"Male Genes Persist in Stick Insects Despite Absence of Males, Study Finds"
A study published in Genome Biology and Evolution reveals that male-related genes in stick insects are preserved even after the loss of males in parthenogenetic species. Researchers found that these genes, which are involved in multiple biological processes, show no signs of degradation and may play roles in female reproduction, suggesting pleiotropy as a key factor in their preservation. This discovery opens new avenues for understanding genetic architecture persistence and the potential re-emergence of lost traits.