The genome of the smallest baleen whale provides insight into evolution and tumor resistance
The pygmy right whale (Caperea marginata) is the smallest of all baleen whales although it can grow to six meters in length and weigh up to three tons. The species occurs circumpolar in the Antarctic waters of the Southern Hemisphere, and only a hand.....»»
From genome to grocer"s aisle: Decoding the Chinese cherry for firmer fruits
A significant milestone in horticultural genomics has been reached with the successful decoding of the tetraploid Chinese cherry genome. A recent study provides essential insights into the genetic factors that influence fruit firmness, a critical tra.....»»
Survival tactics: AI-driven insights into chromatin changes for winter dormancy in axillary buds
Evolution has enabled plants to survive under adverse conditions. The winter bud of a plant is a crucial structure that establishes adaptability. Depending on environmental and intrinsic conditions, buds can transition between growth and dormancy. Th.....»»
The disappearing mountains and hungry volcano: Researching the evolution of the Teton Range
Once upon a time, the Teton Range, a 40-mile-long mountain range in the northern Rocky Mountains, may have extended much longer than it does now......»»
Ancient microbes linked to evolution of human immune proteins
When you become infected with a virus, some of the first weapons your body deploys to fight it are those passed down to us from our microbial ancestors billions of years ago. According to new research from The University of Texas at Austin, two key e.....»»
What the unique shape of the human heart tells us about our evolution
Mammals, from the mighty blue whale to the tiny shrew, inhabit nearly every corner of our planet. Their remarkable adaptability to different environments has long fascinated scientists, with each species developing unique traits to survive and thrive.....»»
Study finds "DNA scavengers" can stop some antibiotic resistance from spreading
For nearly a century, scientists have waged war on antibiotic-resistant microbes. Michigan State University researchers say they've found a new way to prevent it—by unleashing "DNA scavengers" in wastewater treatment plants......»»
The evolution of the Trappist-1 planetary system
Planets are bodies that orbit a star and have sufficient gravitational mass that they form themselves into roughly spherical shapes that, in turn, exert gravitational force on smaller objects around them, such as asteroids and moons......»»
"Amazon" algae shed light on what happens to populations when females switch to asexual reproduction
Researchers at Max Planck Institute for Biology Tübingen and Kobe University discovered populations of female brown algae that reproduce from unfertilized gametes and thrive without males. In a study published in Nature Ecology & Evolution, they use.....»»
Genomic research focuses on medical potential for scorpion venom
Scientists at Arkansas Tech University and University of Arkansas have produced a high-quality genome assembly for a scorpion. The genome could lead to the development of new medically relevant pain treatments. The work is published in the journal G3.....»»
Fossil hotspots in Africa obscure a more complete picture of human evolution, study says
Much of the early human fossil record originates from just a few places in Africa, where favorable geological conditions have preserved a trove of fossils used by scientists to reconstruct the story of human evolution......»»
Understanding of early life ecosystems sheds light on evolution of life on Earth
With a new understanding of past life on the planet through fossils, a Mississippi State biological sciences faculty member is helping researchers better predict Earth's future......»»
Chloroplast genome study separates C. meiocarpa and C. oleifera to enhance tea-oil camellia breeding
A research team sequenced and analyzed the complete chloroplast genomes of C. oleifera and C. meiocarpa, uncovering significant differences that clarified their phylogenetic relationship. This study developed 17 chloroplast DNA primers for distinguis.....»»
Steam has one big problem with its smallest games
With so many games releasing every day across all storefronts, discoverability has become such an issue that even great games are slipping through the cracks......»»
Beer in space: Researchers study microgravity"s effect on fermentation
A recent study by University of Florida researchers provides insight into how beer yeast might behave when fermented in outer space. The research is published in the journal Beverages......»»
NASA acknowledges it cannot quantify risk of Starliner propulsion issues
"We don’t have enough insight and data to make some sort of simple black-and-white calculation." Enlarge / Artist's illustration of Boeing's Starliner spacecraft firing four of its orbital maneuvering engines, as it will during.....»»
The fish with the genome 30 times larger than ours gets sequenced
Every 10 million years, lungfish have added a human genome's worth of junk DNA. Enlarge / The African Lungfish, showing it's thin, wispy fins. (credit: feathercollector) When it was first discovered, the coelacanth cause.....»»
Could manure and compost act like probiotics, reducing antibiotic resistance in urban soils?
Urban soils often contain chemical contaminants, such as heavy metals or trace amounts of antibiotics, along with higher levels of antibiotic-resistant bacteria. New research from the University of Maryland suggests that, in some cases, boosting urba.....»»
Studying the journey, not the destination, provides new insight into songbird migrations
Migration is an adaptive phenomenon, typically triggered by a change of season, that is vital to ecosystem health. Animals may journey thousands of miles, in some cases, in search of food, better living conditions, or to find a mate. Conversely, huma.....»»
Characterizing the impact of 700 years of Inuvialuit subsistence hunting on beluga whales
An international team of researchers, led by scientists from the University of Copenhagen and University of Toronto, analyzed beluga whale bones retrieved from archaeological sites in the Mackenzie Delta, Northwest Territories, Canada, to shed light.....»»
New tools for fungicide resistance detection
Researchers at the Center for Crop and Disease Management (CCDM) have developed a new method for detecting fungicide resistance, enabling them to detect multiple mutations, both known and novel, in just one test......»»