domestication

Pet dogs produce a larger volume of tears when they are reunited with their owners than with acquaintances, possibly because of surging oxytocin levels—findings that could be the first evidence of emotional crying in nonhuman animals.

Analyses of bones found across the world suggest that the birds entered human settlements more recently than previously thought. But they don’t seem to have immediately made their way to the table, raising questions as to why people started keeping them.

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Over centuries of cultivating Saccharomyces cerevisiae to make dough, bakers have put selective pressure on the species, causing it to diverge into two distinct groups, according to the authors.

The study is the first to show a genomic relationship between dogs and humans on the move.

Scientists identify a transcription factor that plays a key role in increased fruit size.

A museum sample of a 3,000-year-old Egyptian crop plant yields genomic information that helps researchers track the plant’s domestication and migration.

A new study shows wolf pups responding to vocal encouragement from humans.

The tamed foxes, whose appearances changed with breeding, weren’t wild to begin with, say the authors of a new study.

Dogs have stronger facial muscles compared to wolves, giving them the sad or “puppy dog eyes” look.

Researchers studied 3,000-year-old skeletal remains from Mongolia to understand the origins of veterinary dental practices.

European settlers likely wiped out these ancient dogs, but the animals seem to have left a lasting legacy in a transmissible canine cancer.

Researchers found a previously undiscovered hepadnavirus in an immunocompromised cat.

Researchers pinpoint the genes that make pooches so dang affable.

A new genetic analysis contradicts a 2016 study proposing that our canine companions were domesticated from two distinct populations.

Genetic variants on chromosome 26 appears to play a role in a dog’s tendency to turn to people for help.

Sequencing more than 150 yeast genomes, scientists describe distinct lineages cultivated by humans for making beer and wine.

A study suggests that wolves were transformed into man’s best friend more than once, in Asia and in Europe or the Near East.

The selection of traits suitable for human companionship may have dragged along some unfavorable alleles.