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genetics & genomics, evolution

Bird Genomes Abound
Ruth Williams | Dec 11, 2014 | 3 min read
Scientists complete the largest-ever comparative genomic study of birds.
Mosquito Genomes Galore
Ruth Williams | Nov 27, 2014 | 3 min read
Whole-genome sequences of 16 different mosquito species reveal rapid evolution and could inform malaria research.
A Long Line of LINEs
Kate Yandell | Sep 1, 2014 | 3 min read
Different mechanisms repress mobile DNA elements in human embryonic stem cells depending on the elements’ evolutionary ages.
Beyond the Blueprint
Jennifer A. Schweitzer, Mark A. Genung, and Joseph K. Bailey | Sep 1, 2014 | 10+ min read
In addition to serving as a set of instructions to build an individual, the genome can influence neighboring organisms and, potentially, entire ecosystems.
How Hummingbirds Taste Nectar
Ruth Williams | Aug 21, 2014 | 3 min read
Hummingbirds perceive sweetness through a receptor with which other vertebrates taste savory foods. 
Prepped for the Long Sleep
Jyoti Madhusoodanan | Jul 30, 2014 | 3 min read
Hibernation-related proteins are common even in non-hibernating animals, a study shows.
Inherited Intelligence
Ruth Williams | Jul 10, 2014 | 3 min read
Cognitive testing in chimpanzee pedigrees reveals a genetic basis for intelligence.
Week in Review: June 16–20
Tracy Vence | Jun 20, 2014 | 2 min read
Early Neanderthal evolution; developing antivirals to combat polio; the mouth and skin microbiomes; insect-inspired, flight-stabilizing sensors
Week in Review: March 3–7
Tracy Vence | Mar 7, 2014 | 3 min read
The gene behind a butterfly’s mimicry; the evolution of adipose fins; bacteria and bowel cancer; plants lacking plastid genomes
Week in Review: February 10–14
Tracy Vence | Feb 14, 2014 | 3 min read
First Ancient North American genome; cannabinoids connect hunger with olfaction and eating; biotechs explore crowdfunding; confronting creationism
New River Dolphin
Abby Olena, PhD | Jan 27, 2014 | 2 min read
DNA sequencing study reveals a new river dolphin species in South America.
Drosophila’s New Genes
Jef Akst | Jan 23, 2014 | 3 min read
An analysis of the transcriptomes of several fruit fly strains reveals dozens of possible de novo genes in each.
Speaking of Science
The Scientist | Jan 1, 2014 | 2 min read
January 2014's selection of notable quotes
Top Genomes of 2013
Abby Olena, PhD | Dec 25, 2013 | 4 min read
What researchers learned as they dug through the most highly cited genomes published this year
On The Origin of Flowers
Ed Yong | Dec 19, 2013 | 4 min read
The genome of Amborella trichopoda—the sister species of all flowering plants—provides clues about this group’s rise to power.
The Mating Habits of Early Hominins
Ruth Williams | Dec 18, 2013 | 3 min read
A newly sequenced Neanderthal genome provides insight into the sex lives of human ancestors.
Week in Review: November 18–22
Tracy Vence | Nov 22, 2013 | 4 min read
Chilly mice develop more tumors; gut bacteria aid cancer treatment; two Y chromosome genes sufficient for assisted reproduction; HIV’s “invisibility cloak”
It Takes Two
Jef Akst | Nov 21, 2013 | 3 min read
Two genes from the Y chromosome are sufficient to generate male mice capable of fathering healthy offspring via an assisted reproductive technique.
Week in Review: November 11–15
Tracy Vence | Nov 15, 2013 | 3 min read
Combating bacterial persistence; ancient canine evolution; T cells and transplants; sharing omics data and code
Origin of Domestic Dogs
Ed Yong | Nov 14, 2013 | 3 min read
New analysis suggests that domestic dogs evolved from European wolves that interacted with human hunter-gatherers.
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