Feline genetics help pinpoint first-ever domestication of cats
Nearly 10,000 years ago, humans settling in the Fertile Crescent, the areas of the Middle East surrounding the Tigris and Euphrates rivers, made the first switch from hunter-gatherers to farmers. They developed close bonds with the rodent-eating cats.....»»
Researchers reveal a hidden trait in Mycobacterium genomes governing stress adaptation
A new study, led by Qingyun Liu, Ph.D., assistant professor in the Department of Genetics, has uncovered a genetic feature known as "transcriptional plasticity," which plays a pivotal role in governing the transcriptional response of Mycobacteria to.....»»
James Webb Space Telescope data pinpoint possible aurorae on a cold brown dwarf
Using new observations from the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST), astronomers have discovered methane emission on a brown dwarf, an unexpected finding for such a cold and isolated world. Published in the journal Nature, the findings suggest that thi.....»»
First insights into the genetic bottleneck characterizing early sheep husbandry in the Neolithic period
Modern Eurasian sheep predominantly belong to only two so-called genetic matrilineages inherited through the ewes, so previous research has assumed that genetic diversity must already have decreased rapidly in the early stages of domestication of wil.....»»
Macroalgae genetics study sheds light on how seaweed became multicellular
A deep dive into macroalgae genetics has uncovered the genetic underpinnings that enabled macroalgae, or "seaweed," to evolve multicellularity. Three lineages of macroalgae developed multicellularity independently and during very different time perio.....»»
Microplastic "hotspots" identified in Long Island Sound
Forensic and environmental experts have teamed up to develop a new scientific method to pinpoint microplastic pollution 'hotspots' in open waters. A study by Staffordshire University, The Rozalia Project for a Clean Ocean, and Central Wyoming College.....»»
Research uncovers why urine sprayed by cats emits a pungent odor
Cats communicate with others through their scents. One of their scent-marking behaviors is spraying urine on vertical surfaces such as walls and furniture. Although spraying plays an essential role in the feline world, it often poses challenges for p.....»»
Pet flea and tick treatments contain pesticides that end up washing into the environment
Responsible owners of the UK's 22 million cats and dogs may well have followed advice from many vets to treat pets with a monthly preventative "spot on" flea and tick treatment. However, these treatments are polluting our rivers and could pose a heal.....»»
New method reveals hidden activity of life below ground
A team of scientists led by researchers at Bigelow Laboratory for Ocean Sciences have developed an innovative method to link the genetics and function of individual microbes living without oxygen deep below Earth's surface. Measuring both of these at.....»»
Q&A: Archaeologist"s fieldwork finds movement of crops, animals played a key role in domestication
Archaeologist Xinyi Liu at Washington University in St. Louis teamed up with Martin Jones of the University of Cambridge to write a new paper for the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences that explains how recent research is connecting the.....»»
Novel role for metabolites in cellular metabolism discovered
Investigators led by Issam Ben-Sahra, Ph.D., associate professor of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, have discovered how cellular metabolism fluctuates in response to changes in levels of pyrimidines, metabolites used by cells to make DNA and RNA.....»»
Cats with MDR1 mutation at risk of severe reactions to popular medication
More than half a million cats in the United States could be at risk of a severe or even fatal neurological reaction to the active ingredient in some top-selling parasite preventatives for felines......»»
The US Is About to Drown in a Sea of Kittens
Cats are most fertile during the summer months, but in recent years “kitten season” has been starting earlier and lasting longer. The trend is bad news for shelters and wildlife alike......»»
Crocodile genetics study to inform population management
The results of a long-range genetic study of Queensland's estuarine crocodiles have shown they can be described broadly as six populations living within 12 distinct bioregions......»»
How to tame a cat in Minecraft (and where to find them)
Adventuring and building a dream world is more fun with a feline friend. Here's our guide on how to tame a cat in Minecraft, including where you can find them......»»
Simple trick could improve accuracy of plant genetics research
Researchers have published a simple trick that improves the accuracy of techniques that help us understand how external variables—such as temperature—affect gene activity in plants......»»
Unveiling the genetic tapestry of tree growth: A model for Populus euphratica development
A comprehensive understanding of the genetic architecture of tree growth, a complex interplay of genetics between the plant's above- and below-ground parts, remains undefined in plant studies. Research has increasingly focused on understanding how ge.....»»
New study finds the malaria parasite generates genetic diversity using an evolutionary "copy-paste" tactic
By dissecting the genetic diversity of the most deadly human malaria parasite—Plasmodium falciparum—researchers at EMBL's European Bioinformatics Institute (EMBL-EBI) have identified a mechanism of 'copy-paste' genetics that increases the genetic.....»»
Tracing the spread of cacao domestication
The cacao tree (Theobroma cacao), whose beans (cocoa) are used to make products including chocolate, liquor and cocoa butter, may have spread from the Amazon basin to the other regions of South and Central America at least 5,000 years ago via trade r.....»»
New study helps pinpoint when oldest ‘star dune’ formed, and why it’s moving west
For the first time ever, scientists have figured out the age of one of Earth’s oldest star dunes. These peculiar sand dunes get their name … The post New study helps pinpoint when oldest ‘star dune’ formed, and why it’s.....»»
Conservation actions for South Africa"s white shark population now a matter of urgency, say researchers
A group of marine biologists specializing in shark ecology, genetics and fisheries have challenged the findings from a recent study suggesting that South Africa's white shark population has not decreased, but simply redistributed eastwards to flee pr.....»»