Latest news with #UCRiverside
News18
07-07-2025
- Science
- News18
Reverse Evolution? Wild Galápagos Tomatoes Bring Ancient DNA To Life
Last Updated: Scientists find Galápagos wild tomatoes naturally reactivating ancient genes—offering insights into evolution, survival, and future biotech breakthroughs In a groundbreaking discovery that has stunned biologists, wild tomatoes growing on the rocky terrain of the Galápagos Islands, Ecuador, have been found to naturally activate ancient genes, a process once thought to be nearly impossible in real-time evolution. Two species, Solanum cheesmaniae and Solanum galapagense, are showing unexpected genetic reversals, suggesting that nature may be capable of 'reverse evolution'. The remarkable find comes from a team of researchers at UC Riverside and Israel 's Weizmann Institute of Science, and the study is now published in Nature Communications. What's Happening In Galápagos? The scientists collected 56 wild tomato samples from both the eastern and western regions of the Galápagos archipelago. What they uncovered was astonishing: Tomatoes on the eastern islands had modern crop-like alkaloids — naturally occurring chemicals often found in today's farm-grown varieties. Tomatoes on the western, younger, and harsher islands contained primitive alkaloids — chemicals similar to those in ancient relatives like wild eggplants (brinjal). The culprit? A tiny enzyme change. Just a few amino acid modifications in one key enzyme were enough to switch the tomatoes' genetic programming back by millions of years. A Case Of Genetic Atavism This rare genetic phenomenon is known as Genetic Atavism — where long-dormant genes are reawakened. In lab experiments, scientists have reactivated similar traits in animals (such as growing teeth in chickens), but this is one of the first known cases of a naturally occurring, population-wide genetic reversal in plants. Environmental pressures, particularly the barren, nutrient-scarce conditions on the western islands, are believed to have triggered this ancient defensive mechanism in the tomatoes, causing their genes to flip into survival mode. Why It Matters: Evolution And Biotechnology The implications go far beyond botany. This discovery offers a rare real-world view of evolution unfolding in reverse, and it has huge potential for biotechnology, agriculture, and medicine. Dr Adam Jozwiak, one of the lead researchers, notes: 'By changing just a few amino acids, a completely different chemical can be produced. This opens the door to creating pest-resistant crops, less toxic fruits, or even new medicines." Understanding how nature rewires its own genetic code could allow scientists to intentionally mimic these changes; leading to breakthroughs in crop design, pharmaceutical compounds, and sustainable agriculture. A Natural Wonder With Global Impact While these tomatoes may seem like a quirky island curiosity, they could be the key to unlocking ancient genetic blueprints that modern science is only beginning to understand. The Galápagos, famously known as Darwin's natural laboratory, continues to challenge what we think we know about life's adaptability. This isn't just a story of tomatoes, it's a reminder that evolution doesn't always move forward. Sometimes, nature takes a step back to survive the future. First Published:
Yahoo
06-07-2025
- Science
- Yahoo
Tomatoes in The Galapagos Islands Appear to Be Evolving in Reverse
The idea of evolution backtracking isn't a completely new idea, but catching it in action isn't an everyday experience. A newly documented example of wild growing tomatoes on the black rocks of the Galapagos Islands gives researchers a prime example of a species adapting by rolling back genetic changes put in place over several million years. Researchers from the University of California, Riverside (UC Riverside) and the Weizmann Institute of Science in Israel say it's evidence that species can wind back changes that have happened through evolution. Related: "It's not something we usually expect," says molecular biochemist Adam Jozwiak, from UC Riverside. "But here it is, happening in real time, on a volcanic island." Through an analysis of 56 tomato samples taken from the Galapagos, covering both the Solanum cheesmaniae and Solanum galapagense species, the team looked at the production of alkaloids in the plants: toxic chemicals intended to put off predators. In the case of the S. cheesmaniae tomatoes, different alkaloids were found in different parts of the islands. On the eastern islands, the plants come with alkaloids in a form comparable to those in the cultivated fruit from the rest of the world; but to the west, an older, more ancestral form of the chemicals were found. This older version of the alkaloid matches the one found in eggplant relatives of the tomato stretching back millions of years. Through further lab tests and modeling, the researchers identified a particular enzyme as being responsible for this alkaloid production and confirmed its ancient roots. A change in just a few amino acids was enough to flip the switch on the alkaloid production, the researchers determined. There are other isolated examples of evolutionary backflips known scientifically as genetic atavisms, where a mutation causes a species to revert to expressing an ancestral trait. These include experiments on chickens that have been genetically tweaked to revive their ancient programming for growing teeth. The difference in this case is a critical change has propagated through entire populations. In some plants, multiple genes have reverted, suggesting strong selection pressures are involved. What makes it an even more interesting shift is that the western parts of the Galapagos islands are younger – less than half a million years old – and more barren. It seems environmental pressures may have driven these steps back into evolutionary history. Besides being a fascinating example of how evolution turns around on itself, the research also opens up possibilities for advanced genetic engineering that works with even greater control, altering plant chemistry for multiple benefits. "If you change just a few amino acids, you can get a completely different molecule," says Jozwiak. "That knowledge could help us engineer new medicines, design better pest resistance, or even make less toxic produce." "But first, we have to understand how nature does it. This study is one step toward that." The research has been published in Nature Communications. Earth Became a Hothouse 250 Million Years Ago, And We Finally Know Why Scientists Find Most Cats Sleep on Their Left Side – This Could Be Why Orcas Caught 'Kissing' For Two Minutes With Tongue
Gizmodo
02-07-2025
- Science
- Gizmodo
Physicists Solve a 50-Year Mystery About a Critically Important Molecule
After relying on an educated guess for decades, scientists have finally confirmed the dipole moment of aluminum monochloride (AlCl), an elusive but important molecule known to sneak around the interiors of ancient galaxies. An electric dipole moment is a measure of polarity—a crucial determinant for many physical properties of any system, such as its boiling point or solubility. Given its importance, the new result, published last month in Physical Review A, presents exciting opportunities for applications across a wide range of fields, from quantum computing to astrophysics. At our core, we're all made of molecules. Anything we do—whether it's picking up a cup of coffee or digesting coffee after taking a sip—can be explained in terms of molecular interactions. This is of obvious interest to scientists, and for a host of reasons. For one, knowing how different molecules interact either with each other or with their environment can reveal a lot about their respective characteristics, akin to how physicists study different particles using large particle colliders. But another reason is that the interaction itself—in this case, the dipole moment—helps scientists understand completely different systems in unexpected ways. 'In chemistry, dipole moments affect everything from bonding behavior to solvent interactions,' said Boerge Hemmerling, a physicist at the University of California (UC), Riverside, and paper co-author, in a statement. 'In biology, they influence phenomena like hydrogen bonding in water. In physics and astronomy, the dipole moments can be harnessed to make neighboring molecules interact, for instance, with the goal to create a quantum entanglement between them.' The dipole moment of AlCl, in particular, shows promise across a wide range of applications, added Stephen Kane, an astrophysicist at UC Riverside and study co-author, in the same statement. 'Accurate dipole moment data improves how we interpret molecular signatures in starlight,' said Kane. 'The ratio of aluminum to chlorine in stars, as revealed through AlCl measurements, provides critical clues to stellar nucleosynthesis and the material history of these celestial bodies.' For the experiment, Hemmerling and his team built a customized laser vacuum system they had been developing for more than seven years, enabling them to perform high-precision spectroscopy. They generated beams of AlCl in a vacuum inside the setup, picking apart the molecule to better understand its chemical underpinnings and behavior. Eventually, they arrived at the value of 1.68 Debye (the unit for measuring dipole moments) for the dipole moment of AlCl. It may seem strange that such a fundamental number took nearly a century to lock down, but it turns out the estimate was really close. In 1956, chemist David R. Lide estimated the dipole moment of AlCl at 1.5 Debye—a mere 0.18 Debye away from Hemmerling's result. The closeness demonstrates the validity of existing theoretical models while also offering some clues as to how the accuracy can be improved even further, Hemmerling said in the same statement. 'From improving our understanding of distant stars to enabling next-generation quantum computers, the precise measurement of AlCl's electric dipole moment is a foundational step toward unlocking future discoveries,' Hemmerling said.
Yahoo
29-06-2025
- Science
- Yahoo
These plants might actually be de-evolving
If you purchase an independently reviewed product or service through a link on our website, BGR may receive an affiliate commission. We know that the world and its various inhabitants, from plants to animals, are still evolving. In fact, some even believe that humans are actively evolving in different parts of the world right now. But a group of plants found in the Galápagos archipelago might be doing the opposite and de-evolving. Researchers argue that despite how controversial it might sound, tomatoes in the Galápagos actually seem to be going backwards, not forwards. De-evolution, or reverse evolution, is a bit of a controversy among evolutionists, and for good reason. Evolution isn't really meant to have a rewind button. Some organisms might re-acquire old traits that were once lost, but they usually do so through new genetic pathways. But these tomato plants appear to be doing something unexpected. Today's Top Deals Best deals: Tech, laptops, TVs, and more sales Best Ring Video Doorbell deals Memorial Day security camera deals: Reolink's unbeatable sale has prices from $29.98 'It's not something we usually expect,' Adam Jozwiak, a molecular biochemist at UC Riverside and lead author of the study, shared in a statement. 'But here it is, happening in real time, on a volcanic island.' The primary reason that the researchers believe these plants are de-evolving is because they appear to be reverting to a more primitive genetic state, complete with an ancient type of chemical defense. One of the key changes seen is alkaloids, a type of bitter molecule that usually acts as a built-in pesticide. These chemicals help to deter predators like insects, fungi, and even grazing animals. Modern tomatoes and other plants all make use of alkaloids. But it's not the presence of alkaloids that attracted scientists to these plants. Instead, it's the fact that the tomatoes appear to be making the wrong alkaloids. Instead of creating the alkaloids that the researchers expected to see in a tomato, the de-evolving plants are churning out a version of alkaloids that have the same molecular fingerprint as eggplant relatives from millions of years ago. What's even more impressive is that this isn't all the of the tomatoes found in the Galápagos. Instead, the plants that grow on the eastern islands appear to have the same molecular structure as modern tomatoes found elsewhere. However, those found on the western islands produce alkaloids that look more fitting for an ancient plant, suggesting they have de-evolved in some way. This discovery pushed the researchers deeper, as they started looking for clues as to how this de-evolution had taken place. They discovered that it only took changes to four amino acids in a single enzyme to lead to the change seen in these plants. They further proved this discovery by synthesizing the same genes coding the new enzymes in the lab and then inserting them into tobacco plants, where they promptly began producing the old alkaloids. Their findings are published in Nature Communications. The researchers believe that the cause of the de-evolution may come down to the harsher environment found on the western islands. The western section of the Galápagos is younger and less stable. The landscape is far more barren, and the soil is less developed. This could have pushed the plants to adopt the older chemistry setup. Of course, the researchers are aware of just how controversial their claims might be in some circles. 'Some people don't believe in this,' Jozwiak stated. 'But the genetic and chemical evidence points to a return to an ancestral state. The mechanism is there. It happened.' Further, the researchers believe that this same mechanism could possibly affect humans, too. Over time, changes to our environment might push the human body to pick up past traits that we evolved away from long ago. Yes, it's controversial, but the possibility that evolution is not a one-way street could fundamentally challenge everything we thought we knew about it. It could also completely change how we view the history of evolution and provide more insight into our own ancient history as a result. That's one of the most beautiful things about science, though. Scientists are always challenging their assumptions. And while the idea of de-evolution might sound absurd, the fact remains that these tomato plants in the Galápagos are a perfect example of how new developments can often challenge long-standing beliefs. More Top Deals Amazon gift card deals, offers & coupons 2025: Get $2,000+ free See the
Yahoo
29-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
S. Jack Hu, University of Georgia provost, named UC Riverside chancellor amid steep challenges
S. Jack Hu, a senior vice president for academic affairs and provost at the University of Georgia with deep experience in leading research enterprises and guiding outreach to students from rural and low-income communities, has been named the new chancellor of UC Riverside. Hu's appointment, announced Wednesday afternoon by the UC Board of Regents, takes place at a crucial moment for the UC system and higher education, which has come under fierce critique by President Trump, who has revoked billions in medical and scientific research funding and derides diversity efforts while his administration threatens to take away the ability of colleges to enroll international students. Hu starts July 15 and will replace Chancellor Kim A. Wilcox, who is retiring after serving in the role since 2013. Under Wilcox, the Inland Empire campus grew dramatically in enrollment and footprint and joined the American Assn. of Universities, a prestigious group of the top 71 American and Canadian research campuses. During his time, UC Riverside increased in size by more than 5,000 students and 200 faculty, opened a $87-million business school building, and ushered in a new medical school that will graduate its ninth class next month. Read more: James B. Milliken, University of Texas chancellor, named UC president "Over his distinguished career at leading public research institutions, Dr. Hu has championed innovation and academic initiatives that have increased opportunities for students and faculty and have positively impacted their lives and the communities they serve,' said UC President Michael V. Drake in a statement. "UC Riverside has established itself as a global leader in providing world-class scholarship. Dr. Hu has the academic acumen and collaborative mindset to move the campus forward with integrity and purpose." In a statement, Hu said he was "honored" and "deeply grateful" to join UC Riverside. Born in Hunan province, China, Hu was an undergraduate at Tianjin University, and will be the first Asian American chancellor of UC Riverside. His annual salary will be $824,000, a slight increase over Wilcox's salary of $810,000. Speaking at the regents meeting in Sacramento, he shared his personal story as an immigrant from China and the first in his family to go to college as "a testament to the transformative power of education." "More than 40 years ago, I came to America to pursue a dream, arriving at the University of Michigan with a small suitcase and a thirst for learning. But never in my wildest dreams I'd imagine that I would became the chancellor of the University of California Riverside," Hu said. Hu, 61, oversaw instruction, research, public service, outreach and information technology spread across 19 colleges and schools at the University of Georgia. He began his Georgia post in 2019. During his tenure, the university's graduation rate increased by 20%, and the campus retained its status as one of nine public universities with a six-year graduation rate of more than 90%, a common measure of higher education success. UCLA and UC Berkeley are also in the group. Hu spent the bulk of his career at the University of Michigan, where he earned master's and doctoral degrees in mechanical engineering and developed a specialty in researching the quality and productivity of manufacturing systems. He rose through faculty and administrative ranks in Michigan for more than 20 years before being appointed vice president for research in 2015, a role in which he oversaw a $1.5-billion research portfolio across campuses in Ann Arbor, Dearborn and Flint. "On behalf of the UC Board of Regents, we are proud to welcome Dr. Hu as UC Riverside's next chancellor,' said Janet Reilly, regents chair and search advisory committee member. "Dr. Hu's reputation as a results-oriented team player makes him the ideal partner to bolster UC Riverside's impact on students and the region through robust research, economic development, and community engagement.' Read more: With billions at stake, California joins suit to stop Trump cuts to university science research At Riverside, Hu will take the helm of a campus grappling with deep cuts to federal funding grants, including those from the National Institutes of Health, a UC-wide hiring freeze and a UC-wide Department of Justice investigation over allegations of antisemitic employment discrimination tied to pro-Palestinian protests. The Riverside campus has largely been spared from the targeted Trump administration investigations over admissions policies or antisemitism allegations that have hit UCs including those in Los Angeles and Berkeley. Last year, UC Riverside received more than $40 million in grants from the National Institutes of Health — one of the federal agencies that has made the deepest cuts to higher education funding — and is targeted in lawsuits by states and research groups to halt the reduction. In an interview, Hu acknowledged that "federal funding cuts are a tremendous challenge." "The key as a country is that we must invest in science, in talent, in innovation," he said. "The UC system is a leader in the country in terms of being a research university system. We need to work with federal government, with agencies, to sustain the partnership that universities in the country have built with the federal government. Without such investment, I think the U.S will not be able to complete globally." Read more: Trump lawyer says U.S. plans to sue UC over antisemitism allegations Hu told The Times that universities will "need to diversify the sources of funding: state support, federal funding for research, for students, industry support, foundation support, all of those are important." He added that his priorities will include "student success, social mobility, research and scholarship, expanding healthcare access for the region, and supporting communities in the Inland Empire region." Hu will lead one of UC's most diverse and unique campuses. UC Riverside traces its origins to agricultural research into citrus but has grown into a multifaceted research university with globally ranked programs in entomology — the study of insects — plant and animal sciences, air pollution and alternative fuels. The main Riverside campus is 1,900 acres and the university has more than 26,000 students and 4,700 faculty and staff. But it is often overshadowed by other UCs, such as the more selective UCLA and UC Berkeley. Still, Riverside consistently ranks on lists of the top U.S. public universities. The campus, which draws more than 14,000 commuter students, was the top UC last year in accepting first-year and transfer students, and ranked first in the system for accepting low-income individuals and those who were the first in their families to attend college. As it has grown in size and popularity, UC Riverside has also faced hurdles. While expanding its enrollment, adding new programs and building new centers, students have complained of crowded housing and dining areas, parking shortages and some offerings that are stretched thin, such as services for immigrant students. To address some of the shortages, the university is building a $156-million instructional facility as well as hundreds of new apartments. Sign up for Essential California for news, features and recommendations from the L.A. Times and beyond in your inbox six days a week. This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
