From barred and speckled to solid black and snowy white, chickens display a variety of feather colors and patterns. For centuries, breeders have selected these striking traits, but scientists have long wondered how so much diversity could arise in a relatively short period of time.

Now, researchers at the Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences (VMBS) have discovered that the answer lies in a surprisingly dynamic genetic process.

By analyzing more than 10,000 chicken genomes, the team found that a key pigmentation gene evolved much more rapidly than expected, revealing an unexpected, rapid pattern of genetic evolution that may help explain how biodiversity develops across the animal kingdom.

JMIR Publications released three feature News and Perspectives articles, covering industry trends and innovations transforming the future of health care.

People face different social and environmental contexts that shape the food they eat. Yet policies are often designed around national averages. A new global study finds that recognising those differences could help governments improve health and reduce the environmental impact of diets more effectively and more fairly.

A new Perspective published today in The Journal of Nutrition, a peer-reviewed journal of the American Society for Nutrition (ASN), reviews the evidence supporting protein recommendations in the 2025-2030 Dietary Guidelines for Americans and identifies areas where additional research could strengthen future dietary guidance.

A major new study shows that individualized treatment for babies born with opioid withdrawal can speed recovery and reduce time spent in the hospital. The clinical trial, led by Lori A. Devlin, professor in the University of Louisville School of Medicine Department of Pediatrics and neonatologist with Norton Children’s, found a customized approach to treating babies with opioid withdrawal helps them recover faster than current standardized practices.

About the study: How many venture capital-backed maternal health startups exist in the US and what are their characteristics and purpose? In this cross-sectional study of 172 venture capital–backed maternal health startups identified from 2014 to 2022, $977.5 million was collectively raised during the study period and the health care category raising the most capital was maternal and fetal health diagnostics ($520.1 million). The most common company type was virtual or hybrid wraparound pregnancy care and few startups mentioned health equity or maternal mortality or accepted Medicaid. Results of this study suggest that venture capital–backed startups are filling gaps in pregnancy care delivery and while startups have the potential to facilitate needed innovation, few focus on low-income populations or health equity.