Articles tagged with Population Genetics
This special issue explores the formation, evolution, and maintenance of biological diversity across all branches of the tree of life. Researchers can submit papers on topics such as speciation, adaptive evolution, and eco-evolutionary feedbacks, with a focus on developing a unified evolutionary framework for understanding biodiversity.
A study found that when females have multiple males to mate with, their offspring inherit fewer harmful genetic mutations, making the population healthier and less likely to die out. This supports the 'good genes' hypothesis, which suggests successful males tend to have the best genes.
Researchers analyzed DNA samples to determine the origin of goosegrass on Nishinoshima, finding it closely related to populations from the Ogasawara Islands and Indonesia. Seabirds are believed to have transported seeds, establishing the population on the island.
Consuelo Walss-Bass's family was affected by schizophrenia, yet her sister was spared. Her laboratory addresses the genetic gap by exploring signaling alterations in neurons derived from affected sibling pairs, identifying convergent abnormalities in PI3K/GSK3 signaling.
Two subspecies of wild boar in Japan, Japanese Wild Boar (JWB) and Ryukyu Wild Boar (RWB), have been found to share a common ancestral population. Genetic analysis reveals they diverged from Eastern Russian/Northern Chinese wild boars around 25,000-10,000 years ago.
A recent study published in Biological Diversity reveals that ecological selection drives population differentiation and local adaptation in Capsella bursa-pastoris, a widely distributed annual herb. Genome-wide scans identified 54 candidate genes under positive selection related to energy metabolism and other processes.
A large-scale genetic study suggests that inherited taste preferences for sweet and fatty foods can influence eating behaviors and contribute to chronic disease risk. People with a higher genetic predisposition for these tastes tend to eat more of them, leading to a higher risk of obesity and type 2 diabetes.
A new study from MUSC suggests that combining flexible testing options and community partnerships can bring populationwide genomic screening to rural and socially vulnerable communities. Over 50,000 adults have completed screening through In Our DNA SC, a program that has reached participants in all 46 South Carolina counties.
A new study reveals that wolves from different regions have distinct skull shapes shaped by their environment and human activities. The research highlights the importance of considering local adaptations in wolf reintroduction and conservation plans to ensure success.
Darwin's Ark has established the world's largest community-powered pet research initiative, combining genetic data with owner information to explore questions about pet health, behavior, ancestry, and evolution. Researchers can collaborate by submitting a request form, accelerating discoveries that benefit animal and human health.
A new genomic study has identified close family relationships among Scythian elite individuals, indicating that elite status was passed down through interconnected family lineages. The study also sheds light on the role of elite women in Scythian society, suggesting that women held high social status.
A team of researchers is calling for more ethical consideration in using genomic technologies to influence the environment and species. They recommend respecting Indigenous data sovereignty and ensuring access and benefit sharing.
A new genetic study provides the most detailed picture to date of late Neandertal diversity in North-Western Europe. The researchers found that these Neandertals were part of a larger and more well-connected regional population, unlike previously seen in Siberia.
Researchers identified a severe outbreak of bivalve transmissible cancer in soft-shell clams in Puget Sound, with prevalence exceeding 75% by 2024. The disease was recently introduced from Atlantic Coast populations and was tracked using a new environmental DNA assay.
Researchers tracked Arabian Sea humpback whales' movements, revealing the first direct evidence of a whale crossing the Arabian Sea. The study found that these whales have adapted to their habitat in a unique way, deviating from traditional migration patterns.
The University of Bath has recruited leading psychiatric geneticist Professor Laura Huckins to lead mental health research, focusing on eating disorders and PTSD. She aims to provide answers and treatments for vulnerable populations, combining genetic data and human brain studies to predict individual responses to their environment.
A UAB research team analyzed the genome of 54 newborns to track the genetic history of the Iberians. The study found a great genetic continuity, with little external influence, until the arrival of Romans, who introduced new genetic influences.
A new AI tool, HERRO, corrects errors in nanopore sequencing reads to produce high-quality complete genome assemblies. This innovation enables researchers to build more accurate and complete genome maps with a simpler workflow, unlocking potential for precision medicine advancements.
Research finds ceramide metabolism differences between Black and white individuals with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer influence treatment outcomes. Genetic ancestry-related variants affect ceramide levels and ratios, which promote cell survival or death.
Researchers used DNA metabarcoding to analyze benthic macroinvertebrates across 18 Ontario streams, detecting far greater biodiversity than traditional methods. The study found that DNA-based biomonitoring can reveal ecological patterns and changes linked to agriculture, water quality, and land use.
Researchers can now estimate genetic diversity of dolphins using environmental DNA (eDNA) from seawater samples, providing insights into population size and vulnerability to environmental changes. The study's findings suggest that repeated eDNA sampling can be used to monitor the health of dolphin populations.
Researchers at North Carolina State University developed a nondestructive technique to collect cellular material from historical parchment manuscripts without damaging them. This allows for genetic analyses that provide new insights into past cultural and agricultural practices.
A research team has identified two distinct genetic lineages corresponding to low- and high-altitude habitats in Capsella bursa-pastoris. Genome-wide scans detected 54 candidate genes under positive selection, highlighting temperature seasonality and precipitation as key drivers of adaptive divergence.
The new AI model uses genetic mutation patterns to trace ancestral relationships between species, including humans and mosquitoes. The tool can predict when gene pairs last shared a common ancestor and is faster than traditional statistical methods.
A study of ancient genomes found that individuals from northern Europe were buried in cemeteries in southern Germany during the late Roman period, suggesting regional mobility. The research team reconstructed family relationships and showed how new structures emerged as people adopted Roman ways of life.
A study on the phylogeography of Burmannia nepalensis, a rare mycoheterotrophic herb in subtropical China, found that historical climate fluctuations and geographic isolation shaped its evolutionary history. The research reveals limited gene flow due to mountain barriers and fragmented habitats.
The study identified over a million genetic variants, revealing unique diversity and adaptations to environments. Ancient DNA and geographic data also provide insights into the movements and migrations of Native American populations.
African elephants' genetic history shows they once moved across large distances, exchanging genes throughout the continent. However, current patchy habitats and human activities have led to genetic consequences of isolation, affecting conservation approaches.
A massive study of ancient DNA from nearly 16,000 people across over 10,000 years in West Eurasia reveals that natural selection has shaped modern human genomes more than previously thought. Many gene variants linked to health and complex traits have been selected since farming began.
Researchers uncover distinct patterns of Indigenous and European ancestry in urban Peruvian population, challenging common categorizations. The study's findings hold significant implications for precision medicine and health disparities among Latin Americans.
Researchers analyzed genetic data from nearly 94,000 participants in UCLA's ATLAS Biobank, highlighting new connections between genes, disease risk and medicine response. The study found that genetics can predict how well patients respond to GLP-1 drugs for weight loss purposes, with varying response rates across ancestry groups.
Researchers tracked genetic changes in Arabidopsis thaliana across 30 sites over five years, finding most populations adapted to local environmental conditions. However, some populations went extinct due to genetic drift, highlighting the importance of preserving biodiversity.
A new species of leaf warbler, Tokara Leaf Warbler, has been discovered in Japan through DNA analysis. The species is found only on two island groups and is considered vulnerable due to low genetic diversity and potential population declines.
A new study by Stockholm University researchers reveals distinct populations of Baltic Sea herring with varying levels of genetic adaptation to local conditions. The findings highlight the importance of genetic diversity in managing herring populations and suggest that current fishing practices may be detrimental to local populations.
A recent study analyzing koala genomes found that populations previously considered most at risk are now showing signs of genetic regeneration. The research, published in Science, challenges long-held assumptions about genetic risk in endangered species.
Researchers have identified detectable 'early warning signals' in genetic data that can alert conservationists to an approaching crisis before it becomes irreversible. The findings provide a new tool for protecting endangered species by monitoring genetic changes in populations and identifying early warning signs.
A massive Swedish study of over 2 million individuals reveals that genetic risk for mental illness is far less disorder-specific than clinicians have assumed. Schizophrenia shows the highest genetic specificity, while drug use disorder has a much lower specificity, scattering its genetic risk across multiple conditions.
A new interdisciplinary study provides detailed insights into the lives of people living in Central Europe during the Late Bronze Age, revealing gradual changes in ancestry, dietary flexibility, and mortuary practices. The research suggests that communities participated in wider networks of interaction and incorporated change into exis...
Researchers have discovered that native rice stink bugs have more genetic diversity than invasive species, which could help monitor the spread of insecticide resistance. This study provides valuable insights into pest management for Arkansas rice growers, who face significant costs due to the bug's impact on their crops.
Researchers from ISTA developed an algorithm that can extract and analyze information from the world’s most extensive biobank with unprecedented accuracy and speed. The method, dubbed gVAMP, enhances the framework's ability to extract complex information from the dataset at hand, providing a detailed overview of the effects on a trait ...
A massive genome-wide association study identified 58 genetic variants associated with increased anxiety risk, pointing to 66 genes involved in stress response. The study also found strong genetic overlap with depression, neuroticism, and PTSD, underscoring the shared biology behind emotional distress.
A study published in PNAS reveals that Sudanese Copts have acquired a genetic variant that protects them from contracting malaria after mixing with other Sudanese populations. The acquisition of this variant took place over 1,500 years and has led to an evolutionary adaptation to the disease.
Researchers developed polygenic risk score models to predict breast cancer risk in women of African ancestry, improving accuracy and performance compared to existing models. The new tools could lead to earlier screening, tailored care, and increased survival rates for high-risk women.
Professor Dan Stein was a visionary who bridged neuroscience, clinical care, and philosophy to transform psychiatric research in Africa. His integrative approach produced scholarship of extraordinary range, with over 1,600 peer-reviewed publications and a Google Scholar h-index exceeding 220.
Researchers developed a genetically informed dynamic species distribution model to reconstruct the distributional history of wild Piper nigrum from 21,000 years ago. The model identified glacial refugia and patterns of range contraction, expansion, and fragmentation following the Last Glacial Maximum.
A new study found that rising temperatures are driving changes in polar bear DNA, which may help them adapt to increasingly challenging environments. The researchers discovered that genes related to heat-stress, aging, and metabolism are behaving differently in polar bears living in southeastern Greenland.
Young mountain lions in California struggle to navigate busy roads and developed areas, compromising their ability to access breeding territories and maintain genetic diversity. The study's findings highlight the need for wildlife crossing structures to maintain connectivity and promote healthy populations.
The study reveals lower genetic diversity and historical population sizes in the Southern Maned Sloth, while the Northern lineage faces rapid inbreeding due to deforestation. The findings offer critical insights for conservation of endangered species.
Dr. Amin's transformative insights reshape international understanding of depression genetics, identifying novel therapeutic targets and biomarkers for diagnosis and treatment. Her systemic disease model challenges traditional views of depression as a brain disorder.
A team led by Dr. Betty Tsao seeks to uncover the genetic drivers of childhood-onset systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) using DNA sequencing. By analyzing more than 90 families with a history of SLE, they hope to identify rare mutations that could lead to new treatments.
Researchers will analyze genetic diversity and structure of four key sponge species to enhance resilience in restored populations. The project aims to build ecological resilience in vulnerable marine environments through a genetics-based approach.
The book, 'Understanding the Tree of Life,' offers a fresh perspective on evolution as a continuous, branching process where all organisms are interconnected cousins. It challenges outdated views that place humans at the pinnacle of evolution or label certain species as primitive, emphasizing shared traits alongside unique adaptations.
The Earth BioGenome Project aims to create a digital library of DNA sequences to preserve and protect life on Earth. With over 2,200 scientists in 88 countries, the project is making discoveries that could help assure food security and advance medicine.
The study reveals that Slavic groups originated in the region between the Dniester and Don rivers and migrated across Central and Eastern Europe. The genetic data show a mosaic of different groups adapting to local contexts, with no significant sex bias in migrations.
Concordia researchers develop a faster way to trace how diseases spread indoors by using dynamic modeling and real-time camera- and sensor-based tracking. The tool can simulate the spread of germs for longer periods, allowing for better estimation of infection risk levels.
A new study shows that mixing mice from different populations can create genetically healthier populations, increasing survival and reproductive success. The research challenges common perceptions about the risks of outbreeding depression, highlighting the benefits of genetic rescue in conservation programs.
A recent study co-authored by UCF Assistant Professor of Biology Robert Fitak reveals that the 1990s translocation of Texas pumas improved the Florida panther's genetic health while preserving its unique ancestry. The study found increased genetic variation, retention of unique traits, and a decrease in harmful mutations.
A study found that the red-headed wood pigeon's unique genetic history, shaped by centuries of gradual inbreeding, enabled its population to survive and rebound dramatically. The team's analysis revealed lower levels of highly deleterious mutations in the endangered species compared to the more widespread Japanese wood pigeon.
A new study uncovers a 4,000-year-old domesticated sheep infected with the ancient LNBA plague lineage of Yersinia pestis, suggesting a link between livestock and human infections. The discovery sheds light on how this deadly disease spread across thousands of years in Eurasia.
An international team reconstructs the genetic interactions of populations in the Southern Caucasus over time, showing a mostly constant ancestry profile. Evidence of migration from neighboring regions is also found, with notable instances of cultural adoption and genealogical links to Central Eurasian Steppe populations.