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Categories: Biology: Genetics, Paleontology: Early Mammals and Birds
Published A rare enzyme role change with bacterial defense system assembly
(via sciencedaily.com) Original source Scientists have revealed a never-before-seen phenomenon in a protein: Alone, the enzyme processes DNA and RNA but, when bound to another protein as part of a defense system, interacts with a completely different type of compound to help bacteria commit suicide.
Published Why the long face? Scientists solve a major puzzle in mammal skull shape evolution
(via sciencedaily.com) Original source Horses have developed long faces simply 'because they can,' a team of evolutionary biologists say. In a major review of how mammalian heads evolve, scientists found that adaptations to feeding explain why large species of mammals often have much longer faces compared to smaller closely related species -- a pattern referred to as Craniofacial Evolutionary Allometry (CREA).
Published A new mechanism by which rotavirus makes you sick
(via sciencedaily.com) Original source Scientists report a new mechanism by which rotavirus induces diarrhea by interfering with the normal absorption of nutrients in the intestine.
Published Zika's shape-shifting machinery, and a possible vulnerability
(via sciencedaily.com) Original source Viruses have limited genetic material -- and few proteins -- so all the pieces must work extra hard. Zika is a great example; the virus only produces 10 proteins. Now researchers have shown how the virus does so much with so little and may have identified a therapeutic vulnerability.
Published How immune cells recognize their enemies
(via sciencedaily.com) Original source In order for immune cells to do their job, they need to know against whom they should direct their attack. Research teams a have identified new details in this process.
Published New genes can arise from nothing
(via sciencedaily.com) Original source The complexity of living organisms is encoded within their genes, but where do these genes come from? Researchers resolved outstanding questions regarding the origin of small regulatory genes, and described a mechanism that creates their DNA palindromes. Under suitable circumstances, these palindromes evolve into microRNA genes.
Published Molecular fossils shed light on ancient life
(via sciencedaily.com) Original source Paleontologists are getting a glimpse at life over a billion years in the past based on chemical traces in ancient rocks and the genetics of living animals. New research combines geology and genetics, showing how changes in the early Earth prompted a shift in how animals eat.
Published Fungus-fighting protein could help overcome severe autoimmune disease and cancer
(via sciencedaily.com) Original source A protein in the immune system programmed to protect the body from fungal infections is also responsible for exacerbating the severity of certain autoimmune diseases such as irritable bowel disease (IBS), type 1 diabetes, eczema and other chronic disorders, new research has found. The discovery could pave the way for new and more effective drugs, without the nasty side effects of existing treatments. In addition to helping to manage severe autoimmune conditions, the breakthrough could also help treat all types of cancer.
Published Influx of water and salts propel immune cells through the body
(via sciencedaily.com) Original source Researchers have shown that an influx of water and ions into immune cells allows them to migrate to where they're needed in the body.
Published From infamy to ingenuity: Bacterial hijack mechanisms as advanced genetic tools
(via sciencedaily.com) Original source Researchers have uncovered the intricate molecular mechanism used by parasitic phytoplasma bacteria, known for inducing 'zombie-like' effects in plants.
Published 'Shocking' discovery: Electricity from electric eels may transfer genetic material to nearby animals
(via sciencedaily.com) Original source Researchers have discovered that electric eels can alter the genes of tiny fish larvae with their electric shock. Their findings help to better understand electroporation, a method by which genes can be transported using electricity.
Published Sugar permeation discovered in plant aquaporins
(via sciencedaily.com) Original source Aquaporins, which move water through membranes of plant cells, were not thought to be able to permeate sugar molecules, but researchers have observed sucrose transport in plant aquaporins for the first time, challenging this theory.
Published Macrophages 'eat' insulin-producing cells to regulate insulin after mice have given birth
(via sciencedaily.com) Original source Pregnancy brings a rise in pancreatic beta cells -- the cells that produce insulin. Shortly after birth, these cells return to their normal levels. The mechanisms behind this process had remained a mystery. But now a research group has revealed that white blood cells called macrophages 'eat' these cells.
Published More than 100 'magic mushroom' genomes point the way to new cultivars
(via sciencedaily.com) Original source Scientists have amassed genome data for dozens of 'magic mushroom' isolates and cultivars, with the goal to learn more about how their domestication and cultivation has changed them. The findings may point the way to the production of intriguing new cultivars, say the researchers.
Published Researchers have cracked the cellular code on protein folding, offering hope for new therapeutic avenues for many diseases
(via sciencedaily.com) Original source While we often think of diseases as caused by foreign bodies -- bacteria or viruses -- there are hundreds of diseases affecting humans that result from errors in cellular production of its proteins. A team of researchers recently leveraged the power of cutting-edge technology, including an innovative technique called glycoproteomics, to unlock the carbohydrate-based code that governs how certain classes of proteins form themselves into the complex shapes necessary to keep us healthy.
Published New technique efficiently offers insight into gene regulation
(via sciencedaily.com) Original source Researchers have developed a new technique called MAbID. This allows them to simultaneously study different mechanisms of gene regulation, which plays a major role in development and disease. MAbID offers new insights into how these mechanisms work together or against each other.
Published Genomic study sheds light on how carnivorous Asian pitcher plants acquired signature insect trap
(via sciencedaily.com) Original source Scientists sequenced the genome of the East Asian pitcher plant, Nepenthes gracilis, a species of carnivorous plant related to Venus flytraps, as well as sundews, beets and spinach.
Published A mixed origin made maize successful
(via sciencedaily.com) Original source Maize is one of the world's most widely grown crops. It is used for both human and animal foods and holds great cultural significance, especially for indigenous peoples in the Americas. Yet despite its importance, the origins of the grain have been hotly debated for more than a century. Now new research shows that all modern maize descends from a hybrid created just over 5000 years ago in central Mexico, thousands of years after the plant was first domesticated.
Published Unknown animals were leaving bird-like footprints in Late Triassic Southern Africa
(via sciencedaily.com) Original source Ancient animals were walking around on bird-like feet over 210 million years ago, according to a new study.
Published Clever dosage control mechanism of biallelic genes
(via sciencedaily.com) Original source Researchers have uncovered a mechanism that safeguards the biallelic expression of haploinsufficient genes, shedding light on the importance of having two copies of each chromosome. A study identified the epigenetic regulator MSL2 an 'anti-monoallelic' factor that maintains biallelic gene dosage. This discovery not only reveals a communication system between parental alleles but also points to potential therapeutic strategies for diseases associated with haploinsufficient genes.