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Non-Active Site Mutations Drive Enzyme Adaptation to Low Temperatures

Enzymes initially developed in high-temperature environments and subsequently adapted to cooler conditions as the Earth underwent a cooling phase.

26 Mar 2025

How Drug-Resistant Bacteria Use Antimicrobial Tools to Outcompete Others

A drug-resistant type of bacteria that has adapted to health care settings evolved in the past several years to weaponize an antimicrobial genetic tool, eliminating its cousins and replacing them as the dominate strain.

24 Mar 2025

Unraveling the Evolutionary Link to Eukaryotic Cells

A decade ago, the existence of Asgard archaea was unknown. However, in 2015, researchers analyzing deep-sea sediments uncovered gene fragments that suggested the presence of a new, previously unidentified group of microbes.

24 Mar 2025

‘Genetic Time Machine’ Uncovers the History of Sophisticated Chimpanzee Cultures

Associate Professor Federico Battiston and PhD Student Onkar Sadekar, both researchers from the Department of Network and Data Science at Central European University (CEU), contributed to research on chimpanzee culture with their network analysis insights.

24 Mar 2025

Researchers Unveil the Architecture of Mitochondria at Unprecedented Resolution

Mitochondria are the powerhouses in our cells, producing the energy for all vital processes. Using cryo-electron tomography, researchers at the University of Basel, Switzerland, have now gained insight into the architecture of mitochondria at unprecedented resolution.

22 Mar 2025

Research Unveils Mechanism Behind Evolution of Organelles from Bacteria

Organelles in cells were originally often independent cells, which were incorporated by host cells and lost their independence in the course of evolution.

20 Mar 2025

New Insights into How B Cells Strategically Clone High-Affinity Antibodies

A vaccine's ability to generate long-lasting, high-affinity antibodies hinges on a delicate balance. Upon exposure to a vaccine or pathogen, B cells scramble to refine their defenses, rapidly mutating in hopes of generating the most effective antibodies.

20 Mar 2025

Advanced Imaging Deciphers B Cell Dynamics in Lymph Nodes

Germinal centers are machines of rapid evolution. Germinal centers are tiny clusters in the lymph nodes that refine antibodies through proliferation and mutation to create high-affinity B cells that are suited to control various infections.

20 Mar 2025

New Chromosome Identification System Revolutionizes Alfalfa Research

In a recent study, scientists have developed a revolutionary chromosome identification system for alfalfa, one of the world's most economically vital forage crops.

19 Mar 2025

Genetic Research Uncovers a Lost Chapter of Human Evolution

Utilizing sophisticated analyses grounded in complete genome sequences, researchers at the University of Cambridge have uncovered indications that modern humans emerged from a genetic mixing event involving two ancient populations that diverged approximately 1.5 million years ago.

19 Mar 2025

Scientists Unlock Genetic Secrets of Wild Barley to Improve Crop Yields

An international team of scientists from Australia and China has unveiled the first chromosome-scale genome of a wild barley species, with their findings offering direct implications for more sustainable agriculture and significant yield improvements for Australian grain production.

17 Mar 2025

Study Shows How Transposons Exploit Telomeres in Bacteria

Transposons, or "jumping genes" – DNA segments that can move from one part of the genome to another – are key to bacterial evolution and the development of antibiotic resistance.

8 Mar 2025

Ancient Fish Fossils Reveal Synovial Joints Evolved Millions of Years Earlier Than Thought

Recent research reveals that synovial joints originated in early jawed fish, reshaping our understanding of vertebrate skeletal evolution and movement.

7 Mar 2025

Dual Antibodies Found to Combat All SARS-CoV-2 Variants

A Stanford-led team has found two antibodies that can work together to defeat all SARS-CoV-2 variants. More research is needed, but the approach could help in the development of treatments to keep pace with evolving viruses.

6 Mar 2025

Cryo-ET Reveals Retrotransposon Replication Inside Cells

An arms race is occurring within human cells: Transposons, also known as jumping genes or mobile genetic elements, can replicate and reintegrate themselves into the genome, posing a threat to genomic integrity by inducing DNA rearrangements and mutations.

6 Mar 2025