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A brittle star with its thin, serpent-like arms against a black background.
Diving Into the Brittle Star Genome to Understand the Evolution of Regeneration
The sequenced genome of the brittle star revealed unique gene arrangements and provides insights into ancient genes involved in limb regeneration.
Diving Into the Brittle Star Genome to Understand the Evolution of Regeneration
Diving Into the Brittle Star Genome to Understand the Evolution of Regeneration

The sequenced genome of the brittle star revealed unique gene arrangements and provides insights into ancient genes involved in limb regeneration.

The sequenced genome of the brittle star revealed unique gene arrangements and provides insights into ancient genes involved in limb regeneration.

evolutionary genomics

A green and white fish swimming underwater
Rockfish Genes Hold Clues to Human Longevity
Natalia Mesa, PhD | Jan 12, 2023 | 3 min read
By analyzing the genomes of 23 remarkably long-lived fish species, a study found two metabolic pathways associated with longevity.
a purple betta with white fins in a tank
My Daughter’s First Pet—the Next Big Model Organism?
Christie Wilcox, PhD | Jul 15, 2021 | 10+ min read
Bettas were likely the first fish welcomed into human homes. Now, scientists are welcoming them into the lab to learn how genes dictate their appearance and behavior.
green algae, phytoplankton, giant virus, genetics & genomics, endogenization, evolution, diversity, eukaryote
Giant Viruses Can Integrate into the Genomes of Their Hosts
Amanda Heidt | Nov 19, 2020 | 4 min read
Rather than introducing small chunks of DNA as other viruses do, some giant viruses can contribute more than 1 million base pairs to a host’s genome, broadening the ways in which viruses may shape eukaryote evolution.
New Genome Sequences Reveal Undescribed African Migration
Max Kozlov | Oct 29, 2020 | 5 min read
An analysis of the genomes of people from 50 ethnolinguistic groups in Africa spots 62 genes under positive selection and 3 million more genetic variants than previously documented.
Ancient Humans Had Hepatitis B
Abby Olena, PhD | May 9, 2018 | 4 min read
Analyses of more than 300 ancient human genomes show that Hepatitis B virus has infected humans for at least 4,500 years and has much older origins than modern viral genomes would suggest.
Effects of Neanderthal DNA on Modern Humans
Ruth Williams | Oct 5, 2017 | 3 min read
A new study reveals how Neanderthal DNA in the genomes of present-day British people influences their traits.
Do Pathogens Gain Virulence as Hosts Become More Resistant?
Andrew F. Read and Peter J. Kerr | Oct 1, 2017 | 10+ min read
Emerging infections provide clues about how pathogens might evolve when farm animals are protected from infection.
Infographic: Evolving Virulence
Andrew F. Read and Peter J. Kerr | Sep 30, 2017 | 2 min read
Tracking the myxoma virus in the wild rabbit populations of Australia has yielded insight into how pathogens and their hosts evolve.
Lords of the Flies
Aggie Mika | Jun 19, 2017 | 5 min read
Biologists’ walk in the woods sparks the creation of a masterful fruit fly field guide. 
New Giant Virus Group Reported
Diana Kwon | Apr 6, 2017 | 4 min read
A genomic analysis of “Klosneuviruses” suggests that they evolved from small viruses that accumulated genetic material over time, but not all virologists are convinced. 
Non-Chromosomal DNA Drives Tumor Evolution
Anna Azvolinsky | Feb 8, 2017 | 4 min read
Researchers discover that short pieces of DNA harboring oncogenes are relatively widespread in cancer.
Humans Never Stopped Evolving
John Hawks | Aug 1, 2016 | 10 min read
The emergence of blood abnormalities, an adult ability to digest milk, and changes in our physical appearance point to the continued evolution of the human race.
Neanderthalsā€™ Genetic Legacy
Ruth Williams | Feb 11, 2016 | 3 min read
Ancient DNA in the genomes of modern humans influences a range of physiological traits.
Pumpkins Saved By People?
Jef Akst | Nov 25, 2015 | 2 min read
Domestication may have saved pumpkins, gourds, and squash as seed dispersers like the mastodon went extinct. 
Computer Science Pioneer Dies
Amanda B. Keener | Aug 21, 2015 | 2 min read
John Henry Holland, who developed genetic algorithms, has passed away. He was 86.
Fending Off Infection in Future Generations
Jef Akst | Aug 17, 2015 | 2 min read
Female fruit flies challenged with infection during their lifetimes have offspring with greater genetic diversity.
Genomic Elements Reveal Human Diversity
Anna Azvolinsky | Aug 6, 2015 | 3 min read
Duplication of copy number variants may be the source of greatest diversity among people, researchers find.
Lost Y Chromosome Genes Found on Autosomes
Anna Azvolinsky | May 27, 2015 | 3 min read
Mammalian Y chromosome genes with important functions are transferred to autosomal chromosomes more often than previously thought, a study shows.
Genome Digest
Amanda B. Keener | May 21, 2015 | 4 min read
What researchers are learning as they sequence, map, and decode species’ genomes
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