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The Secret Weapon of Pitcher Plants: How Polyploidy Stimulates Evolution of New Functions

Possessing more than two complete sets of chromosomes can be a hindrance to long-term survival of a plant lineage, yet scientists are also finding evidence it's likely behind some evolutionary innovation.

1 Dec 2023

Deep-Sea Vent Bacterium Sheds Light on Evolutionary Journey

A new bacterial species discovered at the deep-sea hydrothermal vent site 'Crab Spa' provides a deeper understanding of bacterial evolution.

1 Dec 2023

Unveiling the Role of the Cerebellum in Human Cognitive Evolution

The development of advanced cognitive functions in humans has primarily been associated with the growth of the neocortex, a brain region responsible for conscious thought, movement, and sensory perception.

30 Nov 2023

Computational Insights and Magnetic Tweezers: Unraveling Coronavirus Biomechanics

Richard Feynman is renowned for expressing, “Everything that living things do can be understood in terms of the jigglings and wigglings of atoms.”

28 Nov 2023

Structural Insights Into Coronavirus Spike Proteins

Coronaviruses employ protein “spikes” to latch onto and infect cells. Contrary to their name, these spikes do not have a rigid and pointed structure. Instead, they resemble chicken drumsticks, with the meaty portion facing outward.

27 Nov 2023

Uncovering the Bacterial Basis of Cat Scent Signals

Numerous mammals, ranging from household cats and dogs to massive pandas, employ scent as a means of communication with their peers.

27 Nov 2023

Nutrient Derived From Meat and Dairy Enhances Cancer Killing Ability of Immune Cells

Trans-vaccenic acid (TVA), a long-chain fatty acid found in meat and dairy products from grazing animals such as cows and sheep, improves the ability of CD8+ T cells to infiltrate tumors and kill cancer cells, according to a new study by researchers from the University of Chicago.

27 Nov 2023

Tapping into the Genetic Reservoir of Wild Blueberries

Blueberries, belonging to the Vaccinium genus and characterized by their petite size, are renowned for their delectable flavor, harmonious blend of sweetness and acidity, and impressive nutritional profile. They are rich in a diverse array of vitamins and antioxidants.

23 Nov 2023

Understanding the Intricacies of LUCA

The ‘last universal common ancestor’ of all living organisms, LUCA, lived 4.32 to 4.52 billion years ago.

22 Nov 2023

Novel Approach Reveals Intergenerational Cooperation Among Bacteria

Bacteria collaborate and share nutrients among generations when they form communities. Using a recently invented technique, researchers at the University of Basel have been able to demonstrate this for the first time.

22 Nov 2023

OSU Scientists to Send Biofilms to Space to Study Gravity Effects

Two faculty members affiliated with the College of Engineering at Oregon State University have teamed up with NASA for a National Science Foundation project valued at $525,000.

21 Nov 2023

Insights Into the Genetic Landscape of Human Head Shape

A collaborative research team from the University of Pittsburgh and KU Leuven has identified a set of genes that influence the shape of the human head.

20 Nov 2023

Cycads and Dinosaurs: A Symbiotic Tale Unearthed

A recent study performed reveals that the surviving cycad species owe their persistence to symbiotic bacteria in their roots.

17 Nov 2023

A Surprising Control Mechanism of Chlamydomonas Cell Division

Headed by James Umen, PhD, a team of international researchers at the Donald Danforth Plant Science Center has uncovered a surprising revelation about the single-celled green alga Chlamydomonas and its control over cell division.

16 Nov 2023

Dinosaur Reproductive Strategies Uncovered Through Fossil Analysis

The last three decades have witnessed the discovery of several remarkably well-preserved dinosaur specimens related to reproduction, significantly advancing the understanding of dinosaur reproductive biology.

16 Nov 2023

Novel Modeling Approach can Predict Dynamics and Functions of Microbial Communities

Microbial communities, or microbiomes, are essential for safeguarding human and environmental health through the most widely used biotechnological process on our planet: biological wastewater treatment.

15 Nov 2023

LJI Scientists Uncover New Superpower of MAIT Cells

Scientists at La Jolla Institute for Immunology (LJI) are investigating a talented type of T cell.

13 Nov 2023

Bacteria and Viruses Evolve New Strategies in Accelerated Arms Race

As conceived by Charles Darwin in the 1800s, evolution is a slow, gradual process during which species adaptations are inherited incrementally over generations.

10 Nov 2023

Dissecting the Mechanisms Behind Selective Genomic Editing

A new study is in progress to unravel a fascinating biological mystery of how certain animals can naturally eliminate more than half of their genetic information during embryonic development.

10 Nov 2023

Genomic Sequencing Reveals Songbird’s Secrets

Researchers have deciphered the genetic foundation responsible for the striking diversity in body size that is evident among song sparrows, a cherished and widely recognized species of North American songbirds.

8 Nov 2023