Some Tomatoes Are Evolving Backwards in Real Time
Here's what you'll learn when you read this story:
Evolution is often portrayed as stepping toward ever-greater complexity, but the natural world is filled with examples of organisms actually reverting back to a previous evolutionary state.
A new study examines this process in progress with tomato plants in Galápagos, finding that plants on the newer, western islands have developed alkaloids similar to eggplant relatives millions of years ago compared to modern tomato plants.
It's possible these plants developed this strategy because the newer islands are barren and less biologically diverse, so the ancient molecule might provide better protection in such a harsh environment.
The famous ape-to-man illustration, known as The March of Progress, depicts evolution as a one-way street toward evolutionary perfection—but nature isn't always so simple.
Many organisms have displayed what appears to be 'reverse evolution,' or regression, where ancient attributes of past ancestors seem to reappear down the evolutionary line. Cave fish, for example, will lose eyesight and return to a state similar to a previous ancestor that lacked this visual organ, but the argument remains whether this is reverse evolution or simply the ending of an evolutionary pathway that creates a vestigial organ.
Of course, complex animals are not the only ones that appear to rewind the evolutionary clock. A new study in Nature Communications, led by scientists at University of California (UC) Riverside, analyzed species of tomato in the Solanaceae family, comparing populations from both eastern and western islands of the Galápagos—that famous Pacific island chain that inspired Charles Darwin's evolutionary theory nearly 200 years ago.
The team specifically analyzed the tomato's alkaloids, a bitter molecule that acts as a kind of pesticide to deter would-be predators and fungi. On the eastern islands, the tomatoes exhibited alkaloids similar to modern tomatoes, but on the western islands—which are geologically younger than the eastern ones—the tomatoes exhibited changes in four amino acids in the enzyme that makes these alkaloid molecules. They found this simple change caused the tomatoes to create alkaloids more similar to eggplant relatives from millions of years ago, seemingly reversing evolution.
'It's not something we usually expect, but here it is, happening in real time, on a volcanic island,' UC Riverside's Adam Jozwiak, lead author of the study, said in a press statement. 'Our group has been working hard to characterize the steps involved in alkaloid synthesis, so that we can try and control it.'
However, this 'reverse' wasn't a spontaneous event. The researchers theorize that the cause of this evolutionary quirk could be traced to the new, western islands themselves. While the eastern islands are millions of years old, the western ones are only hundreds of thousands of years old and are still forming today. This means these islands contain less biological diversity as well as more barren soil. This more ancient landscape may have pushed the tomato to then adopt a more ancient survival strategy.
'It could be that the ancestral molecule provides better defense in the harsher western conditions,' Jozwiak says. 'Some people don't believe in this, but the genetic and chemical evidence points to a return to an ancestral state. The mechanism is there. It happened.'
Whether organisms experience 'reverse' evolution could largely be chalked up to semantics. With both cave fish and Galápagos tomatoes, evolution did its usual work of making life fit for the conditions at hand. Usually that means improving into ever greater complexity, and at other, less often times, it means reverting back to a golden oldie.
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Some Tomatoes Are Evolving Backwards in Real Time
"Hearst Magazines and Yahoo may earn commission or revenue on some items through these links." Here's what you'll learn when you read this story: Evolution is often portrayed as stepping toward ever-greater complexity, but the natural world is filled with examples of organisms actually reverting back to a previous evolutionary state. A new study examines this process in progress with tomato plants in Galápagos, finding that plants on the newer, western islands have developed alkaloids similar to eggplant relatives millions of years ago compared to modern tomato plants. It's possible these plants developed this strategy because the newer islands are barren and less biologically diverse, so the ancient molecule might provide better protection in such a harsh environment. The famous ape-to-man illustration, known as The March of Progress, depicts evolution as a one-way street toward evolutionary perfection—but nature isn't always so simple. Many organisms have displayed what appears to be 'reverse evolution,' or regression, where ancient attributes of past ancestors seem to reappear down the evolutionary line. Cave fish, for example, will lose eyesight and return to a state similar to a previous ancestor that lacked this visual organ, but the argument remains whether this is reverse evolution or simply the ending of an evolutionary pathway that creates a vestigial organ. Of course, complex animals are not the only ones that appear to rewind the evolutionary clock. A new study in Nature Communications, led by scientists at University of California (UC) Riverside, analyzed species of tomato in the Solanaceae family, comparing populations from both eastern and western islands of the Galápagos—that famous Pacific island chain that inspired Charles Darwin's evolutionary theory nearly 200 years ago. The team specifically analyzed the tomato's alkaloids, a bitter molecule that acts as a kind of pesticide to deter would-be predators and fungi. On the eastern islands, the tomatoes exhibited alkaloids similar to modern tomatoes, but on the western islands—which are geologically younger than the eastern ones—the tomatoes exhibited changes in four amino acids in the enzyme that makes these alkaloid molecules. They found this simple change caused the tomatoes to create alkaloids more similar to eggplant relatives from millions of years ago, seemingly reversing evolution. 'It's not something we usually expect, but here it is, happening in real time, on a volcanic island,' UC Riverside's Adam Jozwiak, lead author of the study, said in a press statement. 'Our group has been working hard to characterize the steps involved in alkaloid synthesis, so that we can try and control it.' However, this 'reverse' wasn't a spontaneous event. The researchers theorize that the cause of this evolutionary quirk could be traced to the new, western islands themselves. While the eastern islands are millions of years old, the western ones are only hundreds of thousands of years old and are still forming today. This means these islands contain less biological diversity as well as more barren soil. This more ancient landscape may have pushed the tomato to then adopt a more ancient survival strategy. 'It could be that the ancestral molecule provides better defense in the harsher western conditions,' Jozwiak says. 'Some people don't believe in this, but the genetic and chemical evidence points to a return to an ancestral state. The mechanism is there. It happened.' Whether organisms experience 'reverse' evolution could largely be chalked up to semantics. With both cave fish and Galápagos tomatoes, evolution did its usual work of making life fit for the conditions at hand. Usually that means improving into ever greater complexity, and at other, less often times, it means reverting back to a golden oldie. You Might Also Like Can Apple Cider Vinegar Lead to Weight Loss? Bobbi Brown Shares Her Top Face-Transforming Makeup Tips for Women Over 50
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This quiet setting enables them to wander through ideas without pressure, leading to innovative solutions and insights. Away from the chaos, solitude gives you the time to slow down and explore thoughts that may seem trivial in a busy setting. Smart people know that these slow, deliberate moments of contemplation can lead to breakthroughs. It's much like how artists need a blank canvas to create—without the solitude, the masterpiece might never emerge. They recognize that to think deeply, they need the quiet that only time spent alone can provide. So, they embrace solitude as a means to boost their intellectual prowess. Solitude is a refuge for smart people, helping them to recharge their mental and emotional batteries. Unlike extroverts who may get their energy from social interaction, intelligent folks often find mental renewal in solitude. This doesn't mean they dislike company, but rather that alone time is crucial for them to restore balance. 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They find that the absence of distractions allows them to tackle tasks more effectively. This focus not only enhances their performance but also ensures they meet their objectives with precision. When you're alone, you can structure your time to suit your productivity rhythm, optimizing your output. Intelligent people leverage this flexibility to maximize their efficiency in completing tasks. They understand that a distraction-free environment is essential for maintaining their high standards of work. By prioritizing solitude, they create a space where productivity can thrive. This strategic use of alone time is a testament to their commitment to excellence. Solitude is an opportunity for self-care, allowing you to prioritize your needs and well-being. Smart people know that taking care of themselves is crucial for maintaining their physical and mental health. Alone time gives them the chance to relax, recharge, and focus on activities that nurture their body and mind. This self-care routine is essential for their overall happiness and success. By embracing solitude, they ensure they remain well-equipped to handle life's demands. In solitude, you can engage in self-care activities that rejuvenate your spirit and enhance your well-being. Intelligent people use this time to practice mindfulness, exercise, or pursue hobbies that bring them joy. They understand that self-care is not a luxury but a necessity for leading a balanced life. This commitment to self-care supports their resilience and ability to thrive. Spending time alone can actually strengthen your relationships, as it allows you to cultivate a better understanding of yourself and others. Smart people recognize that solitude provides the space to reflect on their relationships and how they can improve them. By understanding themselves better, they are more equipped to communicate effectively and empathize with others. This self-awareness leads to deeper connections and more fulfilling relationships. Alone time, paradoxically, becomes a tool for enhancing their social interactions. When you're alone, you have the opportunity to think about what you truly want from your relationships. Intelligent people use this time to evaluate their connections and consider how they can be more supportive and understanding partners, friends, or family members. They understand that strong relationships require intentional effort and self-reflection. By using solitude to assess their relationships, they can approach them with greater authenticity and empathy. This deeper connection benefits both themselves and the people they care about. Solitude encourages you to live more authentically by providing the space to explore your true self. Smart people appreciate this aspect of alone time as it allows them to align their actions with their genuine values and beliefs. In this reflective environment, they can consider what truly matters to them without outside influence. By spending time alone, they gain clarity on their purpose and how they want to live their lives. This authenticity leads to greater fulfillment and a sense of purpose. When you're alone, you have the freedom to explore your interests and passions without judgment. Intelligent people use this time to pursue activities that resonate with their true selves. They understand that living authentically means making choices that reflect their genuine values, even if they differ from societal norms. By prioritizing solitude, they ensure they remain true to themselves in all aspects of life. This commitment to authenticity enhances their overall happiness and success. Solitude enhances your intuition by allowing you to tune into your inner voice without distractions. Smart people recognize that alone time provides the opportunity to develop a stronger sense of intuition. 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Omega-3 supplements combined with weightlifting could result in improvements to strength and health. A new study suggests that incorporating omega-3s into a strength training regimen positively impacts heart and brain health and can lead to fitness gains. Due to the limited scope of the research, it's unclear whether the findings are applicable to the broader population. Omega-3 fatty acids play an essential role in numerous bodily functions, including brain and eye health. When consumed in adequate amounts, they've also been linked to improved heart health markers and mental health. Now, researchers say combining omega-3 supplements with consistent weight training may offer significant health benefits as well. A study, recently published in Nutrients, found that athletes who supplemented with omega-3 fatty acids during a strength-training regimen experienced improvements in cholesterol profiles, brain-health markers, and, notably, strength gains compared with those who did not. 'The combination of omega-3 supplementation with resistance training resulted in meaningful improvements not only in biochemical markers but also in core components of physical performance such as muscular strength, agility, reaction time, and explosive power,' the study authors wrote. However, significant limitations remain. The study included only healthy men with a history of strength training, making it unclear if the findings would translate to the general public, particularly those with existing chronic disease. 'Because this excludes the public, it is unclear if there would be such benefits for the entirety of a population,' said Alyssa Kwan, MS, RD, a clinical dietitian in cardiology at Stanford Medicine who wasn't involved in the study. Nonetheless, the study suggests that omega-3 supplementation may provide a cost-effective, convenient approach to enhancing exercise performance. Omega-3s improve cholesterol, brain health, and fitness Researchers in Turkey conducted a randomized trial to assess the effects of omega-3 supplementation with weight training. Two groups of men followed the same weightlifting regimen, but only one group received the supplements. Thirty men aged 18 to 30 were recruited for the trial. Participants were only included if they met a stringent set of criteria: a strength-training history of at least three years absence of chronic medical conditions non-smokers non-drinkers of alcohol ability to train at least three days per week Participants must not have a history as professional athletes or have used ergogenic aids to enhance performance, such as creatine, omega-3 supplements, protein powders, or branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs), within six months of the trial. A total of 15 participants were randomized to receive omega-3 supplements, while the remaining participants served as controls. The daily omega-3 dosage was 3,150 mg, selected based on prior studies reporting performance-enhancing effects at similar levels. Both groups performed strength training three days per week, comprising one upper-body day, one lower-body day and one full-body day. Researchers standardized gym conditions — including lighting, temperature and equipment — to minimize performance variability. Additionally, to minimize confounding factors, both groups followed a rigorously standardized diet supervised by a certified dietitian. By the end of the trial, supplemented participants experienced multi-systemic health and performance benefits versus controls. Key health outcomes included: Performance gains included: 13.6% increase in bench-press one-rep max (1RM) 9.7% increase in squat 1RM improved power, speed, agility, and reaction time 'The fact that such improvements were observed even in healthy, physically active individuals suggests that omega-3 can be considered a valuable performance-enhancing aid for athletes and those engaged in regular physical activity,' wrote the study authors. More research is needed to better understand how these supplements will affect a broader population. Can omega-3 supplements promote overall health? It's unclear whether the health and performance benefits of omega-3 supplementation and weightlifting would extend to the broader population. Still, the health benefits observed would be meaningful, even if isolated from the aspects related to exercise performance. 'These benefits could have a large impact on longevity. While exercise is one of the best ways to reduce the risk of cardiometabolic diseases, omega-3s have also been shown to have a beneficial impact as well. Improvements in lipid profiles could reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke as well as cognitive decline,' said Kristin Kirkpatrick, MS, RD, a nutritionist at the Cleveland Clinic, and co-author of ' Regenerative Health,' who wasn't involved in the study. Meanwhile, Kwan adds, 'We do understand that omega-3s have anti-inflammatory benefits and are very important for immune resilience and a general health benefit.' Your body doesn't naturally produce omega-3s, which means they must be obtained from omega-3-rich foods like fatty fish, walnuts, or chia seeds. Omega-3 supplements, typically sold as pills or oils, can help fill the gap for those who don't regularly consume sufficient amounts of omega-3-rich foods. However, experts say food-based sources of omega-3s are generally preferable to seeking out a supplement. 'Health benefits can be linked and achieved by just a healthy diet alone, such as eating fish. This supports an overall healthy diet as well,' said Kwan.
