It takes three: The genetic mutations that made rice cultivation possible
Rice has a long history as a staple food in Japan and other parts of Asia. The results of a new study by an international research collaboration suggest that the emergence of cultivated rice from wild rice plants is the result of three gene mutations.....»»
Researchers identify genetic variant that helped shape human skull base evolution
Humans, Homo sapiens, have unique features compared with other closely related hominin species and primates, including the shape of the base of the skull. The evolutionary changes underlying these features were significant in allowing the evolution o.....»»
Maize cultivation 300 years ago resulted in karst rock desertification, suggest researchers
Understanding regional vegetation dynamics and historical changes in rocky desertification is crucial for assessing the sustainability and potential of afforestation in karst regions......»»
Next up is launch, as Boeing"s Starliner takes trek to Cape Canaveral
Boeing's CST-100 Starliner, set to take its first humans on board during the Crew Flight Test mission next month, was transported from Boeing's Commercial Crew and Cargo Processing Facility at Kennedy Space Center in Florida on a 10-mile trip to Cape.....»»
Scientists explore the genetic foundations of Rhododendron flower color diversity
A research team has made strides in uncovering the genetic foundations of flower color variation within the Rhododendron genus. The team's review summarizes recent advancements in phylogenetic reconstruction, genome sequencing of various Rhododendron.....»»
Persistent questioning of knowledge takes a toll: New study supports theories that baseless discrediting harms
It can be demoralizing for a person to work in a climate of repetitive skepticism and doubt about what they know, a new study shows......»»
Researchers find cryptic genetic element in the human gut that could serve as a sensitive biomarker
A component of the human intestinal flora that has been little studied to date is the focus of a new study from Germany. Plasmids are small extrachromosomal genetic elements that frequently occur in bacterial cells and can influence microbial lifesty.....»»
New time-resolved ultraviolet photodissociation mass spectrometry strategy for target protein stability analysis
How mutations impact protein stability and structure dynamics is crucial for understanding the molecular mechanism of the disease and the targeted drug design. However, probing the molecular details of mutation-induced subtle structure dynamics is st.....»»
Nissan"s new "game changer" solid-state EV battery plant takes shape
Nissan is quickly constructing its first plant to start pilot production of breakthrough solid-state batteries next March, stepping closer to a technology the Japanese carmaker calls a “game changer” for next-generation EVs it plans to introduce.....»»
Boron deficiency in oilseed rape transcriptome resembles a wounding and infection response
Boron deficiency has a devastating effect on oilseed rape and related plants. However, little is known about the underlying genetic mechanisms. A study shows that the response to persistent or short-term acute boron deficiency is similar to that seen.....»»
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.....»»
Tracing the lineage of North America"s native Blackfoot Confederacy
A team of researchers with varied backgrounds and affiliated with multiple organizations (including the Blackfoot Confederacy) in the U.S. and Canada has conducted a genetic study focused on tracing the lineage of North America's native Blackfoot Con.....»»
It Takes Guts to Fix Wind Turbines for a Living
Want one of the fastest-growing jobs in the US? Get used to being high......»»
New Apple Watch data shows the average person takes 334 days to walk/run a marathon
I can’t run a marathon (and I don’t plan on trying), but new data from the Apple Heart and Movement Study offers some insight into the training habits of people who do. Published by Brigham and Women’s Hospital on Friday, the data reveals th.....»»
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.....»»
Exoplanets true to size: New model calculations shows impact of star"s brightness and magnetic activity
In the constellation Virgo, 700 light years away from Earth, the planet WASP-39b orbits the star WASP-39. The gas giant, which takes little more than four days to complete one orbit, is one of the best-studied exoplanets. Shortly after its commission.....»»
Iconic savanna mammals face genetic problems due to fences and roads
Whether by way of Attenborough, Disney or National Geographic, the iconic scene is familiar to many. The ground trembles and clouds of dust swirl as enormous hordes of large animals thunder across the African savanna, cross rivers en masse and are pi.....»»
New study finds potential targets at chromosome ends for degenerative disease prevention
We depend on our cells being able to divide and multiply, whether it's to replace sunburnt skin or replenish our blood supply and recover from injury. Chromosomes, which carry all of our genetic instructions, must be copied in a complete way during c.....»»
Biologists reveal how gyrase resolves DNA entanglements
Picture in your mind a traditional "landline" telephone with a coiled cord connecting the handset to the phone. The coiled telephone cord and the DNA double helix that stores the genetic material in every cell in the body have one thing in common; th.....»»
Scientists develop biofortified rice to combat nutrient deficiencies
A team from UNIGE, together with ETH Zurich and NCHU in Taiwan, has developed a rice line that has enhanced vitamin B1 content......»»
Genetic underpinnings of environmental stress identified in model plant
Plants can be temperamental. Even weeds along the side of highways or pushing their way up in the cracks of concrete sidewalks can get stressed out by dehydration, cold, excess salt and more. Researchers at Hiroshima University have identified 14 gen.....»»