Genetics

A team of researchers from Israel and Spain has produced reconstructions of Denisovans, an extinct sister group of Neanderthals, based on patterns of methylation — chemical changes — in their ancient DNA. A portrait of a juvenile female Denisovan based on a skeletal profile reconstructed from ancient DNA methylation maps. …

Scientists from the Penguin Genome Consortium have produced 19 high-coverage penguin genome sequences that, together with two previously published genomes, encompass all surviving penguin species. Emperor penguins (Aptenodytes forsteri). Image credit: Michael Van Woert / NOAA / NESDIS / ORA. Penguins (Sphenisciformes) are a remarkable order of flightless wing-propelled diving …

A team of researchers from the University of Oxford has identified four regions of the human genome associated with left-handedness in the general population and linked their effects with brain architecture. The language brain regions were more coordinated in left-handers between the two sides of the brain (in green and …

An international team of researchers has announced the results of investigations into the environmental DNA (eDNA) present in Loch Ness, a large freshwater lake best known for sightings of the long-necked ‘monster.’ Hoaxed photo of the Loch Ness ‘monster’ from April 21, 1934. “People love a mystery, we’ve used science …

A multinational team of scientists has sequenced the first genome of an individual from the Harappan Civilization. The genome, which belongs to a woman who lived 4,000-5,000 years ago, suggests that modern people in India are likely to be largely descended from people of this ancient civilization. It also offers …

A team of scientists at the University of Georgia has used CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing to engineer brown anoles (Anolis sagrei) with transmissible mutations in TYR (tyrosinase), a gene involved in the synthesis of the pigment melanin. Albino (left) and wild-type (right) anole lizards. Image credit: Rasys et al, doi: 10.1016/j.celrep.2019.07.089. …

Sleep is crucial for our survival, and many conditions, including cancer, autoimmune disorders, cardiovascular disease, and Alzheimer’s, are linked to poor sleep quality. Before we can use sleep to enhance our health and performance and alleviate diseases associated with poor sleep, a greater understanding of sleep regulation is necessary. After …

A multinational team of researchers has sequenced the genomes of Mexican, Guatemalan and West Indian avocados, and the most commercially popular hybrid cultivar, Hass, shedding light on the ancient origins of this buttery fruit and laying the groundwork for future improvements to farming. The avocado (Persea americana) is a fruit …

An international team of scientists has mapped and analyzed the entire genome of the Komodo dragon (Varanus komodoensis), the largest extant monitor lizard. The Komodo dragon (Varanus komodoensis). Image credit: Gary Chambers. Komodo dragons can grow to 10 feet (3 m) in length and run up to 12 mph (20 kmh), …

As anatomically modern Homo sapiens migrated out of Africa and around the rest of the world, they met and interbred with at least four different hominin species, according to new research from the University of Adelaide, Australia. Strikingly, of these hominins, only Neanderthals and Denisovans are currently known; the others …