Biological Sciences

A new analysis of DNA from ancient modern humans (Homo sapiens) in Europe and Asia has determined, more precisely than ever, the time period during which Neanderthals interbred with modern humans, starting about 50,500 years ago and lasting about 7,000 years — until Neanderthals began to disappear.

That interbreeding left Eurasians with many genes inherited from our Neanderthal ancestors, which in total make up between 1% and 2% of our genomes today.

A more precise timeline for modern human interactions with Neanderthals can help scientists understand when humans...

I am from a small town called Ukiah which is located in northern California and I am a citizen of the Cherokee Nation. Ever since I was little I have always been involved in Native American culture. I’ve attended numerous Powwows, learned to bead traditionally, and collected willow for basket weaving. I also assist the...

It is common knowledge that the human gut is home to hordes of bacteria, most of which seem essential for good health. But there is another component of the gut microbiome that receives less attention: viruses.

Wherever there are bacteria, viruses called bacteriophages lurk in prodigious quantities. These bacteria-killing microorganisms, first noted in the early twentieth century, are the most abundant biological entities on Earth. An estimated one billion bacteriophages, or phages, reside in one gram of faeces. However, despite their considerable number, the collection of viruses...

At UC Berkeley, the next wave of medical and biological research isn’t just coming from our renowned faculty — it’s being driven by undergraduates. With the help of the College of Letters and Science’s Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship (SURF L&S) program, students have undertaken independent projects and made their own notable discoveries this past summer.

SURF L&S supports undergraduates with funding to...