Taking a lesson in evolutionary adaptation from octopus, squid
Cephalopods such as octopus and squid evolutionarily diverged from mollusks like slugs and snails. These animals have elaborate compact nervous systems located within specialized arm appendages, which can perform a surprisingly diverse group of behav.....»»
How duplicated genomes helped grasses diversify and thrive
Grasses cover about 40% of the Earth's land surface, thriving in a multitude of environments. The evolutionary success of this plant family, which includes rice, maize, wheat and bamboo, likely results from a history of whole-genome duplications, acc.....»»
Mass extinction 66 million years ago triggered rapid evolution of bird genomes, study finds
Shortly after an asteroid slammed into Earth 66 million years ago, life for non-avian dinosaurs ended, but the evolutionary story for the early ancestors of birds began......»»
Scientists discover entirely new wood type that could be highly efficient at carbon storage
Researchers undertaking an evolutionary survey of the microscopic structure of wood from some of the world's most iconic trees and shrubs have discovered an entirely new type of wood......»»
Stem cell harmony: How solanaceae plants maintain homeostasis through receptor compensation
A pivotal study sheds light on the evolutionary conservation of stem cell homeostasis in Solanaceae, revealing how receptor compensation mechanisms ensure the continuous and orderly formation of plant organs. This research uncovers the genetic interp.....»»
Researchers create a cell atlas of the regenerating liver
The liver has a remarkable ability to regenerate. This property is crucial for maintaining organ function and recovery after injury or surgery. Scientists from the University of Leipzig Medical Center, the Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthro.....»»
Coral restoration and adaptation benefits challenged
University of Melbourne and James Cook University researchers have called for an urgent rethink of the merits of coral reef restoration and adaptation, questioning whether the practice can meaningfully improve reef health......»»
Bat evolution study supports gliding-to-flying hypothesis
In new research published in PeerJ, researchers from the University of Washington, University of Texas at Austin and Oregon Institute of Technology, led by undergraduate student Abby Burtner, have advanced our understanding of the evolutionary origin.....»»
20 years later, this superhero movie is still the worst thing the genre has ever done
Twenty years ago, the worst comic book movie adaptation ever made was released. Digital Trends looks back to see if the 2004 movie is still as bad as they say......»»
Enhanced information in national policies can accelerate Africa"s efforts to track climate adaptation
New analysis of African national adaptation policy documents finds that most fail to provide comprehensive and consistent information. But the authors also uncover compelling examples of robust plans that hold lessons for upcoming climate talks......»»
Research team reconstructs evolutionary history and biological adaptation of Han Chinese people on the Mongolian Plateau
A Chinese research team analyzed 5,583 modern and ancient individuals from an integrated genomic dataset to reconstruct the population evolutionary history and biological adaptation of the Han Chinese population across the Mongolian Plateau......»»
Witness the rise of the Bene Gesserit in new Dune: Prophecy teaser
"Our hands are poised on the levers of power but yet our grasp on it is still fragile." The HBO Original Series Dune: Prophecy will premiere this November. Fans of director Denis Villeneuve's epic two-part film adaptation of Frank H.....»»
Of ants and trees: "Evolutionary déjà vu" in the tropical rainforest
Ants are famous for their regimented and complex social behaviors. In the tropics, they are also famous for forming mutualisms with plants. Certain species of trees have conspicuous hollow swellings that house ants, often feeding the ants with specia.....»»
Ginseng"s full genome sequenced
Ginseng's role in traditional medicine is underscored by its complex genetic structure due to its allotetraploid nature. A recent study delves into this complexity, revealing key evolutionary insights into its subgenomes that govern saponin biosynthe.....»»
Like Syfy’s The Ark? Then watch these 3 sci-fi shows right now
If you enjoy The Ark, then try these three sci-fi shows, including a hit Apple TV+ drama and an adaptation of a popular video game franchise......»»
Unraveling the DNA mystique of Saposhnikovia divaricata: New horizons in herbal medicine
Scientists have decoded the genetic blueprint of Saposhnikovia divaricata, a traditional medicinal herb. Their research provides a detailed genome sequence, shedding light on the plant's evolutionary adaptations and the genetic foundations of its the.....»»
Ancient microbes offer clues to how complex life evolved
A new study published in Science Advances reveals a surprising twist in the evolutionary history of complex life. Researchers at Queen Mary University of London have discovered that a single-celled organism, a close relative of animals, harbors the r.....»»
Impacts of extreme drought on forest ecosystems reveal species-specific adaptation differences in Northeast China
A recent study from China has shed light on the profound impacts of extreme droughts on forest ecosystems, particularly in water-limited regions. The findings revealed significant differences in how various tree species respond to such stressors......»»
Evolutionary biologists investigate how plant cold specialists can adapt to the environment
Plant cold specialists like the spoonworts have adapted well to the cold climates of the Ice Ages. As cold and warm periods alternated, they developed a number of species that also resulted in a proliferation of the genome......»»
Genomic insights into adaptation to bipedal saltation and desert-like habitats of jerboas
Jerboas are a lineage of small rodents displaying atypical mouse-like morphology with elongated strong hindlimbs and short forelimbs. A research team has recently sequenced and reported the chromosome-scale genome of the Mongolian five-toed jerboa (O.....»»
Rice gone wild: How humans have inadvertently selected for "weedy" rice
University of Massachusetts Amherst researchers have discovered that the anatomical adaptation helping weedy rice varieties to proliferate is not, as previously believed, confined only to these pest varieties. The research, published recently in the.....»»