A frozen chunk of genome rewrites our understanding of bird evolution
An enormous meteor spelled doom for most dinosaurs 65 million years ago. But not all. In the aftermath of the extinction event, birds—technically dinosaurs themselves—flourished......»»
Discovery of key protein complex shows evolution and adaptability of photosynthetic organisms
A team of researchers has revealed the structure of a modified and evolved version of Photosystem I (PS I), a key protein complex used by plants and cyanobacteria to convert sunlight into chemical energy. This discovery sheds light on the evolution a.....»»
Scientists identify mutation that could facilitate H5N1 bird flu virus infection and potential transmission in humans
Avian influenza viruses typically require several mutations to adapt and spread among humans, but what happens when just one change can increase the risk of becoming a pandemic virus?.....»»
Chemists develop color-changing test for rapid salmonella detection
A group of chemists at the University at Albany have developed a new method for fast-acting salmonella detection. The test employs a paper strip that changes color in the presence of the bacterial genome, enabling quick screening for salmonella in fo.....»»
Unique microbial communities discovered beneath frozen surface of Antarctica"s Lake Enigma
An international team of polar researchers has found several types of microbiota living in the water below the frozen surface of Antarctica's Lake Enigma. In their study, published in the journal Communications Earth & Environment, group members vent.....»»
Teaching evolution with conflict reduction practices increases acceptance, study finds
Students in biology classes accepted the theory of evolution more often when it was taught with conflict-reducing practices, including an emphasis on religious compatibility and autonomy, according to a study published December 4, 2024 in the open-ac.....»»
New pathway found for regulating zinc in E. coli
Cornell researchers have discovered a pathway by which E. coli regulates all-important zinc levels, an insight that could advance the understanding of metal regulation in bacteria generally and lead to antibacterial applications such as in medical in.....»»
A key transcription factor unlocks new potential in stem cell-based embryo models
Researchers from the A*STAR Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology (IMCB) have identified Nr1h2, a critical transcription factor essential for early embryo development. Published in Nature Communications, their findings enhance our understanding of.....»»
AI model enables reliable and accurate protein-ligand complex prediction
Understanding protein–ligand interactions is fundamental to molecular biology and biochemistry. These interactions are at the heart of many cellular processes, from enzyme catalysis to signal transduction. The foundational knowledge of protein–li.....»»
Decoding protein interactions to better understand how mutations contribute to disease
Investigating how proteins interact is key to understanding how cells work and communicate. In a new study published in Nature Communications, FMI researchers have provided key insights into how protein interactions are governed and how mutations inf.....»»
Bird dispersal ability shapes biodiversity patterns on islands worldwide, new study finds
You can know a lot of things about birds just by the shape of their wings. A seafaring albatross, stretching out its sail-like airfoils, lives a very different life from a ground-dwelling antpitta with its long legs and short, stubby wings that it us.....»»
Nationwide assessment finds urban areas face higher cancer risk from air pollution
New research builds on scientific understanding of how air pollution and cancer risk are distributed throughout the U.S. Air pollution, often resulting from industrial or vehicle emissions, can travel for hundreds of miles and impact the health of co.....»»
Customized CRISPR toolkit allows remote-controlled genome editing
Thanks to CRISPR, medical specialists will soon have unprecedented control over how they treat and prevent some of the most challenging genetic disorders and diseases......»»
Climate warming is reducing rice quality in East Asia, research reveals
Rice is a food staple for billions of people worldwide, with demand doubling over the past 50 years, and is predominantly grown in Asia before being exported globally. This crop is sensitive to weather conditions and, as such, understanding how yield.....»»
Raw milk producer optimistic after being shut down for bird flu detection
A second lot of milk was recalled after testing of retail products came back positive. Bird flu has landed on a California farm that shuns virus-killing pasteurization, leading to.....»»
Deep-sea marvels: How anglerfish defy evolutionary expectations
A Rice University study sheds light on the extraordinary evolution of anglerfish, a group of deep-sea dwellers whose bizarre adaptations have captivated scientists and the public alike. The research, published in Nature Ecology & Evolution, uncovers.....»»
Evidence of human-to-animal SARS-CoV-2 transmission in a Brazilian zoo
Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais-led research at the Belo Horizonte Zoo in Minas Gerais, Brazil, has detected SARS-CoV-2 in multiple captive wild mammals, revealing potential human-to-animal transmission and viral evolution in new hosts......»»
New theory of flexible multimodal synchrony advances understanding of human interaction
Researchers from Bar-Ilan University and Haifa University have unveiled a new theory of interpersonal synchrony that redefines how we understand social coordination and its role in human interaction. Titled "A Theory of Flexible Multimodal Synchrony,.....»»
New understanding of a cancer-relevant protein reveals opportunities for drug discovery
A new approach to targeting a protein involved in cell division, which can misfunction in cancer, has revealed new insights into how it functions......»»
What came first, life or evolution? Self-replicating molecules demonstrate basic principles of Darwinian evolution
We know that Darwinian evolution acts on all forms of life, but does evolution act on non-living materials as well?.....»»
Getting to the bottom of Cenozoic deep-ocean temperatures
Understanding ancient ocean temperatures—particularly from the Cenozoic era (the past 66 million years), in which Earth experienced dramatic climate shifts—helps scientists reveal more about the planet's past climates......»»