Evolution News and Research

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New Findings on Senescence and its Evolutionary Advantages

Evolutionary biologists at the HUN-REN Centre for Ecological Research, led by Eörs Szathmáry from the Hungarian Academy of Sciences and including András Szilágyi, Tamás Czárán, and Mauro Santos, used a computer model to demonstrate that under specific conditions, senescence can aid in responding to directional selection and facilitate adaptation to changing environmental factors.

12 Dec 2023

Free AI Drug Discovery Course Surpasses 2,500 Users

An online course on Disease Modeling and Target Discovery launched 7 months ago by clinical stage generative artificial intelligence (AI)-driven biotechnology company Insilico Medicine has surpassed 2,500 users.

12 Dec 2023

Fossil Lipids and Genetics Offer Glimpse into Early Animal Diets

Paleontologists are gaining insight into life from over a billion years ago by analyzing chemical remnants in ancient rocks and studying the genetics of present-day animals.

11 Dec 2023

Earliest Evidence of Disease-Causing Fungus Found

A recent breakthrough has unveiled the earliest disease-causing fungus, residing within the fossil collections of the Natural History Museum.

7 Dec 2023

Revolutionizing Fish Immunology: A Paradigm Shift in Antibody Responses

Upon infection or immunization, antibodies, produced by all jawed vertebrates, serve to bind and neutralize pathogens.

4 Dec 2023

Dipsadine Snake Skull Shapes Tell the Tale of Adaptation

By studying the skull shapes of dipsadine snakes, researchers at The University of Texas at Arlington have found how these species of snakes in Central and South America have evolved and adapted to meet the demands of their habitats and food sources.

1 Dec 2023

The Secret Weapon of Pitcher Plants: How Polyploidy Stimulates Evolution of New Functions

Possessing more than two complete sets of chromosomes can be a hindrance to long-term survival of a plant lineage, yet scientists are also finding evidence it's likely behind some evolutionary innovation.

1 Dec 2023

Deep-Sea Vent Bacterium Sheds Light on Evolutionary Journey

A new bacterial species discovered at the deep-sea hydrothermal vent site 'Crab Spa' provides a deeper understanding of bacterial evolution.

1 Dec 2023

Unveiling the Role of the Cerebellum in Human Cognitive Evolution

The development of advanced cognitive functions in humans has primarily been associated with the growth of the neocortex, a brain region responsible for conscious thought, movement, and sensory perception.

30 Nov 2023

Computational Insights and Magnetic Tweezers: Unraveling Coronavirus Biomechanics

Richard Feynman is renowned for expressing, “Everything that living things do can be understood in terms of the jigglings and wigglings of atoms.”

28 Nov 2023

Structural Insights Into Coronavirus Spike Proteins

Coronaviruses employ protein “spikes” to latch onto and infect cells. Contrary to their name, these spikes do not have a rigid and pointed structure. Instead, they resemble chicken drumsticks, with the meaty portion facing outward.

27 Nov 2023

Uncovering the Bacterial Basis of Cat Scent Signals

Numerous mammals, ranging from household cats and dogs to massive pandas, employ scent as a means of communication with their peers.

27 Nov 2023

Nutrient Derived From Meat and Dairy Enhances Cancer Killing Ability of Immune Cells

Trans-vaccenic acid (TVA), a long-chain fatty acid found in meat and dairy products from grazing animals such as cows and sheep, improves the ability of CD8+ T cells to infiltrate tumors and kill cancer cells, according to a new study by researchers from the University of Chicago.

27 Nov 2023

Tapping into the Genetic Reservoir of Wild Blueberries

Blueberries, belonging to the Vaccinium genus and characterized by their petite size, are renowned for their delectable flavor, harmonious blend of sweetness and acidity, and impressive nutritional profile. They are rich in a diverse array of vitamins and antioxidants.

23 Nov 2023