When you buy through links on our articles, Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission. Researchers inhibited a gene during embryonic development in chickens to see if it would make ...

Scientists have successfully genetically modified chickens to make their feathers resemble those of dinosaurs. This study is part of a broader effort to understand how and why feathers evolved.

GENEVA — From dinosaur fuzz to eagle wings, evolution spent over 100 million years perfecting the feather. Now, Swiss scientists have found a way to reverse this process in the lab, causing chicken ...

Alteration of the expression of the co-called 'Sonic Hedgehog' gene can transform feet scale and wing feathers. While a transient over-expression of the gene can permanently turn feet scales into ...

Feathers are among the most complex cutaneous appendages in the animal kingdom. While their evolutionary origin has been widely debated, paleontological discoveries and developmental biology studies ...

Holly has a degree in Medical Biochemistry from the University of Leicester. Her scientific interests include genomics, personalized medicine, and bioethics.View full profile Holly has a degree in ...

At first glance, feathers may seem like simple parts of a bird’s body. But if you look closer—under a microscope or through a scientific lens—they reveal an intricate story of evolution, biology, and ...

1. Introduction to the morphology, development, and ecology of feathers -- 2. Molecular and cellular mechanisms of feather development provide a basis for diverse evolution of feather forms -- 3. The ...