Evolution News and Research

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Measuring the Long-Term Survival of Lizards in the Wild

Over extended periods of time, many species change little or not at all. The same justification is frequently used by biologists to explain why this is so: natural selection prefers those with more balanced traits.

11 Oct 2023

Gene-Edited Chickens in Fight Against Bird Flu

Scientists have used gene editing techniques to identify and change parts of chicken DNA that could limit the spread of the bird flu virus in the animals.

11 Oct 2023

Plants Evolve Benzoxazinoid Biosynthesis Independently

Individual species of very different plant families produce special indole-derived defense compounds called benzoxazinoids.

10 Oct 2023

Ancient Frogs Provide First Molecular Evidence of Ginger Coloration

Paleontologists at University College Cork (UCC) have achieved a significant breakthrough by discovering the first molecular evidence of phaeomelanin, the pigment responsible for producing ginger coloration, within the fossil record.

9 Oct 2023

Grass Gene Transfer Could Inform Future Crop Development

Grass may transfer genes from their neighbors in the same way genetically modified crops are made, a new study has revealed.

6 Oct 2023

The Distinct Divergence in the Genetic Code

A protist’s genome revealed an apparently unusual divergence in the DNA coding signaling the end of a gene, indicating the need for more research to better comprehend this varied group of creatures.

6 Oct 2023

New Genomic Study Could Help Save Pangolins From Extinction

A new research paper, published in Molecular Biology and Evolution by Oxford University Press, has introduced an extensive collection of genomic resources for pangolins, commonly known as scaly anteaters.

6 Oct 2023

Research Provides a Comprehensive Set of Genomic Resources for Pangolins

A new paper in Molecular Biology and Evolution, published by Oxford University Press, for the first time provides a comprehensive set of genomic resources for pangolins, sometimes known as scaly anteaters, that researchers believe will be integral for protecting these threatened mammals.

5 Oct 2023

Soybean Pangenome Project Uncovers Hidden Genetic Diversity

Soybeans, serving as a significant global source of protein and cleaner, renewable biodiesel energy, play a vital role.

4 Oct 2023

Genetic Recycling Drives Cichlid Diversity in Lake Victoria

Scientists show the extraordinary diversity of cichlid fish in Africa's Lake Victoria was made possible by 'genetic recycling' - repeated cycles of new species appearing and rapidly adapting to different roles in the ecosystem.

4 Oct 2023

Female Fruit Flies Prioritize Both Genetic Quality and Compatibility When Mating

Genetic quality or genetic compatibility? What do female fruit flies prioritize when mating? Researchers at the University of Zurich show that both factors are important at different stages of the reproductive process and that females use targeted strategies to optimize the fitness of their offspring.

3 Oct 2023

Study Reveals the Genetic Basis of Adaptation in Darwin's Finches

An international team of researchers has released a landmark study on contemporary evolutionary change in natural populations.

3 Oct 2023

Researchers Find Potential DNA Remains in Fossil Turtle

There are now just seven different species of sea turtles.

29 Sep 2023

Promoting Viral Propagation with Decreasing Biodiversity

How are environmental changes, biodiversity decline, and disease spread related? The solution is a riddle.

27 Sep 2023

Using Genetic Engineering to Facilitate Mutualistic Relationships Between Plants and Nitrogen-Fixing Microbes

Nitrogen is an essential nutrient for plant growth, but the overuse of synthetic nitrogen fertilizers in agriculture is not sustainable.

27 Sep 2023

Mathematical Recipe for Sperm Tail Motion Discovered

Patterns of chemical interactions are thought to create patterns in nature such as stripes and spots. This new study shows that the mathematical basis of these patterns also governs how the sperm tail moves.

27 Sep 2023

Study Shows Birds That Have Evolved Greater Complexity are Less Biodiverse

A new study of the evolution of birds shows that as their skeletons become more complex, they also decrease in diversity, with fewer species as they become more specialised in their niches.

26 Sep 2023

Fruit Flies Show How Brain Reward-Based Decisions Work

Fitzgerald’s brother-in-law, like many L.P. record collectors, has a go-to store where he routinely finds the greatest vinyl for his collection.

25 Sep 2023

Fitch Ratings Confirms AA+ Rating for the International Fund for Agricultural Development

Fitch Ratings confirmed the International Fund for Agricultural Development's (IFAD) Long-Term Issuer Default Rating (IDR) at 'AA+' with a Stable Outlook.

25 Sep 2023

AI-Powered Method Helps Scientists to Observe Plants With Great Precision

Artificial intelligence (AI) can help plant scientists collect and analyze unprecedented volumes of data, which would not be possible using conventional methods.

25 Sep 2023