PRESS-NEWS.org - Press Release Distribution
PRESS RELEASES DISTRIBUTION

Urbanization has impacted the population genetic structure of the Eurasian red squirrel in Japan within a short period of 30 years

Urbanization has impacted the population genetic structure of the Eurasian red squirrel in Japan within a short period of 30 years
2024-09-13
(Press-News.org)

Since many kinds of wildlife have started living in urban environments, urban environments have been recognized as places of biodiversity conservation. What kind of factors facilitate or prohibit wildlife from living in urban environments? Understanding the population genetic structure of urban wildlife living would suggest the hint. In this study, we investigated the population genetic structure of Eurasian red squirrels living in urban to rural areas in Obihiro City, Hokkaido, Japan. As a result, we found that ; (1) gene flow between urban and rural populations has decreased, resulting in genetic differentiation; (2) gene flow between urban and rural populations is still maintained through the intermediate sites connected by the green spaces with rural areas (e.g., forests and windbreaks); (3) genetic distance between study sites has expanded in urban areas; (4) genetic diversity has decreased in urban areas.

Since squirrels have inhabited the urban areas in Obihiro City since the 1990s, the change in genetic structure likely occurred in only about 30 years. The genetic structure of squirrels has been shaped by the presence of busy roads, a lack of green space, and supplemental feeding. These factors have likely contributed to the changes in genetic structure over a relatively short period of about 30 years.

END


[Attachments] See images for this press release:
Urbanization has impacted the population genetic structure of the Eurasian red squirrel in Japan within a short period of 30 years Urbanization has impacted the population genetic structure of the Eurasian red squirrel in Japan within a short period of 30 years 2

ELSE PRESS RELEASES FROM THIS DATE:

Experimental mRNA cancer vaccine shows potential for advanced stage cancer patients in Phase 1 trial

2024-09-13
Interim data from the Phase I dose escalation part of the mRNA cancer immunotherapy (mRNA-4359), show promise in patients with advanced solid cancers. The investigational mRNA cancer immunotherapy is targeted for patients with lung cancer, melanoma and other solid tumours. Nineteen patients with advanced stage cancers received between one and nine doses of the immunotherapy treatment. Scientists have found the immunotherapy created an immune response against cancer and was well tolerated, with adverse events ...

Rapid new blood diagnostic test for ALS

Rapid new blood diagnostic test for ALS
2024-09-13
(Jackson, Wyoming – Embargoed until Thursday 12 September 2024 8:00 PM EDT) A highly accurate diagnostic blood test has been developed for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), a progressive neurodegenerative disease that effects neurons in the brain and spinal cord.  ALS leads to gradual paralysis, ultimately resulting in the inability to walk, speak, or, in later stages, move. Currently, diagnosis is based on a thorough clinical examination, but it can take up to 12 months to provide a definitive diagnosis, by which time many patients have significantly ...

Ignore antifungal resistance in fungal disease at your peril, warn top scientists

2024-09-12
Without immediate action, humanity will potentially face further escalation in resistance in fungal disease, a renowned group of scientists from the across the world has warned. The commentary -  published in The Lancet this week - was coordinated by scientists at The University of Manchester, the Westerdijk Institute and the University of Amsterdam. According to the scientists most fungal pathogens identified by the World Health Organisation - accounting for around 3.8 million deaths a year - are either already resistant or rapidly acquiring resistance to antifungal drugs. The authors argue that the currently narrow focus on bacteria will not fully combat antimicrobial resistance ...

Increased testing for heart disease indicator needed worldwide

2024-09-12
Review in The Lancet finds that one in five globally are at risk of contracting cardiovascular diseases, because they carry a genetic risk of high levels of a specific lipoprotein, which can be tested for and possibly treated. 20 % of the world population carries a genetic risk factor for cardiovascular diseases such as heart attacks, strokes, and aortic valve stenosis: Increased levels of a lipid particle called lipoprotein(a). It is the most common genetic cause of cardiovascular diseases. “Lipoprotein(a) is the direct cause of cardiovascular diseases much like cigarettes cause ...

Huge gamma-ray burst collection 'rivals 250-year-old Messier catalogue'

Huge gamma-ray burst collection rivals 250-year-old Messier catalogue
2024-09-12
Huge gamma-ray burst collection 'rivals 250-year-old Messier catalogue' Royal Astronomical Society press release RAS PR 24/24 Embargoed until 00:01 BST on Friday 13 September 2024   Hundreds of gamma-ray bursts (GRBs) have been recorded as part of an enormous global effort so extensive it "rivals the catalogue of deep-sky objects created by Messier 250 years ago", astronomers say. GRBs are the most violent explosions in the Universe, releasing more energy than the Sun would in 10 billion years. They occur when either a massive star dies or two neutron stars merge. The explosions are so ...

Crude oil decimates sea otter buoyancy

2024-09-12
 Sea otters are famed for their luscious pelts, but the fur almost led to their extinction. By 1938, only a tiny population of ~50 remained clinging to the central California coast. Since then, the mammals have battled back; however, the charismatic creatures are still at risk from crude oil spilled by offshore rigs. But no one knew how severely crude oil impacts the buoyancy of sea otter fur or how well it recovers after cleaning. And Kate Riordan from California Polytechnic State University San Luis ...

Semaglutide and tirzepatide lead to better blood sugar control and weight loss in individuals with type 1 diabetes, US study finds

2024-09-12
Semaglutide and tirzepatide treatment lead to significant weight loss and improve blood sugar control in individuals with type 1 diabetes (T1D) who are living with overweight or obesity, new research being presented at the annual meeting of the European Association for the Study of Diabetes (EASD) in Madrid, Spain (9-13 September) has found. The two relatively new drugs are approved to treat type 2 diabetes and for weight loss. In type 2 diabetes, they help the body produce more insulin when needed. ...

Fear of hypoglycaemia remains a major barrier to exercise among adults with type 1 diabetes

2024-09-12
Despite high use of continuous glucose monitoring and insulin pump therapy, fear of hypoglycaemia (low blood sugar) remains a significant barrier to physical activity and exercise for adults with type 1 diabetes (T1D), according to new research to be presented at this year’s Annual Meeting of The European Association for the Study of Diabetes (EASD), Madrid (9-13 Sept). However, the findings suggest that if exercise and diabetes management are discussed in the clinic, this fear could be reduced. “Regular exercise can help individuals with diabetes to achieve their blood glucose goals, improve their ...

New technology ‘game changing’ for marathon runners with type 1 diabetes

2024-09-12
A series of case reports to be presented at this year’s Annual Meeting of The European Association for the Study of Diabetes (EASD), Madrid (9-13 Sept), describe how a technology giving insulin doses informed by an insulin pump algorithm helped three adults with type 1 diabetes better manage their blood sugars enabling them to lead more active lives, and even run marathons. The AID system contains an advanced hybrid closed loop algorithm that automates the delivery of both basal and correction bolus insulin every 5 minutes based on sensor glucose values. “It is great to see advances in ...

Vitis vinifera and muscadines: Grape breeders seek the best of both grapes

Vitis vinifera and muscadines: Grape breeders seek the best of both grapes
2024-09-12
By John Lovett Arkansas Agricultural Experiment Station FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — Muscadines may be the folksy American of the grape world, but they have many qualities like disease resistance and unique flavors that are desired in the more popular Vitis vinifera (bunch grapes) species. Likewise, Vitis vinifera — the species that most people eat as table grapes and drink in wine — has many characteristics desirable for muscadines, like thinner skin, a crispier texture and seedlessness. Successfully combining traits from these two species of grapes is a challenge due to differing numbers ...

LAST 30 PRESS RELEASES:

Giant Magellan telescope begins primary mirror support system testing

Experimental cancer drug eliminates bone metastases caused by breast cancer in lab models

Political candidates who fight climate change stand to benefit in election

Stand up to Cancer announces new grants supporting pioneering research in six cancer types

Researchers awarded $1.3M to help military Veterans battling Acute Myeloid Leukemia

New hub for high-energy astrophysics — CTAO Science Data Management Centre opens at DESY in Zeuthen

JMIR publications CEO and Executive Editor Gunther Eysenbach achieves #1 ranking as most cited researcher in Medical Informatics for fifth consecutive year

ERC grant for groundbreaking wearable health tech

NIH announces winners of prize competition to improve postpartum maternal health and health equity through innovative diagnostics

APS and SPR honor Dr. Cynthia F. Bearer with the 2025 Mary Ellen Avery Neonatal Research Award

Election delays and voter trust

US air pollution monitoring network has gaps in coverage, say researchers

Continuous monitoring of fatigue in factory workers

Farmer ants’ wearable bacteria

Political polarization and trust

Study uncovers how silkworm moth's odor detection may improve robotics

New study links obesity to elevated hypertension risk among young middle eastern women

How ‘vaccinating’ plants could reduce pesticide use and secure global food supplies

Seven new frog species discovered in Madagascar: sounds like something from Star Trek

New temperatures in two thirds of key tropical forest

Fearful memories of others seen in mouse brain

Rangers lead ground-breaking effort to monitor Uganda's lion population in critical stronghold

Modern mass extinction in an Ecuadorean cloud forest found to be a mirage

HLA-DRB1*01:03 and severe ulcerative colitis

Quantum leap in suicide prevention: Professor Philippe Courtet's visionary approach unveiled in Genomic Press Interview

Need for streamlined miscarriage care in Canada

Traces of ancient immigration patterns to Japan found in 2000-year-old genome

Countries that choose to do so can reduce premature death by half, researchers say

50 by 50—How can we reduce the probability of dying before age 70 by 50% globally by 2050?

Research explains why some cyclists don’t wear helmets and what might convince them to wear one

[Press-News.org] Urbanization has impacted the population genetic structure of the Eurasian red squirrel in Japan within a short period of 30 years