Researchers explain the genomic and developmental basis of the patagium, the thin skin membrane that allows some mammalian species to soar through the air.
People say"When pigs fly" to describe the impossible. But even if most mammals are landlubbers, the ability to glide or fly has evolved again and again during mammalian evolution, in species ranging from bats to flying squirrels.
The Baylor team led the genome sequencing for 15 marsupial species, determining the DNA sequences in both gliding species and their non-gliding relatives. Comparing those sequences revealed accelerated evolution near a gene called Emx2. Next, the researchers wanted to test these ideas. To do so, they used one of the most unique characteristics of marsupials -- their pouch."Marsupial joeys are born at a much earlier stage in development than typical mammals," said co-first author Dr. Olga Dudchenko, assistant professor of molecular and human genetics at Baylor and a researcher at the Center for Theoretical Biological Physics at Rice University.
Biology Genetics New Species Evolution Charles Darwin Human Evolution Early Humans
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Southwest aircraft forced to return to Sky Harbor Airport right after take-off due to mechanical issueGovernor Hobbs joined scientists and ASU researchers to talk about taking Arizona out of this world.
Read more »
SpaceX launch over Arizona pushed to SaturdayGovernor Hobbs joined scientists and ASU researchers to talk about taking Arizona out of this world.
Read more »
Researchers unlock fiber optic connection 1.2 million times faster than broadbandAndrew Paul is Popular Science‘s staff writer covering tech news. Previously, he was a regular contributor to The A.V. Club and Input, and has had recent work featured by Rolling Stone, Fangoria, GQ, Slate, NBC, as well as McSweeney’s Internet Tendency. He lives outside Indianapolis.
Read more »
Researchers reveal impact of brassinosteroid and sugar signal on wheat grain size regulationGrain size plays a central role in determining wheat yield, and precise regulation of grain development has emerged as a key strategy for increasing yields in several staple crops such as rice and maize.
Read more »
Researchers reveal structure and assembly mechanism of unique module in cellulosomeCellulosomes are multi-enzyme complexes known for their efficient lignocellulose degradation, which is valuable in bioenergy technique development.
Read more »
Researchers reveal evolutionary path of important proteinsNew research from the University of Wisconsin–Madison decodes the evolutionary pathway of regulatory proteins, the molecules that help control gene expression.
Read more »