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transposable elements
Trends
- 1Ant genomes reveal bursts of evolution tied to jumping DNA●Analysis of the evolutionary history of 163 ant genomes, from most extant subfamilies, showed periods of rapid species d
A new genomic analysis covering 163 ant species from most living subfamilies traces ant evolution across the last 100 million years. The study finds that periods of rapid species diversification coincided with increased activity of transposable elements, the mobile DNA sequences that can move around genomes. The findings suggest genome dynamics, not just external factors, helped drive the extraordinary diversification of ants, and researchers are discussing what this means for understanding evolution across insects more broadly.
- 2Jumping human gene discovered inside a virus●A human gene that can jump has been found inside a virus
Researchers report the discovery of a human 'jumping gene' — a transposable element able to move around the genome — found embedded inside a virus. The finding suggests genetic material can move between humans and viruses, shedding light on how genomes evolve and how viruses may acquire host genes. Scientists say it could inform understanding of gene transfer and viral evolution.