News tagged with random mutations

Single gene mutation can sweep through bacterial population, opening the door for the concept of 'species'

Bacteria are the most populous organisms on the planet. They thrive in almost every known environment, adapting to different habitats by means of genetic variations that provide the capabilities essential ...

Biology / Cell & Microbiology

created Apr 05, 2012 | popularity 5 / 5 (4) | comments 3 | with audio podcast

'Sloppier copier' surprisingly efficient

The "sloppier copier" discovered by USC biologists is also the best sixth man in the DNA repair game, an article in the journal Nature shows.

Biology / Cell & Microbiology

created Jul 15, 2009 | popularity 4.3 / 5 (4) | comments 3

Acquired traits can be inherited via small RNAs

Columbia University Medical Center (CUMC) researchers have found the first direct evidence that an acquired trait can be inherited without any DNA involvement. The findings suggest that Lamarck, whose theory of evolution ...

Biology / Cell & Microbiology

created Dec 05, 2011 | popularity 5 / 5 (2) | comments 5 | with audio podcast

Genome breakthrough for cancer-hit Tasmanian Devils

Australian scientists said on Thursday they had made a breakthrough in the fight to save the cancer-hit Tasmanian devil by mapping the species' genome for the first time.

Biology / Plants & Animals

created Sep 16, 2010 | popularity 4.7 / 5 (9) | comments 24

Scientists suggest certain genes boost chances for distributing variety of traits, drive evolution

Genes that don't themselves directly affect the inherited characteristics of an organism but leave them increasingly open to variation may be a significant driving force of evolution, say two Johns Hopkins scientists.

Medicine & Health / Genetics

created Dec 14, 2009 | popularity not rated yet | comments 0

Team shows how evolution can allow for large developmental leaps

How evolution acts to bridge the chasm between two discrete physiological states is a question that's long puzzled scientists. Most evolutionary changes, after all, happen in tiny increments: an elephant grows a little larger, ...

Biology / Evolution

created Jul 20, 2009 | popularity 4.9 / 5 (7) | comments 1

Modern life's pressures may be hastening human evolution

We're not finished yet. Even today, scientists say that human beings are continuing to evolve as our genes respond to rapid changes in the world around us. In fact, the pressures of modern life may be speeding up the pace ...

Biology / Evolution

created Apr 13, 2009 | popularity 4.7 / 5 (11) | comments 1

Stanford researchers show adaptation plays a significant role in human evolution

For years researchers have puzzled over whether adaptation plays a major role in human evolution or whether most changes are due to neutral, random selection of genes and traits.

Biology /

created Jan 16, 2009 | popularity 4.8 / 5 (8) | comments 4

Now, the story can be told -- how scientists helped ID 'Amerithrax'

(PhysOrg.com) -- It took nearly a decade before University of Maryland researchers were allowed to talk about their work identifying the anthrax strain used in the 2001 deadly letter attacks. But now, they ...

Biology / Cell & Microbiology

created Mar 08, 2011 | popularity 5 / 5 (1) | comments 0

Experts: Mild swine flu could quickly turn deadly

(AP) -- A flu virus is a powerhouse of evolution, mutating at the maximum speed nature allows. A mild virus can morph into a killer and vice versa.

Medicine & Health / Diseases, Conditions, Syndromes

created May 05, 2009 | popularity 1 / 5 (1) | comments 0

Evolutionary biologist Lynn Margulis dies in Mass.

Evolutionary biologist, author and National Medal of Science winner Lynn Margulis (MAR'-guh-liss) has died.

Biology / Other

created Nov 23, 2011 | popularity not rated yet | comments 0