evolution

Calculating the polygenic risk scores of ancient humans such as Ötzi the iceman helps researchers understand the genetic predisposition to cardiovascular disease.

Genetic engineering pioneer Kevin Esvelt’s work highlights biotechnology’s immense potential for good—but also for catastrophe.

Some species of lizards, grasshoppers, and crustaceans have adopted a ladies-only lifestyle.

Scientists transferred light-harvesting proteins into yeast for the first time, shining a light on the past lives of eukaryotic cells.

Comparing mammoth and elephant genomes revealed genetic mutations that may have helped mammoths survive in the Arctic.

In the absence of a precise definition of brain, pinning down its origins is difficult. But scientists have a theory.

For two decades, scientists struggled to fully sequence the Y chromosome. Finally, researchers have mapped its full length thanks to recent advances in sequencing technology.

Humans are often referred to as “hairless apes.” But how did this trait evolve given that fur provides significant advantages to many mammals?

New techniques to quantify what lived in and on preserved animals throw light on how parasite abundance has changed over time.

Unlike other fast-growing cells, regenerating tadpole cells fuel growth using the pentose phosphate pathway rather than glycolysis, a study indicates.

An engineered methylation pattern persisted for four generations of mice, demonstrating transgenerational epigenetic inheritance can occur in mammals.

By analyzing the genomes of 23 remarkably long-lived fish species, a study found two metabolic pathways associated with longevity.

A study sheds light on the tiny genes that have evolved in human genomes since we split from our mammalian ancestors.

Forced to respond to a climate that’s changing faster than it ever has, it remains unclear whether species’ adaptations can keep pace.

Researchers identified mutations in genes that may be involved in fat regulation, fur growth, and morphology.

A decade-long, multicontinent study suggests that acoustic defense strategies are more common among moths than previously imagined.

The molting fluid of ant pupae functions as “metabolic currency” in the ant colony and may have enabled the evolution of eusociality. 

A tiny pilot study found that so-called chameleon vines mimicked plastic leaves, but experts say poor study design and conflicts of interest undermine the report.

Bats are known for staying healthy even while harboring viral infections. Now, research sheds light on how their unusual immune system evolved.