Sex chromosomes of birds as reservoir for jumping genes
Occurring in the genomes of most living organisms, transposable elements (TEs) are short DNA sequences that have the ability change their position. By means of various molecular mechanisms—so-called copy-paste or cut-and-paste—they can 'jump' to.....»»
Team develops the first cell-free system in which genetic information and metabolism work together
The capacity of all living systems to develop, organize and sustain themselves is based upon a cyclical process in which genes and metabolism interact in parallel. While genes encode the components of metabolism, metabolism provides the energy and bu.....»»
Opening the right doors: New work reveals "jumping gene" control mechanisms
International joint research led by Akihisa Osakabe and Yoshimasa Takizawa of the University of Tokyo has clarified the molecular mechanisms in thale cresses (Arabidopsis thaliana) by which the DDM1 (Decreased in DNA Methylation 1) protein prevents t.....»»
How artificial intelligence can help prevent illegal wildlife trade
Imagine you are a law enforcement official at a wildlife market and suspect some of the birds on sale are from endangered or illegally traded populations. This is a situation that demands decisive identification and action, but in cases where "look-a.....»»
Complete genome and toxin genes of the microalgae from the Oder River disaster decoded
In the summer of 2022, around 1,000 tons of fish, mussels and snails died in the River Oder. Although the disaster was manmade, the immediate cause of death was the toxin of a microalgae with the scientific collective name Prymnesium parvum, often re.....»»
Why 1994’s Lair of Squid was the weirdest pack-in game of all time
The HP 200LX included a mysterious maze game called Lair of Squid. We tracked down the author. Enlarge / Artist's impression of a squid jumping forth from an HP 200LX. (credit: Aurich Lawson / HP) In 1994, Hewlett-Packar.....»»
Starlings" migratory behavior found to be inherited, not learned
Young, naïve starlings are looking for their wintering grounds independently of experienced conspecifics. Starlings are highly social birds throughout the year, but this does not mean that they copy the migration route from each other......»»
Study finds ways to enhance transcription factor activity
Transcription factors regulate gene expression by binding specific sequences on DNA, which is an essential step to producing messenger RNAs from protein-coding genes. Denes Hnisz's lab, in collaboration with Martin Vingron's lab at the MPIMG, has dis.....»»
Researchers uncover key mechanisms in chromosome structure development
Researchers at Rice University are making strides in understanding how chromosome structures change throughout the cell's life cycle. Their study on motorized processes that actively influence the organization of chromosomes appears in the Proceeding.....»»
High-altitude cave used by Tibetan Buddhists yields a Denisovan fossil
Cave deposits yield bones of sheep, yaks, carnivores, and birds that were butchered. Enlarge / The Baishiya Karst Cave, where the recently analyzed samples were obtained. (credit: Dongju Zhang’s group (Lanzhou University)).....»»
Some birds win and some lose with sea level rise, expert says
Global sea level rise is accelerating every year due to climate change, and it could threaten the very existence of some coastal bird species......»»
With AI Tools, Scientists Can Crack the Code of Life
Google’s AI research lab DeepMind is steadily building knowledge of how genes and their products work inside the body—and how and why they sometimes go wrong......»»
New possibilities for reservoir computing with topological magnetic and ferroelectric systems
Speech recognition, weather forecasts, smart home applications: Artificial intelligence and the Internet of Things are enhancing our everyday lives. Systems based on reservoir computing are a very promising new field......»»
Saturday Citations: The sound of music, sneaky birds, better training for LLMs. Plus: Diversity improves research
In the small fishing village where I grew up, we didn't have much. But we helped our neighbors, raised our children to respect the sea, and embraced an inclusive scientific methodology with a cross section of sex, race and gender among study particip.....»»
Mutations in a non-coding gene associated with intellectual disability
A gene that only makes an RNA is linked to neurodevelopmental problems. Enlarge / The spliceosome is a large complex of proteins and RNAs. (credit: NCBI) Almost 1,500 genes have been implicated in intellectual disabiliti.....»»
As No Mow May ends, here"s why we should keep patches of lawn permanently wild
Over the last century, nearly all of the UK's wildflower meadows have been destroyed by expanding farms, towns and cities. This loss of habitat has driven nature's decline, according to research led by birds and nature conservation charity the RSPB......»»
Study reveals maintenance of male-related genes after loss of males in stick insects
Traits are often lost during evolution, either because they are no longer beneficial or because they are too costly to maintain. When this happens, it is generally believed that the genes underlying the trait will eventually degrade as well, making i.....»»
Alpacas in Idaho test positive for H5N1 bird flu in another world first
The alpacas were known to be in close contact with infected birds. Enlarge / Suri alpacas on a farm in Pennsylvania. (credit: Getty | Susan L. Angstadt) Four backyard alpacas in southern Idaho have tested positive for hi.....»»
US has worst bird flu outbreak in two years at Iowa egg farm
Deadly bird flu was detected in an egg-laying chicken flock in Iowa, affecting 4.2 million birds in the biggest U.S. outbreak since 2022......»»
Small birds boast range of flight styles thanks to evolutionary edge
Small birds have explored a wide variety of styles of flight, ranging from hovering hummingbirds to bounding sparrows to soaring swifts and swallows. A new Cornell University study could explain why......»»
Buried kelp: Seaweed carried to the deep sea stores more carbon than we thought
Deep in the ocean lies the world's largest active carbon reservoir, which plays a pivotal role in buffering our planet's climate. Of the roughly 10 billion metric tons of carbon dioxide we emit each year, about 3 billion metric tons are taken up and.....»»