Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology · Genetics
A study of Galápagos tree finches has identified a highly differentiated stretch of DNA associated with differences in beak and body size. The result suggests that one genomic region may have helped the finches expand into different ecological roles despite hybridization between species.
Laboratory populations of unicellular green algae evolved motile multicellular forms in water with Snowball Earth-like viscosity. The results suggest that thick, cold oceans may have favored larger, collectively moving organisms during an important period in the evolution of multicellular life.
A tsunami in Japan created new habitats where freshwater and marine sticklebacks hybridized. Genomic monitoring over nine years found that marine DNA was rapidly removed from most of the hybrid population, including regions linked to reproductive isolation.
Computer tools and laboratory tests often agree on the effects of genetic changes, but a study of 37 human proteins found that their disagreements follow consistent patterns. The results show how protein features, laboratory design and the type of variant can shape those differences.
