All Ecology & Evolution articles – Page 2
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NewsHeat-stressed reefs may benefit from coral-dwelling crabs
A species of branching coral is able to recover from heat stress and wounds due to its mutualistic relationship with crabs in the Great Barrier Reef Corals, a new study shows. This evolutionary partnership will inspire coral reef restoration strategies in the future.
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NewsUnexpected species-specific patterns in study of giraffe gut flora
The gut bacteria of giraffes are not primarily determined by what they eat, but by the species they belong to., according to a new study analysing the link between diet and gut flora in three giraffe species in Kenya. The study also provides new knowledge that can help secure the food supply of endangered giraffe species.
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NewsLaser-powered device tested on Earth could help us detect microbial fossils on Mars
Scientists hoping to identify fossil evidence of ancient Martian microbial life have now found a way to test their hypothesis, proving they can detect the fossils of microbes in gypsum samples that are a close analogy to sulfate rocks on Mars.
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NewsStromatolite study provides new detail on the impact of volcanic activity on early marine life
Analysis of fossilised rocks known as stromatolites - layered rock formations created by ancient microorganisms, such as bacteria - from more than two-and-a-half billion years ago has provided new insights into the conditions on Earth before the evolution of oxygen.
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NewsBlocking plant immune responses gives colonizing bacteria a competitive advantage
Similar to pathogens, commensal bacteria of plant microbiota were found to possess the mechanism to suppress plant immunity that allows their competitive advantage over non-immunosuppressive bacteria amongst the root-associated bacterial community.
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NewsStudy reveals how anemonefish avoid stings from their sea anemone hosts - bacteria could be involved
Researchers have made a breakthrough in understanding how anemonefish can live safely among sea anemones without being stung by their venomous tentacles, solving a century-long mystery.
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NewsEvolutionary tradeoffs: Research explores the role of iron levels in COVID-19 infections
Iron has been found to be essential to both human physiology and pathogen replication. The richer the iron availability, the more likely to be susceptible to infections, such as COVID-19. A balance of iron levels is thus critical for homeostasis and preventing pathogenic infections.
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NewsFungus ‘hacks’ natural immune system causing neurodegeneration in fruit flies
A fungus, called Beauveria bassiana, is found to manipulate the innate immunity of the fruit flies to attack their own brain cells, causing the penetration into the blood-brain barriers and eventually neurodegeneration.
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NewsSymbiotic bacteria ride along with marine cells in ocean’s upper layer
Symbiotic bacteria often accompany single-celled protists in the ocean’s upper layer. Some of these symbionts, scientists have discovered, are close relatives of bacteria pathogenic to animals, including humans.
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NewsBacteria evolved to help neighboring cells after death, new research reveals
A study has shown that a type of E coli bacteria produces an enzyme which breaks the contents of their cells down into nutrients after death. The dead bacteria are therefore offering a banquet of nutrients to the cells that were their neighbours when they were living.
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NewsDiabetes can drive the evolution of antibiotic resistance, study reveals
A new study shows that people with diabetes are more likely to develop antibiotic-resistant strains of Staph. The results show how the diabetic microbial environment produces resistant mutations, while hinting at ways antibiotic resistance can be combatted in this patient population.
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NewsFlexible and resilient: remarkable cell functions of newly discovered algae species
A new species of algae, demonstrating its incredible resilience to extreme environmental conditions including cold and light, is identified in the Baltic Sea and Arctic tundra. Its unique property could be applied to potential cosmetic product manufacturing.
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NewsNew study uncovers key differences in allosteric regulation of cAMP receptor proteins in bacteria
A new study provides key insights into how bacterial cAMP receptor proteins (CRPs) respond differently to the ubiquitous signaling molecule, cyclic AMP (cAMP), challenging the assumption that structural similarity predicts functional behavior in allosteric proteins.
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NewsStudy shows some species are susceptible to broad range of viruses
A study of fruit flies shows some species are highly susceptible to a wide range of viruses. But fly species that were resistant to one virus were generally resistant to others – including very different types of virus.
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NewsYellowstone yields insights into how ancient microbes adapted to Great Oxidation Event
A new study highlights fresh knowledge of how ancient microorganisms adapted from a low-oxygen prehistoric environment to the one that exists today. It compared heat-loving organisms in two thermal features within Yellowstone National Park.
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NewsScientists probe honeybee antiviral defense mechanisms
Scientists are investigating honeybee antiviral defense mechanisms with the goal of developing strategies to reduce honeybee colony deaths.
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News New tool can detect fast-spreading SARS-COV-2 variants before they take off
By analysing millions of viral genome sequences from around the world, a team of scientists has uncovered the specific mutations that give SARS-CoV-2 a ‘turbo boost’ in its ability to spread.
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NewsThe secret ‘sex lives’ of bacteria: Study challenges old ideas about how species form
Researchers discovered that microbial species form and maintain their distinct identities through unique way of genetic material exchange, especially via homologous recombination, apart from the common asexual reproductive method.
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NewsViruses and the human cell: The evolutionary arms race
Researchers have discovered a unique genetic mechanism that provides cells with rapid and efficient protection against viruses. The findings could lead to the development of new therapeutics.
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NewsMorpho-phylogenetic evidence reveals novel hyphomycetous fungi on medicinal plants in Southwestern China
A survey of saprobic fungi on medicinal plants in Southwestern China identified 39 hyphomycetous collections belonging to Dictyosporiaceae, Melanommataceae, and Stachybotryaceae, representing 19 distinct species.