Gene Flow

Learn about the new proposal for the origins of modern humans, suggesting that our species is a genetic combination of two ancestral populations.

A novel genetic model suggests that the ancestors of modern humans came from two distinct populations that split and reconnected during our evolutionary history.

Snails on a tiny rocky islet evolved before scientists' eyes. The marine snails were reintroduced after a toxic algal bloom wiped them out from the skerry. While the researchers intentionally brought in a distinct population of the same snail species, these evolved to strikingly resemble the population lost over 30 years prior.

Fossil and gene discoveries paint an ever-more-intertwined history of humans combining with vanished species like Neandertals

Elephant conservation is a major priority in southern Africa, but habitat loss and urbanization mean the far-ranging pachyderms are increasingly restricted to protected areas like game reserves. The risk? Contained populations could become genetically isolated over time, making elephants more vulnerable to disease and environmental change.

New research shows that recurrent episodes of gene flow, beginning 250,000 to 200,000 years ago, affected the genomes and biology of both modern humans and Neanderthals.

The mighty baobab has grown across mainland Africa, Madagascar and Australia for millions of years. But until now, scientists disputed where they came from.

Dhruv Khullar on the spread of the virus, the state of our readiness if there were to be another crisis, and parallels with the early days of COVID.

In recent years, the presence of pink salmon in Norwegian rivers has dramatically increased. Fishermen, anglers and researchers alike are concerned that this non-native species could pose a significant threat to native species and ecosystems. Moreover, the fact that pink salmon decomposes and ultimately dies during its spawning stage can lead to severe contamination of the rivers it inhabits.

Found in the Tian Shan mountains, Malus sieversii could hold the secret to making other species of the fruit more stress-resistant

Today, thanks to new artifacts and technologies, findings about our closest relatives are coming thick and fast

Some female stick insects can reproduce without males—but they have a secret

Hybridization plays an important role in biological evolution. However, it is not clear under what ecological conditions hybridization may be favored. Assessing hybridization among species pairs that occupy geographically extensive contact ranges may provide a better understanding of when barriers to gene flow are likely to be weakened and, subsequently, where a significant proportion of diversification is likely…

Monash University researchers supporting Zoos Victoria to breed the Critically Endangered Helmeted Honeyeater with another subspecies to improve genetic health and fitness, have found that the benefits of such genetic mixing outweigh any risks.

A new study finds that the key genetic risk factors for Dupuytren's disease, a crippling hand disorder, are derived from Neanderthals.

The course of human history has been marked by complex patterns of migration, isolation, and admixture, the latter a term that refers to gene flow between individuals from different populations. Admixture results in a blending of genetic lineages, leading to increased genetic diversity within populations. In addition to admixture among modern human populations, ancient humans reproduced with other hominin groups,…

A research article titled "Aircraft Surveys for Air eDNA: Probing Biodiversity in the Sky" unveils a revolutionary approach to studying genetic material in the atmosphere. Scientists have developed a durable and sterilizable probe and supporting system to capture air environmental nucleic acids (eDNA) with full-flow filtration and a high-integrity chamber.

Despite their iconic status and long association with humans, Asian elephants are one of the most endangered large mammals. Believed to number between 45,000 and 50,000 individuals worldwide, they are at risk throughout Asia due to human activities such as deforestation, mining, dam building and road construction, which have damaged numerous ecosystems.

The Picts of Scotland who have long intrigued and have been ascribed exotic origins in fact descended from indigenous Iron Age society and were genetically most similar to people living today in Scotland, Wales, North Ireland and Northumbria. Adeline Morez of Liverpool John Moores University and Linus Girdland-Flink of the University of Aberdeen report these findings in a new study published April 27 in the journal…

An interdisciplinary team of researchers at the University of Oklahoma has published a perspective article in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences advocating for convergent research that integrates the fields of biogeography and behavioral ecology to more rapidly respond to challenges associated with climate change and biodiversity loss.