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.....»»
Researchers reveal how acetylation regulates centromere dynamics, chromosome segregation and mitotic progression
Cell division produces new cells, which underpin life proliferation and development. Mitosis is the shortest and the most dynamic phase of the cell cycle. During mitosis, chromosomes are evenly distributed between the two daughter cells, preserving t.....»»
Unveiling a novel AAK1 inhibitor: How chemical proteomics unlock therapeutic potential
Enhancing drug development for life-threatening diseases like cancer hinges on a deep understanding of protein kinases, making it a focal point for researchers. These enzymes, encoded by more than 500 human genes, serve as critical players in cellula.....»»
New "atlas" provides unprecedented insights on how genes function in early embryo development
Although the Human Genome Project announced the completed sequencing of 20,000 human genes more than 20 years ago, scientists are still working to grasp how fully formed beings emerge from basic genetic instructions......»»
Birdsong and human voice built from same genetic blueprint
Humans have long been fascinated by bird song and the cacophony of other avian sounds—from coos and honks to quacks and peeps. But little is known about how the unique vocal organ of birds—the syrinx—varies from species to species or its deeper.....»»
Lizard that Hulks out shows off its superhero genes
A subspecies of reptiles in Italy is much bigger and greener than its relatives. Enlarge (credit: Kristian Bell) The lizard Podarcis muralis nigriventris might not grow to a freakish size and smash everything in sight,.....»»
How yeasts manage to compensate for the genetic imbalance of extra chromosomes
Having extra chromosomes is typically an issue for an organism and can disrupt development or cause disease. But some cells benefit instead. For example, cancer cells or pathogenic yeasts can use extra chromosomes to escape treatment and become drug-.....»»
Escaped GMO canola plants persist long-term, but may be losing their engineered resistance to pesticides
Populations of canola plants genetically engineered to be resistant to herbicides can survive outside of farms, but may be gradually losing their engineered genes, reports a new study led by Cynthia Sagers of Arizona State University, US, published M.....»»
Wild birds possess genetic predispositions to learn population-specific songs, study finds
Genetic predispositions guide population-specific song learning in wild birds, shows new research from Stockholm University. By studying adult pied flycatchers that had been translocated as eggs from the Netherlands to Sweden, the researchers found t.....»»
How do birds communicate? Network science models are opening up new possibilities for experts
Nature lovers will know the scene well. A flurry of birdsong, a shake of a tree and out pops a flock of birds flying away in unison together......»»
Researchers test ways to remove "forever chemicals" from the environment and replace them in commercial goods
An underground reservoir in Denmark is the location of a unique experiment: to test a technology for helping rid the environment of a widespread toxic pollution......»»
Homo sapiens facilitated establishment of Bonelli"s eagle in the Mediterranean 50,000 years ago, study finds
Spanish and Portuguese scientists have unraveled the ancestral history of one of the most iconic birds of prey in the current Iberian fauna, the Bonelli's eagle (Aquila fasciata). The work, published in the journal People and Nature, integrates evide.....»»
Genes provide hope for the survival of Arabia"s last big cat
The authors of a major study on the critically endangered Arabian leopard say that the release of captive bred animals carefully selected for their genes can make a significant contribution to the successful recovery of the dwindling wild population.....»»
Peach perfection: Advanced gene networks reveal fruit traits
A study has tapped into the peach genome, creating large-scale gene co-expression networks (GCNs) that predict gene functions and streamline the peach breeding process. This innovative approach addresses the complex task of identifying genes linked t.....»»
Cybercriminals shift tactics to pressure more victims into paying ransoms
Ransomware didn’t just grow in the US in 2023, it evolved, with the frequency of ransomware claims jumping 64% year-over-year, according to At-Bay. This was primarily driven by an explosion in “indirect” ransomware incidents which increased.....»»
Ancient DNA from an extinct native duck reveals how far birds flew to make New Zealand home
Ask a bird lover if they have heard of the extinct giant moa or its ancient predator, Haast's eagle, and the answer will likely be yes. The same can't be said of New Zealand's extinct, but equally unique, mergansers—a group of fish-eating ducks wit.....»»
Researchers identify new drivers of antibiotic resistance in bacteria
Two newly discovered mechanisms in bacteria have been identified that can contribute to the development of antibiotic resistance. Changing the number of copies of resistance genes in bacteria increases antibiotic resistance, and can do so very quickl.....»»
Mystery CRISPR unlocked: A new ally against antibiotic resistance?
CRISPR-Cas systems have revolutionized biotechnology by offering ways to edit genes like a pair of programmable scissors. In nature, bacteria use these systems to fight off deadly viruses. A recent international collaboration led by the University of.....»»
Novel research sheds light on Amazonian birds" thermoregulatory strategies in a changing environment
A pioneering study published in Oikos has revealed novel insights into how a select group of birds in the Amazon rainforest, known as terrestrial insectivores, is coping with the ever-increasing threats posed by global climate change......»»
Avian flu detected in New York City wild birds
A small number of New York City wild birds carry highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza, according to a study published in the Journal of Virology,. The work highlights that the interface between animals and humans that may give rise to zoonotic infe.....»»
New candidate genes for human male infertility found by analyzing gorillas" unusual reproductive system
Despite their formidable bodies, male gorillas are lacking in one particular area of their anatomy......»»