All Ecology & Evolution articles – Page 5
-
NewsDiscovery of bacterial proteins that induce asexual reproduction in insects
From microbes in the human gut to symbiotic algae in coral reefs, research in recent decades has increasingly revealed the pivotal roles that microorganisms (or microbial species) play in shaping the biology of host organisms and of broader ecosystems. For example, some endosymbionts—microbes that live within the cells of a ...
-
NewsStudy confirms how RNA chemical modifications benefit HIV-1
A chemical modification in the HIV-1 RNA genome whose function has been a matter of scientific debate is now confirmed to be key to the virus’s ability to survive and thrive after infecting host cells, a new study has found.
-
NewsThe nitroplast revealed: a nitrogen-fixing organelle in a marine alga
A nitrogen-fixing bacterial endosymbiont of marine algae is evolving into a nitrogen-fixing organelle, or nitroplast, thereby expanding a function that was thought to be exclusively carried out by prokaryotic cells to eukaryotes.
-
NewsA novel SIRSVIDE framework with application to SARS-CoV-2 dynamics
Researchers have developed a novel computational model that not only incorporates basic principles of epidemiology but also integrates key features of viral mutation and evolution.
-
NewsNew study finds possibility of nitrogen-fixing organelles
Scientists who discovered nitrogen-fixing symbiotic organisms exhibiting behaviors similar to organelles suggest these symbiotic organisms – UCYN-A, a species of cyanobacteria – may be evolving organelle-like characteristics.
-
NewsWild nematode worms learn to avoid harmful bacteria—and their offspring inherit this knowledge
The nematode worm C. elegans will stay away from dangerous bacteria in its environment when exposed to certain bacterial RNAs—and can transmit that learned behavior to future generations.
-
NewsResearchers discover evolutionary “tipping point” in fungi
Scientists have found a ‘tipping point’ in the evolution of fungi that throttles their growth and sculpts their shapes, demonstrating how small changes in environmental factors can lead to huge changes in evolutionary outcomes.
-
NewsResearch uncovers a new path to drug diversity
By exploring protein evolution, scientists have found new “fusion sites” that enable faster and more targeted drug development.
-
NewsStudy reveals how hydrogen supplied energy at life’s origin
A new report uncovers how hydrogen gas provided energy in the past, at the origin of life 4 billion years ago.
-
NewsCellulose-degrading gut bacteria found in the human gut, although at lower levels in industrialized countries
Previously undescribed human gut bacteria that aid in the digestion of plant cellulose are scarce in urban societies but abundant in ancient and hunter-gatherer microbiomes, according to a new study.
-
NewsThe who’s who of bacteria: A reliable way to define species and strains
Scientists investigated natural divisions in bacteria with a goal of determining a scientifically viable method for organizing them into species and strains.
-
NewsIndustrious communities can create cheaters, even in bacteria
These colorful patterns are proof that bacteria and humans aren’t all that different — both harbor individuals that will take the easy way out when given the chance. And that lifestyle can quickly spread to the detriment of all.
-
NewsScientists ID new genus of fungi on grasses
This study examined a mushroom species, Campanella subdendrophora, also known as Tetrapyrgos subdendrophora, which fruits on grasses in the US Pacific Northwest, and determined that a new genus, Metacampanella was needed for this taxon.
-
NewsMalaria parasite generates genetic diversity using evolutionary ‘copy-paste’ tactic
Plasmodium falciparum, a malaria parasite, uses gene conversion to produce genetic diversity in two surface protein genes targeted by the human immune system.
-
NewsUnusual photosynthesis configuration in dinoflagellate may reveal secrets of success
The photosynthesis process in Prorocentrum cordatum, a globally widespread species of the dinoflagellates group, is organised in an unusual configuration which may help them to better adapt to the changing light conditions in the oceans.
-
NewsScientists discover 18 new species of gut microbes in search for origins of antibiotic resistance
Scientists have found 18 novel species of a type of bacteria called enterococci, which are gut microbes found in most land animals.
-
NewsStudy reveals convergent evolution of algal CO2-fixing organelles
Various pyrenoid-associated proteins have been reported among the algae studied, suggesting that CO2-fixing organelles evolved independently in each algal group.
-
NewsScientists reveal how first cells could have formed on Earth
A new phospholipid discovery brings researchers closer to understanding how primordial cells emerged during origin of life.
-
NewsResearchers shine light into the darkness of photosynthesis
Researchers have now succeeded for the first time in visualising the copying machine of chloroplasts, the RNA polymerase PEP, in high-resolution 3D.
-
NewsRNA as a common language, presented in extracellular speech-bubbles
Decoding the conversations between microbes of hypersaline environments reveals insights into the origins of complex life.
