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The article discusses the potential benefits of using genetic engineering and de-extinction techniques to help conserve endangered species. The focus is on the dodo and the pink pigeon, both of which are native to Mauritius. While there are ethical concerns and debates surrounding de-extinction, the article highlights how these technologies could be used to restore lost genetic diversity and help endangered species adapt to a changing environment. The company Colossal Biosciences is mentioned as a key player in these efforts, with plans to bring back the dodo and collaborate with the Mauritian Wildlife Foundation to restore habitat for dodo-like birds. The article also mentions other examples of genetic rescue efforts for endangered species, emphasizing the need for urgent action to prevent further extinctions. [Extracted from the article]

The article focuses on a set of biology-related multiple-choice questions designed to assess understanding across various topics. Topics include plant reproductive structures, such as ovule components and their functions, Mendelian genetics, including inheritance patterns of seed traits in garden peas, and biotechnological applications, like recombinant plasmids and transgenic organisms.

This article discusses the potential genetic consequences of hunting on wild deer herds, specifically focusing on white-tailed deer. The genetic diversity of deer is crucial for their overall health and fitness, as it contributes to traits such as aggression, body weight, reproductive success, and antler size. Hunting mortality can disrupt this genetic diversity by selectively removing certain individuals from the population. The article explores different hunting practices and their potential impacts on genetic variability, gene flow, genetic drift, and deliberate or unintentional selection. The authors suggest that managing hunting to emulate natural mortality patterns can help maintain natural deer populations while still allowing for hunting opportunities. [Extracted from the article]

The article presents a solved practice paper guide for CBSE Class XII biology students, featuring questions on various genetics and evolution topics. Topics include Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium, inheritance patterns, and molecular genetics. The guide is designed to help students prepare for the latest pattern and syllabus updates for the 2024-25 academic session.

The article explores the concepts of evolution, including the origin of life, the theories explaining it, and the evidence supporting it. It discusses the Big-Bang Theory, the Oparin-Haldane theory, and various evolutionary theories such as Lamarckism and natural selection. It also covers the evidence for evolution, including homologous and analogous organs, fossil records, and the Hardy-Weinberg principle.

A quiz concerning Common University Entrance Test (CUET) (UG) Solved Paper 2024 is presented, which includes the semi-conservative replication of Deoxyribonucleic Acid (DNA), the use of thermostable DNA polymerase, and the principles behind the ELISA test.

Directed evolution is a scientific technique that applies Darwinian principles to the molecular level, allowing researchers to selectively breed more desirable versions of proteins, RNA, and other important compounds. It originated in 1962 and has since been used to create improved therapeutic agents, crops, industrial processes, enzymes, and RNA molecules. Researchers create a diverse array of molecules, introduce random mutations, and allow them to compete in a challenging environment. The molecules that exhibit desired traits are selected and further mutated and selected. Directed evolution has practical applications in protein engineering, drug discovery, and biofuel development. [Extracted from the article]

The article focuses on a trend analysis of Central Board of Secondary Education board questions for class 12 over the past 10 years, presenting data on the number of questions and types in various chapters and topics. Topics include reproductive health, principles of inheritance and variation, and molecular basis of inheritance, with explanations and visuals provided for key concepts such as pollination mechanisms and Deoxyribonucleic Acid replication.

The article focuses on evolution and its various aspects, including the origin of life, evidences of evolution, and concepts such as homologous and analogous structures. Topics include the origin of life theories, fossil records, comparative anatomy, embryological evidences, biochemical evidences, and biogeographical distribution, revealing the mechanisms and patterns of biological evolution.

A recent report from Northwest A&F University highlights research on wheat stripe rust caused by Puccinia striiformis f. sp. tritici (Pst), a fungal disease that can spread across regions. The study revealed gene flow of Pst clonal lineage from Uzbekistan to Xinjiang, China, impacting the genetic structure and virulence pattern of Pst in China. Further research is needed to understand the behavior of foreign genotypes in Xinjiang and their impact on local wheat crops. For more information, refer to the article "Molecular genotyping revealed the gene flow of Puccinia striiformis f. sp. tritici clonal lineage from Uzbekistan of Central Asia to Xinjiang of China" in Phytopathology Research. [Extracted from the article]

The article discusses the Generalized Haldane (GH) model, which aims to track population size changes and address genetic drift paradoxes in molecular evolution. It highlights the underestimation of genetic drift and the limitations of the standard Wright-Fisher model in defining genetic drift accurately. The integration of the Wright-Fisher and Haldane models (WFH) is proposed as a solution to resolve these paradoxes and provide a more comprehensive understanding of genetic drift in molecular evolution. The preprint has not yet undergone peer review, and more information can be found on biorxiv.org. [Extracted from the article]

The article discusses the Generalized Haldane (GH) model of genetic drift in molecular evolution, highlighting the importance of genetic drift as a fundamental force in evolution. It addresses the limitations of the standard Wright-Fisher model and the emergence of paradoxes in genetic drift under various conditions. The integration of the Wright-Fisher and Haldane models is proposed as a solution to resolve these paradoxes and provide a more comprehensive understanding of genetic drift in molecular evolution. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study from Sun Yat-sen University in Guangzhou, China, explores the theory of massively repeated evolution and the identification of cancer-driving nucleotides (CDNs). The research suggests that understanding and treating cancer patients may require the full sets of CDNs, which are crucial for effective gene-targeted therapy. While only a small fraction of CDNs are currently known, the study proposes that identifying almost all CDNs could significantly improve treatment outcomes and resistance against drug resistance. This research offers valuable insights into the genetic mechanisms of tumorigenesis and the potential for more effective cancer therapies. [Extracted from the article]

Researchers at Heidelberg University conducted a study on the genetic risk factors associated with gallbladder cancer in Latin Americans. The study focused on the relationship between inbreeding, genetic ancestry, gallstone disease, and body mass index in a genetically admixed Chilean population. The findings highlighted the complex interplay between these factors and emphasized the importance of considering population-specific genetic architecture when studying complex traits in Latin Americans. The study was supported by various research agencies and provides valuable insights into the genetic basis of gallbladder cancer risk in this population. [Extracted from the article]

A patent application by inventors from the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center in Seattle, Washington, outlines a system for personalized insights into tumor evolution and AI-based treatment decision support. The technology aims to address the clonal evolution that occurs under conventional cancer treatments by visualizing cancer clones and subclones, guiding therapy choices. The system utilizes genetic and clinical data to track cancer progression and provide interactive visualizations for clinicians and patients, offering a platform-agnostic solution for identifying and tracking cancer cell populations. [Extracted from the article]

The article discusses the transient evolutionary epidemiology of viral adaptation and lethal mutagenesis. It explores the interplay between selection, mutation, genetic drift, and within-host dynamics of viral populations, focusing on the effects of beneficial and deleterious mutations. The study aims to understand how a higher mutation rate may impact viral adaptation and discusses the potential of lethal mutagenesis as a treatment for viral infections. This preprint has not yet undergone peer review and provides theoretical insights into the critical mutation rates of various viruses. [Extracted from the article]

The article discusses the importance of genetic diversity in evolution, highlighting how natural selection and genetic drift are influenced by the level of genetic diversity in a population. It emphasizes the need for a flexible expression of the force of selection that allows for an arbitrary number of alleles and forms of fitness, beyond the traditional focus on biallelic loci. The research aims to provide an analytical representation of selection at loci with multiple alleles, enabling a better understanding of genetic diversity and fitness in various scenarios. [Extracted from the article]

The article discusses the return of actionable genetic results to participants in the Viking Genes research cohort, focusing on two founder populations from Scotland. Exome sequence data was generated from 4,198 participants, identifying 108 actionable genotypes at 39 variants in 23 genes. The study collaborated with the NHS clinical genetics service to provide genetic counseling and clinical verification of the research results, notifying 64 consenting participants of their actionable genotypes. The genetic structure in the Northern Isles of Scotland presents a unique opportunity for tailored genetic screening and prevention strategies. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted by researchers at Duke-National University of Singapore Medical School has identified four distinct species of human coronaviruses (HCoVs) circulating in humans. The study utilized primary differentiated human nasal epithelial cells to isolate and sequence the genomes of HCoVs from retrospective cohorts in Singapore and Tanzania. The findings suggest that HCoV-229E and HCoV-OC43 exhibit stronger genetic drift and reduced purifying selection, leading to increased lineage diversification and intercontinental dissemination. This research provides valuable insights into the molecular epidemiology and genomic evolution of human coronaviruses. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted by researchers at the Georgia Institute of Technology focused on the genetic architectures of prostate cancer susceptibility in Sub-Saharan Africa. The study utilized genomic data from various African countries to identify ancestry-specific genetic associations related to prostate cancer. The findings highlighted the importance of conducting genetic studies with diverse populations and emphasized the impact of population-specific risk variants on prostate cancer susceptibility in Africa. The research was funded by the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services and the National Institutes of Health. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted by researchers at the University of Michigan focused on the within-host evolution and positive selection of the Influenza A virus (IAV) in a densely sampled household cohort over three seasons. The study found that within-host IAV populations were subject to genetic drift and purifying selection, with only subtle differences across seasons, subtypes, and age groups. Positive selection was rare and inconsistently detected in the study. The research was funded by organizations such as the National Institutes of Health and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. [Extracted from the article]

A preprint abstract from biorxiv.org discusses the theory of Cancer Driving Nucleotides (CDNs) and their role in tumorigenesis. CDNs are mutations at the nucleotide level that drive the development of cancer. The study suggests that identifying the full sets of CDNs in each cancer patient can lead to a better understanding of tumorigenesis and more effective gene targeted therapy. Currently, only a small fraction of CDNs have been identified, but the study shows that increasing the sample size to 100,000 for each cancer type could help identify almost all CDNs. This research has not yet been peer-reviewed. [Extracted from the article]

A new study conducted by investigators at Princeton University explores the evolution of the human influenza A 'nonstructural' (NS) gene segment. The researchers used nucleotide mismatch distributions to analyze the genetic backbone of influenza A NS sequences over more than a century. They found that the 2009 influenza A/H1N1 pandemic represented a departure from the established genetic backbone, indicating the complexity of influenza evolution. The study provides insights into the evolutionary dynamics of the NS gene segment and highlights patterns of nucleotide diversity and epi-evolutionary dynamics. The research has been peer-reviewed and published in Theoretical Population Biology. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted by researchers at the University of Sydney in Australia has identified adeno-associated virus (AAV) vectors that efficiently target high-grade glioma cells, a type of brain tumor. The researchers used a next-generation sequencing (NGS) barcoded AAV screening method to assess the transduction capability of 36 AAVs in primary cell lines representing high-grade gliomas. They successfully demonstrated AAV-mediated transduction of high-grade glioma cells with a dynamic activity reporter. This study provides valuable insights into the biology of primary high-grade glioma cells and may contribute to the development of more effective treatments for gliomas. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted by investigators at the International University of Health & Welfare in Chiba, Japan, examined the prevalence and origin of the median artery in adult Japanese cadavers. The researchers found that the palmar type of the median artery was present in 106 upper limbs, with only two cadavers showing the artery passing through the carpal tunnel and forming the superficial palmar arch in the hand. The antebrachial type, which ends in the forearm before reaching the wrist joint, was detected in 63 sides of 44 cadavers. The study concluded that the term "persistent median artery" should be used strictly for the artery that arises from the arteries in the forearm, and its presence can be interpreted as paedogenesis in the human body. The research also suggested that the increasing trend in the incidence of the median artery since the nineteenth century may represent "nearly neutral evolution" at the phenotypic level in human populations. [Extracted from the article]

The article discusses the integrated WF-Haldane (WFH) model of genetic drift in molecular evolution. The standard Wright-Fisher (WF) model, which only partially defines genetic drift, has led to mis-conclusions on evolution. The WFH model, which combines the WF model with the branching process proposed by JBS Haldane, can resolve paradoxes and fully define genetic drift in molecular evolution. The article emphasizes the importance of understanding genetic drift for a comprehensive understanding of evolution. [Extracted from the article]

A patent application has been submitted for a system and method to generate local ancestry determinations and polygenic risk scores from genomic data. The application emphasizes the importance of considering ancestral origin when analyzing genomic data, as the accuracy of risk scores can vary depending on the population dataset used. The inventors propose a methodology that incorporates local ancestry information to generate more precise risk scores for individuals. The system utilizes a library of genomic information from non-admixed individuals with known local ancestry to compare with the genomic data of the target individual and generate local ancestry inference information. This method can be used in medical or health-related applications, such as generating risk scores or predicting the likelihood of certain medical conditions. The inventors have developed a two-stage pipeline that combines a base layer determination of recombination distance with a deep learning-based smoothing module to enhance the accuracy of ancestry deconvolution. The method also includes steps for configuring and updating the subpopulation reference datasets and analyzing genomic data for filtering and removing inaccurate data. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted by researchers at the University of Szeged in Hungary has shed light on the DNA repair mechanisms of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). The study found that malfunctions in DNA repair can lead to genomic instability and impact cellular homeostasis. The researchers also discovered that MSCs have an elevated DNA repair activation, which may explain the ineffectiveness of stem cell transplantation and the potential for tumor formation. This research provides valuable insights into the role of DNA repair in stem cell therapy and highlights the importance of maintaining proper DNA repair in stem cells. [Extracted from the article]

A preprint abstract from biorxiv.org discusses the evolution of the influenza A virus within a household cohort over three seasons. The study found that while influenza A virus antigenic drift is well-documented, positive selection is generally not detected in acute infections. This is likely due to challenges in distinguishing selected rare mutations from sequencing error. The study sequenced influenza A virus populations from nasal swabs collected from 143 individuals over three seasons and found that within-host populations were subject to purifying selection and genetic drift. Positive selection was rare and inconsistently detected. The study provides insights into the evolution of the influenza A virus within a specific population. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study examined the gut bacterial strains found in laboratory mice and their evolutionary history compared to wild mice. The researchers found that the gut microbiota of laboratory mice has diverged from that of wild mice over the past 120 years of captivity, with laboratory mice experiencing an accelerated accumulation of genetic load. This divergence has led to differences in immune-cell proliferation, infection resistance, cancer progression, and the ability to model drug outcomes for humans. The study suggests that stochastic processes, such as bottlenecks, rather than natural selection, have been the main evolutionary forces driving the divergence of gut bacterial strains between laboratory and wild mice. The findings highlight the importance of restoring laboratory mice with wild gut bacterial strain diversity. [Extracted from the article]

This article discusses the transferability of polygenic risk scores (PRS) across different populations. PRS are calculated based on genotypes and effect size estimates from genome-wide association studies (GWAS). However, due to variations in allele frequencies and linkage disequilibrium patterns, PRS developed for one population may not perform well when applied to another population. Genetic drift and the dominance of certain alleles contribute to these variations. The study conducted demographic simulations to explore the influence of the dominance coefficient on PRS transferability among European, African, and Asian populations. The findings suggest that adapting PRS models to the underlying dominance coefficient can improve their predictive performance in different populations. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study analyzed 30,780 genomes with African-like ancestry to explore the evolutionary fate of Neanderthal DNA. The researchers found that after initial purging from non-African genomes, the remaining Neanderthal DNA in human genomes is not under strong selection. However, they also identified genomic regions associated with spermatogenesis, innate immunity, and other biological processes that have significantly more or less Neanderthal ancestry than expected. The study suggests that complex evolutionary dynamics have shaped the introgression landscapes in our species. This information is based on a preprint and has not been peer-reviewed. [Extracted from the article]

A recent preprint study explores the genomic diversity of Escherichia coli (E. coli) populations in the gut and their translocation to extra-intestinal compartments in immunosuppressed leukemia patients. The study found that translocation of E. coli from the gut to other compartments, such as the bloodstream and bladder, is associated with diversifying selection and adaptation. The level of genomic polymorphism and the size of the translocating populations are largely unknown. The study highlights the complex compartment-specific pattern of selection and the substantial proportions of E. coli populations undergoing translocation in immunosuppressed patients. However, it is important to note that this study has not yet undergone peer review. [Extracted from the article]

Researchers at the National Polytechnic Institute in Guanajuato, Mexico have conducted a study on the relationship between genome size and selection efficiency in Neotropical salamanders. The researchers hypothesized that larger genome sizes would result in lower selection efficiency due to increased genetic drift. However, their findings did not support this hypothesis, as they did not find a significant relationship between genome size and selection efficiency. The study highlights the complex interactions that shape genomic variation in organisms with genomic gigantism. [Extracted from the article]

The article discusses the integrated WF-Haldane (WFH) model of genetic drift in molecular evolution. The standard Wright-Fisher (WF) model, which only partially defines genetic drift, has led to several paradoxes in evolutionary biology. The WFH model, which combines the WF model with the branching process proposed by JBS Haldane, can resolve these paradoxes and fully define genetic drift. This preprint has not yet been peer-reviewed. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted by researchers at the Australian National University provides genomic insights into the critically endangered King Island scrubtit, a subspecies of the Tasmanian scrubtit. The study found that small, fragmented, or isolated populations are at risk of decline due to inbreeding and genetic drift. The researchers sequenced the scrubtit genome and conducted a population genomic study, revealing that the King Island scrubtits formed one of four genetic clusters and exhibited lower genetic diversity and higher inbreeding coefficients compared to Tasmanian scrubtits. The study also identified loci associated with crown baldness in the King Island scrubtits. The researchers recommend further field monitoring and evidence-based conservation actions to prevent the extinction of this taxon. [Extracted from the article]

A recent report from Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine discusses the genetic diversity of the influenza A virus during human infections. The study highlights the virus's ability to continually evolve and evade acquired immunity, leading to high annual incidence rates. The researchers propose using genomic diversity, specifically defective viral genomes (DVGs), as an alternative signal to understand viral evolution within and between hosts. The findings suggest that genetic drift plays a significant role in within-host viral evolution, and transmission bottlenecks limit the sharing of DVGs. This research provides valuable insights into the forces driving influenza A virus evolution. [Extracted from the article]

A preprint abstract from biorxiv.org discusses the theory of Cancer Driving Nucleotides (CDNs) and their role in tumorigenesis. CDNs are mutations at the nucleotide level that drive the development of cancer. Currently, only a small fraction of CDNs are known, but the theory suggests that identifying the full sets of CDNs for each cancer patient could greatly improve understanding and treatment. The study explores the recurrence of mutations in the TCGA cancer database and proposes that mutations recurring at a certain frequency are CDNs. The research suggests that identifying the full sets of CDNs could lead to more effective gene targeted therapy and resistance against drugs. However, it is important to note that this preprint has not been peer-reviewed. [Extracted from the article]

This article discusses the role of mutations in the adaptation of viral populations within a host. While beneficial mutations can prolong the duration of host infection, most mutations are not adaptive and can hinder the increase of viral population fitness. The study explores the interplay between selection, mutation, genetic drift, and within-host dynamics of viral populations. The researchers propose the concept of lethal mutagenesis as a potential treatment for viral infections. However, it is important to note that this preprint has not yet undergone peer review. [Extracted from the article]

Data streams applications generate a continuous stream of data in a high rate that it is not possible to store all data in available memory. Hence, it is important to apply techniques that are capable of learning concepts according to data presentation, taking into consideration available time, processing and memory resources. This paper presents a new ensemble-based approach to detect concept drift in the data stream context. This approach uses an explicit mechanism to adapt to concept drifts using a genetic algorithm in order to define the best ensemble configuration for the current scenario (detected drifts). The main aim of this approach is to provide an efficient structure to detect and to adapt to concept drifts and, as a consequence, to improve the performance of this system. Our findings show that the proposed method delivers outstanding results, outperforming the results delivered by the most efficient methods presented in the literature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article informs how fermented foods are ancient method for preserving fresh fruits, vegetables and meat, and recognised as a natural process to enhance nutritional values and deliver probiotics through food products to support human health. It also mentions how expansion of fermentation processes from artisanal to industrial was necessary to meet increasing consumer demand for fermented foods with unique sensory properties and health benefits.

Hyacinthe and her team analysed 44 hours of fish chatter recorded in six caves, spread across the three mountain ranges where cave colonisation is thought to have taken place independently. IN THE underground caverns of north-eastern Mexico, groups of blind fish appear to be developing their own accents. Carole Hyacinthe at Harvard University wondered if the communication also varied between fish evolving in different caves. [Extracted from the article]

A preprint abstract discusses the paradox of extremely fast evolution in multi-copy gene systems. These systems, which include viruses, mitochondrial DNAs, transposons, and multi-gene families, should evolve slower than single-copy systems, but the opposite is often true. The standard Wright-Fisher model for molecular evolution cannot track multi-copy genes, but a newly expanded WF-Haldane model has been applied to ribosomal rRNA genes. The study finds that genetic drift of rRNA genes is 200-300 times higher than single-copy genes, reducing the effective number of copies to less than one. This research provides insight into the random neutral forces of evolution and challenges the interpretation of natural selection. [Extracted from the article]

A study conducted by the Chinese Academy of Sciences provides new insights into liver cancer. The researchers used a phylogeographic approach to study the spatial intra-tumor heterogeneity (sITH) in hepatocellular carcinomas (HCC). They found that tumor heterogeneity in HCC segregates into spatially variegated blocks with large genotypic and phenotypic differences. The study also revealed that some patients had a 'spatially competing distribution' (SCD), where different spatial blocks within a tumor have distinct transcriptomic subtypes. The findings highlight the dynamic landscape of sITH and its evolutionary and clinical consequences in cancer. [Extracted from the article]

This article discusses the development of an amplicon panel for genotyping Pacific oysters. The panel targets 592 genomic regions and SNP variants and was evaluated for parentage applications and population characterization. The study found high genotype concordance and identified instances of pedigree and sample handling errors, highlighting the panel's value for quality control in breeding programs. The article also provides a pipeline for analyzing the amplicon sequence data. It is important to maintain genetic diversity in cultured shellfish to retain adaptive potential and avoid inbreeding depression. [Extracted from the article]

A recent report from Sandia National Laboratories discusses the effects of single and multiple nucleotide mutations on loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) assays, which are commonly used for disease diagnosis. The researchers found that nucleotide mutations can impact the accuracy and speed of the amplification process, potentially affecting the sensitivity of the test. The study suggests that further research is needed to explore mutations in different priming regions and evaluate trends. This research has been peer-reviewed and provides valuable insights into the impact of genetic changes on testing accuracy. [Extracted from the article]

A recent preprint abstract from medrxiv.org discusses the findings of a large-scale longitudinal study on mitochondrial heteroplasmy and its relationship to aging and mortality. The study found that as individuals age, they acquire somatic mutations, with mitochondria being particularly susceptible due to their inefficient DNA repair and proximity to reactive oxygen species. The study measured heteroplasmy in two cohorts over a span of 8.6 years and found that deleterious heteroplasmies were more likely to increase in variant allele fraction (VAF). Additionally, an increase in VAF was associated with an increased risk of overall mortality. These results challenge the notion that somatic mtDNA mutations are primarily due to genetic drift and instead suggest positive selection for predicted deleterious mutations at the cellular level, despite their negative impact on mortality. It is important to note that this preprint has not yet undergone peer review. [Extracted from the article]

This article discusses a study on the evolution of the human influenza A 'nonstructural' (NS) gene. The researchers used nucleotide distance maps and phylogenetic analyses to analyze the genetic backbone of the NS gene and its deviations, particularly focusing on the 2009 influenza pandemic. The study aims to provide transparent insights into the evolution of the influenza NS gene using direct temporal distance-based measures. It is important to note that this preprint has not yet undergone peer review. [Extracted from the article]