArizona State University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJun 5, 2007

Extra-aggressive form of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis identified

A subset of patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) has been found to have a short duration of symptoms before diagnosis and an accelerated clinical course to end-stage disease. This 'rapid progressor' group is characterized by distinct gene expression patterns, which may lead to the development of new therapeutic interventions.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMay 29, 2007

Other highlights in the March 1 JNCI

Researchers have created a new model to examine the process by which tumor cells develop an angiogenic phenotype, enabling them to grow rapidly. The study found that non-angiogenic tumor cells can switch to angiogenesis after several months, and that this switch is crucial for tumor growth and metastasis.

SourceJournal of the National Cancer Institute·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateFeb 28, 2006

Finding the function of fish ferroportin

Researchers have identified ferroportin 1 as essential for normal iron cycling in zebrafish. This discovery sheds light on the importance of ferroportin 1 in maintaining iron homeostasis in humans. Understanding its function is crucial for developing effective treatments for iron-related disorders.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateMay 5, 2005

Microarrays as phenotype

Researchers used microarray data to determine the order of genes in a pathway that results in a particular phenotype. By analyzing the interactions between genes, they were able to reconstruct the pathway and prove that gene A comes before gene B.

SourceBaylor College of Medicine·JournalNature Genetics·DateApr 10, 2005

Drinks of the father

Researchers found that a father's maximum number of drinks consumed in 24 hours is associated with disruptive behavior disorders, early substance-use initiation, and early substance-related disorders in his children. The study suggests that this 'phenotype' could supplement diagnostic categories for alcohol dependence.