Convergent evolution—where distinct species independently evolve similar traits or functions, such as the wings of birds and bats—has long fascinated biologists. Now, a research team led by Prof. Zou ...

Cell division is fundamental to life, enabling growth, reproduction, and survival across all organisms, from single-celled bacteria to complex multicellular animals. While animals and fungi share a ...

Monoamine neurotransmitters such as serotonin and dopamine play important roles in our cognitive and emotional functions. Their evolutionary origins date back to metazoans, and while the function of ...

The second science -- Simple selection -- The genetic and ecological context of selection -- History, chance, and necessity -- The rate of genetic deterioration -- The rate of environmental ...

The study outlines a new scenario for understanding how genome regulation and chromatin organization influence the evolution of animal body plans. The conservation of genome regulatory elements over ...

Researchers have discovered a previously unknown mechanism by which bacteria share their genetic material through virus parasites. The insights could help scientists to better understand how bacteria ...

Outgrowth of a symposium held on Sept. 5, 2008, at Princeton University, on the occasion of the editors' retirement from teaching. Cf. pref. Contents The big picture : a tripartite view of life and ...

A new study by researchers at the Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Biology (MPI-EB) sheds fresh light on one of the most debated concepts in biology: evolvability. The work provides the first ...

Ironically, one great unsolved problem in Darwin's master work, On the Origin of Species, was just that: How and why do species originate? Darwin and his later followers were faced with a seeming ...