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Evolution news
Fossil discovery sheds light on the early evolution of animal nervous systems
An international team of scientists has uncovered a fascinating piece of the evolutionary puzzle: how the ventral nerve cord, a key component of the central nervous system, evolved in ecdysozoan animals, a group that includes ...
Evolution
Jan 10, 2025
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Woodrats use 'quantity over quality' as a detox plan, study finds
Woodrats (Neotoma spp.) are one of the only animals that can tolerate large quantities of creosote, a shrub with leaves coated in a chemical cocktail of poisonous resin. The critter's constitution has astounded biologists ...
Plants & Animals
Jan 10, 2025
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Chimpanzees are genetically adapted to local habitats and infections such as malaria, research reveals
Chimpanzees bear genetic adaptations that help them thrive in their different forest and savanna habitats, some of which may protect against malaria, according to a study by an international team led by UCL researchers.
Evolution
Jan 9, 2025
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How ancient flying reptiles ruled the skies: Study uncovers pterosaur tail structures that enhanced flight capabilities
Scientists have long puzzled over how pterosaurs became the first vertebrates to master flight. Some pterosaur species, such as the Quetzalcoatlus were the largest known animals to ever take to the skies, with wingspans of ...
Evolution
Jan 9, 2025
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Echidna genome study unravels the events leading to multiple sex chromosomes
The short-beaked echidna (Tachyglossus aculeatus) is one of Australia's most iconic animals. Belonging to a unique group of mammals called "monotremes" (with the platypus as the other prominent member). Echidnas may at first ...
Evolution
Jan 9, 2025
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Fossil killifish: New findings reveal unforeseen diversity
Killifish, or egg-laying toothcarps, are known for their ecological adaptability and species diversity. Two families of killifish exist in Europe today: the highly species-rich Aphaniidae and the relatively species-poor Valenciidae, ...
Evolution
Jan 9, 2025
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Mammalian outer ear traced back to ancient fish gills
The outer ear is unique to mammals, but its evolutionary origin has remained a mystery. According to a study published in Nature from the USC Stem Cell lab of Gage Crump, this intricate coil of cartilage has a surprisingly ...
Evolution
Jan 9, 2025
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The extreme teeth of saber-toothed predators were 'optimal' for biting into prey, study reveals
Saber-toothed predators—best known from the infamous Smilodon—evolved multiple times across different mammal groups. A study titled "Functional optimality underpins the repeated evolution of the extreme 'saber-tooth' ...
Evolution
Jan 9, 2025
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Tiny microbe colonies may use electrical signaling to coordinate their behavior
A new study published in Science Advances reveals evidence of electrical signaling and coordinated behavior in choanoflagellates, the closest living relatives of animals. This elaborate example of cell communication offers ...
Evolution
Jan 8, 2025
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Scorching climate drove lampreys apart during Cretaceous period, DNA and fossil record reveal
A new study finds that one of the hottest periods in Earth's history may have driven lampreys apart—genetically speaking. The work could have implications for how aquatic species respond to our current changing climate. ...
Evolution
Jan 8, 2025
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Facultative sex allows some animals to reproduce with or without a partner. So why can't humans do it?
If you've ever had a spiny leaf insect as a pet, or you're considering getting one, hopefully someone has warned you about this: if you put one in your enclosure, you might come back some time later to find two.
Plants & Animals
Jan 8, 2025
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Discovery of 'Punk' and 'Emo' fossils challenges our understanding of ancient mollusks
Researchers have unearthed two fossils, named Punk and Emo, revealing that ancient mollusks were more complex and adaptable than previously known.
Evolution
Jan 8, 2025
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Why are lemurs nearly extinct, and yet so diverse?
Lemurs, small, big-eyed primates that live in the trees of Madagascar off the southeast coast of Africa, are a mystery of evolution. When the first ones arrived there tens of millions of years ago, they found an island with ...
Evolution
Jan 8, 2025
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A passive resistance phenomenon: Marine bacteria use low tRNA levels to fend off viruses
As humans, we often focus on viruses and bacteria because of their role in causing various, sometimes severe, diseases. However, an equally fascinating but lesser-known phenomenon is the ongoing battle between bacteria and ...
Evolution
Jan 7, 2025
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Study finds two classes of plant enzymes that ignore common rule of evolution
Made up of tiny threads known as cellulose microfibrils, plant cell walls are important for regulating a plant's growth and protecting them from pests and pathogens. Previously, only one route for producing these microfibrils ...
Evolution
Jan 7, 2025
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Why do falcons have stripes under their eyes? The answer is more complex than we thought
Falcons are found worldwide, from the fast and slick hobbies to the large and powerful gyrfalcon of the Arctic tundra. In Africa, falcons are found across many habitats. Several species are unique to the continent, including ...
Plants & Animals
Jan 7, 2025
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Unlocking plant resilience: Shared genes offer hope for climate-ready crops
A team at the University of Calgary is making scientific advances in understanding plant adaptation, which could ultimately be used to find ways to make agricultural crops more resilient to heat, drought and climate change.
Evolution
Jan 6, 2025
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Hornwort genomes provide clues on how plants conquered the land
Over 450 million years ago, plants began the epic transition from water to dry land. Among the first pioneers were the ancestors of humble hornworts, a group of small, unassuming plants that have persisted to this day. New ...
Plants & Animals
Jan 6, 2025
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Tiny plants reveal big potential for boosting crop efficiency
Scientists have long sought ways to help plants turn more carbon dioxide (CO₂) into biomass, which could boost crop yields and even combat climate change. Recent research suggests that a group of unique, often overlooked ...
Evolution
Jan 6, 2025
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Fossil study reveals oldest-known evolutionary 'arms race'
A study led by researchers at the American Museum of Natural History presents the oldest known example in the fossil record of an evolutionary arms race. These 517-million-year-old predator-prey interactions occurred in the ...
Evolution
Jan 3, 2025
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Other news
Blue Origin set for first launch of giant New Glenn rocket
Quantum breakthrough may lead to sustainable chiral spintronics
Biofilm busters: Plant-derived molecule stops bacteria from forming protective biofilms on surfaces
Ocean temperatures hit record highs in 2024, study finds
Plant hormones that help roots reach deeper water provide potential strategy for drought-resistant crops
Hydrogen peroxide and the mystery of fruit ripening: 'Signal messengers' in plants
Study reveals secrets behind cordierite's anomalous thermal expansion
