Articles tagged with Population Genetics
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Researchers find gene drives more efficient than releasing immune mosquitoes in controlling mosquito populations spreading malaria parasites. The study demonstrates the effectiveness of gene drives in driving mosquito populations to extinction, with some mutations hindering their effectiveness.
A study identifies 5 genetic markers near the EGLN1 gene linked to high-altitude adaptations, suggesting natural selection in these populations. These markers were found at higher frequencies among 429 Quechua people from Peru compared to lowland populations.
A new genomics study explores the genetic signatures of a pair of wolves isolated on Isle Royale, revealing the impact of inbreeding on the population's health. The research found that close inbreeding leads to genetic anomalies, which are likely driving the wolf population crash over the past decade.
Inbred Isle Royale wolves have fewer harmful genes than expected, with a higher proportion of paired recessive alleles. This discovery has broader implications for conservation efforts, suggesting individuals from smaller populations may be more beneficial due to fewer potentially harmful alleles.
A recent study found that Australian potato cyst nematodes have a single origin, suggesting effective quarantine control measures. Historical specimens were analyzed using modern technologies to determine the pest's introduction and spread in Victoria, Australia.
Researchers found cold-resistant phenotypes in Alaskan Iñupiat and immune response genes in central Mexican and southeastern US populations. Genetic adaptations varied depending on population history and geography.
New research by University of Alberta biologists reveals the Stone's sheep population is 20% less common than previously estimated. Genetic analysis shows significant overestimation of certain subspecies due to misclassification, leading to a more accurate estimate.
A study published in Nature Scientific Reports found that nuclear DNA analysis can highlight genetic differences between sardine populations, contradicting previous conclusions based on mitochondrial DNA analysis. This new understanding has significant implications for fisheries management and conservation strategies.
A large-scale study led by the Weizmann Institute of Science found that diet and lifestyle are the primary factors shaping our microbiome composition. The research suggests that understanding these influences may be key to improving health and treating common diseases.
Research on mitochondrial DNA from ancient remains suggests that two distinct groups, Maritime Archaic and Beothuk, inhabited the island multiple times with a possible hiatus. The findings imply that Newfoundland's population history involves multiple independent arrivals by indigenous peoples.
Scientists warn of alarming gaps in basic knowledge of deep sea life as human activities intensify. Despite this, recent technological advancements enable the collection of genetic information about populations, shedding light on their interconnectedness.
A study found that green anole lizards in the south developed greater resistance to cold temperatures after a severe winter, similar to their northern counterparts. The population showed significant genetic divergence in response to the extreme weather event.
Daniel MacArthur receives ASHG's first Early-Career Award for his work on rare disease diagnosis using large-scale genomic technologies. The award recognizes his development of key resources, including Exome Aggregation Consortium and Genome Aggregation Database.
Kári Stefánsson to receive William Allan Award for his pioneering work on Icelandic population genetics and its impact on public education about genetics. His research has led to important insights into various diseases, including type 2 diabetes, prostate cancer, and schizophrenia.
Researchers explored genetic similarity between spouses from three generations of white people in the Framingham Heart Study. They found that individuals preferred spouses with the same ancestry, but this preference decreased over time, resulting in a more genetically diverse population.
Researchers found that genetic modifications are unlikely to conquer Earth due to natural resistance. Gene drives, like CRISPR/Cas9, can spread quickly but will eventually be outcompeted by natural selection.
A new study suggests that deep coral reefs are unlikely to 'reseed' shallow reefs, contradicting previous hopes for their recovery. The research found that the genetic similarity between coral populations varies greatly between species on a reef, making it difficult for deep reefs to aid shallow reefs.
Scientists sequenced DNA from early Neolithic skeletons and found a previously uncharacterized population in Iran's Zagros region. The Zargos-based farmers' genetic sequences resemble modern-day Pakistani and Afghan populations, suggesting they split from ancient Anatolian genomes over 40,000 years ago.
A study reveals a deep indigenous genetic history tracing back to the initial settlement of Australia 50 thousand years ago, challenging previous theories about an influx of people from India. The findings show a long and independent genetic history in Australia.
A physically active lifestyle can substantially decrease the genetic effect of the major obesity gene FTO on body weight in a multiethnic population. Researchers at McMaster University found that physical activity can blunt the effect of inherited obesity genes by up to 75 per cent.
Researchers have identified two distinct species of little blue penguins in Australia and New Zealand, based on genetic analysis. The study reveals that the birds' calls and mating habits differ between the two populations.
A recent study using fecal sampling and genetic analysis found hundreds of eastern chimpanzees inhabit a region of rapidly shrinking forest fragments in Uganda. The population is estimated to be between 250-320 individuals, three times larger than previously suspected.
A recent DNA study reveals that all early Eskimos migrated from Alaska's North Slope, providing the first genetic link between Iñupiat populations and their ancestral homeland. The research also suggests two major migrations to the east from the North Slope at different times in history.
A study by University of Leicester researchers found that millions of modern Asian men are descended from 11 powerful dynastic leaders who lived up to 4,000 years ago. The genetic link was discovered in the Y chromosomes of over 5,000 Asian men belonging to 127 populations.
A new species of hummingbird has been discovered in the Bahamas, characterized by its distinctive lyre-tailed plumage and unique courtship displays. Genetic analysis reveals that the two subspecies diverged around 400,000 to 1 million years ago.
A Cornell-led study found that specific gut bacteria are heritable and more common in lean individuals. Transplanting a particular bacterium into mice protected against weight gain, highlighting the potential for tailored probiotics to reduce obesity-related diseases.
A team led by Drs. Mary L. Marazita and Seth M. Weinberg will recruit 6,100 individuals for genetic studies to identify genetic susceptibility for cleft lip and palate in low-risk populations in Nigeria, the Philippines, and Colombia, as well as mid-risk populations in Pittsburgh and Lancaster.
Releasing genetically engineered male flies could be an effective way to control the Mediterranean fruit fly, a serious agricultural pest that causes extensive damage to crops. The method works by producing only male offspring, which then mate with local females and pass on a self-limiting trait, resulting in no viable female offspring.
A new study by University of Otago researchers has discovered that the modern New Zealand sea lion is a relative newcomer to the mainland, replacing an extinct prehistoric species. The team found evidence of a previously unknown lineage that dominated South Island shores until around 600 years ago.
Genetic analysis of fossilized feces on Tiburón Island in Mexico suggests the island was once home to a native bighorn sheep population. The discovery raises questions about the species' extinction and potential rewilding efforts.
A 15-year study on P. vivax population genetics in South Korea found drastic genetic change occurred between 2002-2003, suggesting parasites were introduced from North Korea. This explains why South Korea was unable to eliminate vivax malaria for 20 years.
The Uros populations of Peru and Bolivia possess a unique genetic ancestry that predates the arrival of Spanish conquistadors, potentially dating back to 3,700 years ago. Their divergent genetic lineage is distinct from surrounding Andean populations.
A new study published in American Journal of Human Genetics suggests that modern-day India is the result of recent population mixture among divergent demographic groups. The findings provide evidence for a genetic mixture of two ancestral groups: Ancestral North Indians and Ancestral South Indians, which occurred around 1,900 to 4,200 ...
A recent genetic study has uncovered a significant demographic shift in India's population, occurring approximately 1,900-4,200 years ago. This mixture of ancestral populations has left its mark on nearly every group in India, influencing the present-day caste system and increasing the incidence of genetic diseases.
Researchers found that a specific gene polymorphism is associated with an increased risk of ischemic stroke in the Han Chinese population. The study identified the -607C allele as a strong risk factor for ischemic cerebrovascular disease, while the A allele may provide protective effects.
A new DNA study from the University of Texas at Austin provides genetic evidence for the impact of Aztec imperialism on Mesoamerican populations. Researchers found that the pre-conquest maternal aDNA did not match those of the post-conquest era in Xaltocan, suggesting significant genetic changes
Researchers developed a new method to analyze genetic data to learn about population history, using the Ashkenazi Jews and Masai people as test subjects. This approach allows for detailed events in recent history to be recovered within the last few centuries.
A new study found that mountain lions are dispersing from Nevada to California, rather than the expected influx of animals from California into Nevada. The research used DNA analysis to track the movement of 739 mountain lions over seven years, revealing distinct genetic populations and habitat preferences.
A genetic study of cave millipedes in the southern Cumberland Plateau highlights the importance of conservation efforts for isolated species. The research found that these millipedes have reduced pigmentation, non-functional eyes, and diverged several million years ago.
Researchers have discovered genetically engineered canola populations growing outside of established cultivation regions along roadsides across North Dakota. These 'escaped' plants accounted for 45% of total roadside plants sampled and persisted from year to year, raising questions about oversight and monitoring protocols.
A Brazilian research team successfully established the first line of human embryonic stem cells (hES), but struggled to find a genetically diverse match for the diverse ethnic and genetic Brazilian population. The researchers overcame legal and ethical guidelines to create hES cell line BR-1, which is mostly European in origin.
Researchers introduce genetic changes into mosquito populations, paving the way for a genetically modified malaria-free mosquito species. The technology could lead to dramatic reductions in malaria-carrying mosquitoes and provide a safe public health tool.
Michigan Technological University researchers found an immigrant wolf in Isle Royale's gene pool through DNA analysis of scat samples. The introduction of new genes led to a decrease in inbreeding and increased survival rates among the wolves.
A recent study by Purdue University researchers used genetic methods to count endangered eagles, revealing significantly higher populations than visual counts. The technique identified individual DNA fingerprints for each bird, leading to more accurate estimates of population sizes.
Researchers used genetic data and oceanographic information from satellites to find two distinct populations of franciscanas in Argentina's coastal waters. The findings suggest that environmental factors, such as water temperature and turbidity, play a significant role in shaping population structure in marine animals.
The American College of Medical Genetics recommends offering genetic test for SMA to all couples, regardless of family history. The goal is to identify carriers and provide early testing options, while ensuring informed consent and access to reproductive resources.
New research suggests the Americas were colonized by approximately 1,000-5,000 people, with a 20,000-year layover in Beringia, where population size remained relatively stable. This three-stage colonization model provides a more complex scenario than previous theories, shedding light on the timing and scale of the initial migration.
Researchers used DNA sequence profiling to re-examine the giant panda population in Wanglang Nature Reserve, doubling earlier estimates and finding no genetic evidence of a demographic bottleneck. The study suggests the species may have a better chance of long-term viability than previously thought.
Researchers propose 'Darwinian debt' as a key factor in fish stock depletion, suggesting that species' inability to adapt to changing environmental conditions leads to population decline. This concept challenges traditional views on conservation and management strategies for marine ecosystems.
Researchers from Purdue University confirmed that eagles from central Asia are monogamous, with no adult straying from its mate. The study used non-invasive DNA analysis on feathers to track individual birds over a six-year period, providing valuable insights for conservation biologists.
Researchers at UCLA have pinpointed a specific region on chromosome 17 associated with autism in males. The discovery may help explain why girls are less likely to develop the condition, as the gene contributing to autism only affects boys.
Research using mitochondrial DNA identified two distinct populations in Algeria and Morocco as founders of the Gibraltar macaque population. The study found that the Gibraltar macaques retained a surprisingly high level of genetic variability despite long-term isolation.
A study of French Canadian families found a strong genetic link to restless legs syndrome on chromosome 12q, with periodic leg movements during sleep being a key distinguishing feature. The findings support the involvement of multiple genetic loci in the common sleep disorder.
A new tiger subspecies has been identified through a genetic analysis of over 130 tigers, suggesting six living subspecies rather than the traditional five. The study provides valuable data for conservation strategies and captive breeding programs to combat the decline of wild tiger populations.
A new species of coral-dwelling goby was found in Papua New Guinea and is closely related to another goby species. Genetic analysis reveals that the two species diverged from each other around 200,000 years ago due to host shift, suggesting sympatric speciation by host shift as a plausible explanation.
Researchers discover a ring species of greenish warblers with gradually changing behavioral and genetic characteristics encircling the Tibetan Plateau. The study reveals how small evolutionary changes can lead to reproductive isolation between species.
The Antioquian population in Colombia exhibits a high degree of European genetic influence, predominantly from southern Spain. This is reflected in the Y chromosome data, which show that 94% of males are of European descent.
The number of centenarians in the US is growing rapidly, with projections suggesting a doubling trend. The population is expected to become more diverse, with significant increases in Hispanic and Asian populations.
The Isle Royale wolf population has rebounded dramatically after years of decline, with 25 wolves counted this winter. High reproductive success by two packs and the availability of easy prey due to poor moose conditions contributed to the increase.
Researchers calculate that populations are going extinct at a rate three to eight times faster than species loss, with significant implications for ecosystem services and human dependence on nature. The study reveals the often-overlooked benefits of individual populations, including genetic material and crop production.