All Ecology & Evolution articles
-
NewsStudy reveals the hidden genomic evolution of brown algae - and how bacteria and viruses helped
A groundbreaking study has unveiled the evolutionary journey of brown algae through a comprehensive genomic analysis of 44 species, including key evolutionary milestones, such as the transition from unicellular to multicellular forms.
-
NewsFlagella-free survival: How bacteria evolve by shedding their ‘wheels’
New research reveals that bacteria can evolve by losing their flagella, the structures responsible for movement.
-
NewsSyphilis had its roots in the Americas, archaeological bone reveals
New research supports a root in the Americas for syphilis and its known relatives, and their introduction to Europe starting in the late 15th century is most consistent with the data, scientists say.
-
NewsCheese starter cultures yield insights into history of domestication of bacteria
A new study shows that the bacteria used to produce Gruyère, Emmental and Sbrinz cheese show signs of ancient domestication.
-
NewsGiant virus encodes key piece of protein-making machinery of cellular life
Researchers recently discovered that a virus, FloV-SA2, encodes one of the proteins needed to make ribosomes, the central engines in all cells that translate genetic information into proteins. This is the first eukaryotic virus found to encode such a protein.
-
NewsWhat a century-old grapevine reveals about a disease that plagues wine country
Researchers used bacterial DNA from a 120-year-old herbarium specimen to reconstruct the history of Pierce’s disease in California.
-
NewsWild bird's gut microbiome linked with its sexual ornamentation and body condition
A new study provides the first description of how a wild bird’s microbiome relates to its ornamentation and body condition. A Northern cardinal’s gut microbiome diversity can be predicted by its body condition, and the quality of its ornamentation – red plumage and beak.
-
NewsUnusual endosymbionts crop up all over the world
Scientists have discovered peculiar mitochondria-like symbionts all over the world, and unveiled their surprising metabolic capacities in a new study.
-
NewsStudy offers insight into chloroplast evolution
Researchers have found evidence suggesting that the primary role of primitive chloroplasts may have been to produce chemical energy for the cell and only later shifted so that most or all of the energy they generated was used for carbon assimilation.
-
NewsTiny dancers: Scientists synchronise bacterial motion
Researchers have discovered that E. coli bacteria can synchronise their movements, creating order in seemingly random biological systems.
-
NewsHow did human brains get so big? The answer could be in our gut
Microbes supporting the production of more metabolic energy could be key to the evolution of large brains, according to a study that shows gut microbes from different animal species shape variations in their biology.
-
NewsSeemingly ‘broken’ genes in coronaviruses may be essential for viral survival
Some coronaviruses, including Covid-19 have extra ‘accessory’ genes in addition to the usual minimal viral set and researchers have found that some of these viral genes have stuck around even though they don’t produce a working protein.
-
NewsOne new genus and 11 new species of fungi proposed
Scientists have proposed new taxa, combinations, and reports under the Didymiaceae and Physaraceae in China, mainly including 1 new genus and 11 new species.
-
NewsInsect-killing fungi find unexpected harmony in war
Entomologists uncovered a unique relationship between two species of fungi known for their ability to invade, parasitize and kill insects efficiently. The two fungi peacefully cooperate and share their victims.
-
NewsThe chicken or the egg? An ancient unicellular says egg
A cell division resembling that of an animal embryo has been observed in a prehistoric unicellular organism, suggesting that embryonic development might have existed prior to the evolution of animals.
-
NewsMulticellular organisms require significantly more energy than single-celled ones
A new study shows that multicelled organisms like the metazoan daphnia require a tenfold increase in energy compared with protists for their growth, maintenance and survival.
-
NewsMicrobes in mouth reflect lifestyle choices
A new study in Nepal reveals that oral microbiomes differ among traditional foragers, agriculturalists and industrialists, and with behaviors like smoking and diet.
-
FeaturesEvolution of the Infectious pancreatic necrosis virus and its potential reemergence
Infectious pancreatic necrosis (IPN) virus has long been a persistent threat to aquaculture, particularly the salmonid industry. Could the evolutionary fitness of IPNV, governed by quasi-species theory and high mutation rates, lead to a new outbreak.
-
NewsStudy yields evidence of oldest confirmed photosymbiosis in corals
Researchers have demonstrated, using nitrogen isotope analyses, that some extinct corals from the Middle Devonian period were already symbiotic. This represents geochemical evidence of the oldest confirmed photosymbiosis in corals.
-
NewsLoss of ‘nitrogen fixers’ threatens biodiversity and ecosystems
A new study reveals that increased nitrogen deposition from human activity is reducing the diversity and evolutionary distinctiveness of nitrogen-fixing plants, leading to simplified plant communities with fewer species of nitrogen fixers.
