ScienceAdviser reports that 'living fossil' gars have indeed avoided evolution.

The email from ScienceAdviser discusses various scientific findings, including a study on the genetic origins of modern populations in India. Researchers sequenced 2762 genomes across India, revealing that Indians have a significant percentage of Neanderthal and Denisovan genes. The enduring genetic diversity in South Asia, despite the absence of fossils from these ancient human relatives in the region, remains a mystery that requires further genetic and archaeological research. The email also highlights a study on 'living fossil' gars that confirms these species have a slow rate of molecular evolution due to their superb DNA repair machinery, allowing them to maintain genetic stability over millions of years. Additionally, the email discusses the impact of ultraviolet radiation on planet formation in the Orion nebula and the discovery of a new ion channel called ELKIN1, which is crucial for touch perception in human sensory neurons. The study found that ELKIN1 plays a vital role in touch sensation in both mice and human sensory neurons, indicating its potential as a target for treating chronic pain. Other topics mentioned include scientists standing for science in court, the discovery of a gene responsible for brown pandas, and the growth of organoids from amniotic fluid cells for research and medical purposes. The email also touches on the concerning budget cuts to agencies like NSF and NIST in the U.S. and the challenges faced in developing a vaccine for HIV that has hit a snag due to side effects.

The genetic study in India sheds light on the complex ancestry of modern South Asians, revealing contributions from Iranian-related farmers, South Asian hunter-gatherers, and Eurasian Steppe pastoralists. The research involves sequencing thousands of genomes to understand the genetic makeup of the population. The presence of Neanderthal and Denisovan genes in Indian genomes highlights the genetic diversity in the region, posing questions about the origins and interactions of various ancestral groups. The study emphasizes the need for further research to unravel the intricate history and composition of the population.

The examination of 'living fossil' gars provides insights into the evolutionary mechanisms that have allowed these ancient fish species to remain relatively unchanged over millions of years. By studying the molecular evolution and DNA repair mechanisms in gars, researchers have found that these fishes exhibit minimal divergence despite belonging to different genera that shared a common ancestor over 100 million years ago. The discovery of stable genomes and the ability of gars to hybridize and produce viable offspring contribute to the understanding of evolutionary processes and genetic stability in long-standing species.

The impact of ultraviolet radiation on planet formation in the Orion nebula demonstrates the environmental factors that can influence the formation of planetary systems around newborn stars. The study highlights how massive stars emitting ultraviolet radiation can strip gas from protoplanetary disks, affecting the development of planets within the system. The research provides insights into the dynamics of stellar nurseries and the conditions that influence planetary formation, showcasing the complexities of celestial processes.

The identification of the ion channel ELKIN1 and its role in touch perception sheds light on the molecular mechanisms underlying sensory sensations in humans. The discovery of this ion channel and its significance in touch perception, as demonstrated through genetic modification experiments in mice and sensory neurons cultivated from human stem cells, opens avenues for further research into the sensory mechanisms involved in touch and potentially pain perception. Understanding the role of ELKIN1 in touch sensation not only deepens our knowledge of sensory perception but also presents opportunities for developing treatments for conditions related to touch perception, including chronic pain.

Overall, the email from ScienceAdviser covers a diverse range of scientific topics, from genetic origins and evolutionary processes to planetary formation, sensory perception, and medical research. The findings discussed provide valuable insights into the complexities of the natural world and highlight the ongoing efforts of researchers to unravel the mysteries of various scientific phenomena.

(Source: https://www.science.org/content/article/scienceadviser-living-fossil-gars-really-do-dodge-evolution)

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