Subcategory: Biology Surprising Discovery Explains Formation of New Memories Nov 17 2009 - U.S. News & World Report Short-term memory may depend in a surprising way on the ability of newly formed neurons to erase older connections. The report provides some of the first evidence in mice and rats that new neurons sprouted in the hippocampus cause the decay of short-term fear memories in that brain region, without an overall memory loss. Malaria’s Deadly Leap from Chimps to Humans Nov 13 2009 - The Boston Globe According to new research led by a University of Massachusetts at Amherst scientist, the parasite responsible for 85% of human malaria infections and nearly all of the deaths jumped from chimpanzees to humans in relatively recent times. Frog Embryos 'Smell' Predators Oct 30 2009 - BBC News Frogs learn to recognize the smell of their enemies while they are still developing as embryos, say scientists. Colossal 'Sea Monster' Unearthed Oct 27 2009 - BBC News The fossilized skull of a colossal "sea monster" has been unearthed along the UK's Jurassic Coast. The ferocious predator, which is called a pliosaur, terrorized the oceans 150 million years ago. Vitamin D Levels Lacking in Millions of U.S. Children Oct 26 2009 - Time Millions of American children may not be getting enough vitamin D, according to a new report out today. The sunshine vitamin is essential for helping kids build healthy bones and ward off rickets. Household Insecticides May Be Linked to Autoimmune Diseases Oct 19 2009 - Healthday.com New research suggests a link between women's exposure to household insecticides—including roach and mosquito killers—and the autoimmune disorders rheumatoid arthritis and lupus. China Finds Bird-Like Dinosaur with Four Wings Sep 28 2009 - Reuters Chinese researchers have unearthed the fossil of a bird-like dinosaur with four wings in northeastern China, which they suggest is a missing link in dinosaurs' evolution into birds. Mutations Make Evolution Irreversible Sep 24 2009 - ScienceDaily University of Oregon research team has found that evolution can never go backward, because the paths to the genes once present in our ancestors are forever blocked. Paralyzed Rats Walk Again Sep 21 2009 - Healthday.com A three-pronged approach to treating spinal cord injuries allowed paralyzed rats to walk without receiving signals from the brain, scientists report. Fossil Find Challenges Theories on T. Rex Sep 18 2009 - The New York Times (requires free registration) The discovery of what amounts to a miniature prototype of Tyrannosaurus rex in China calls into question theories about the dinosaur's evolution. New Malaria Poses Human Threat Sep 9 2009 - BBC News An emerging new form of malaria poses a deadly threat to humans. It was thought the parasite Plasmodium knowlesi infected only monkeys. But it has recently been found to be widespread in humans in Malaysia, and the latest study confirms that it can kill if not treated quickly. Moths as Good as Mice for Many Drug Tests: Study Sep 8 2009 - Reuters Moths, caterpillars, and fruit flies could soon take the place of millions of mice used every year by scientists testing drugs, researchers said Tuesday. We're All Mutants, Say Scientists Sep 2 2009 - BBC News Each of us has at least 100 new mutations in our DNA, according to research published in the journal Current Biology. No Such Thing as Ethnic Groups, Genetically Speaking, Researchers Say Sep 1 2009 - ScienceDaily New research suggests that ethnicity is a constructed social system maintaining genetic boundaries with other groups, rather than being the outcome of common genetic ancestry. Sixty Percent of Adults Can't Digest Milk Aug 31 2009 - USA Today Being able to digest milk as an adult is an odd genetic adaptation. Somewhat less than 40% of people in the world retain the ability to digest lactose after childhood. The numbers are often given as close to 0% of Native Americans, 5% of Asians, 25% of African and Caribbean peoples, 50% of Mediterranean peoples, and 90% of northern Europeans. Human Mutation Rate Revealed Aug 27 2009 - Nature Every time human DNA is passed from one generation to the next it accumulates 100–200 new mutations, according to a DNA-sequencing analysis of the Y chromosome. This number—the first direct measurement of the human mutation rate—is equivalent to one mutation in every 30 million base pairs, and matches previous estimates from species comparisons and rare disease screens. Extinction: Is It in the Genes? Aug 10 2009 - ScienceNow Daily News Sometimes it's just a case of being a member of the wrong family. Researchers analyzing evidence from 200 million years of fossil records have concluded that some lines of living organisms don't need a cataclysmic event to wipe them out. They just seem destined to go extinct. Studies: Millions of U.S. Kids Lacking Vitamin D Aug 3 2009 - MSNBC Millions of U.S. children have disturbingly low Vitamin D levels, possibly increasing their risk for bone problems, heart disease, diabetes and other ailments, according to two new studies that provide the first national assessment of the crucial nutrient in young Americans. Whole Mice Created from Skin Cells Jul 24 2009 - MSNBC Two teams of Chinese scientists have made a major advance in mice in the development of a new kind of stem cell that doesn't involve destroying embryos. Study Nails Secret of Child Sleep Jul 23 2009 - BBC News Researchers have confirmed what parents have long believed—running around in the day means your child may well fall asleep faster at night. The Brain Adapts in a Blink to Compensate for Missing Information Jul 16 2009 - Scientific American When part of a person's vision is disrupted, they start seeing the world differently within seconds. Researchers believe this may be proof that the brain reroutes crucial information rather than builds new pathways. Giant Clawed Dinosaur Unearthed in Utah Desert Jul 15 2009 - Discovery Channel A multi-institutional team of scientists this week reports the discovery of a giant new dinosaur in Utah, Nothronychus graffami, which stood 13 feet tall and had nine-inch-long hand claws that looked like scythes. Potato Famine Disease Striking Home Gardens in U.S. Jul 13 2009 - Reuters Late blight, which caused the Irish Potato Famine of the 1840s and 1850s, is killing potato and tomato plants in home gardens from Maine to Ohio and threatening commercial and organic farms, U.S. plant scientists said on Friday. Language Predicts Dementia Risk Jul 10 2009 - BBC News People with superior language skills early in life may be less likely to develop Alzheimer's disease decades later, research suggests. Reduced Diet Thwarts Aging, Disease In Monkeys Jul 10 2009 - ScienceDaily The bottom-line message from a decades-long study of monkeys on a restricted diet is simple: Consuming fewer calories leads to a longer, healthier life. What Does a Drug That Extends Life in Mice Mean for Humans? Jul 9 2009 - Time A natural compound, used as an immunosuppressant in organ-transplant patients, has been found to extend life in mice, according to a study published Wednesday by the journal Nature. Community Genome Could Produce Biofuels Jul 7 2009 - Discovery News The genomes of 17 different ants, fungi, and bacteria that eat through hundreds of pounds of leaf matter a year could ultimately lead to new techniques for making biofuels. Aquatic Deer and Ancient Whales Jul 7 2009 - BBC News Two mouse-deer species in Asia have been discovered swimming underwater, providing further clues to the origin of whales. Australia Discovers 3 New Large Dinosaurs Jul 6 2009 - Reuters Fossils of three new species of dinosaurs have been discovered in Australia, including a meat-eater larger than Velociraptor from the Jurassic Park movies, suggesting Australia may have a more complex prehistoric past. Extinction Looms, Study Says Jul 6 2009 - The Boston Globe Governments are failing to stem a rapid decline in biodiversity that is now threatening extinction for almost half the world’s coral reef species, a third of amphibians, and a quarter of mammals, a leading environmental group warned last week. Amur Tigers on Genetic Brink Jul 2 2009 - BBC News The world's largest cat, the Amur tiger, is down to an effective wild population of fewer than 35 individuals, new research has found. Although up to 500 of the big cats actually survive in the wild, the effective population is a measure of their genetic diversity. Primate Ancestor May Be from Asia, not Africa Jul 1 2009 - MSNBC A new Myanmar fossil primate, Ganlea megacanina, suggests the common ancestor of humans, monkeys, and apes evolved from large-toothed primates in Asia and not Africa, according to new research. Bacteria Plan Ahead, Anticipating Future Events Jun 26 2009 - Discovery Channel Just as humans have learned to connect dark clouds with rain, so too have bacteria and yeast learned to use one event to predict the arrival of another. Being More Infantile May Have Led to Bigger Brains Jun 25 2009 - Scientific American Genetic evidence helps explain why humans are so radically different from chimpanzees, even though both species share most of the same genes and split apart only about six million years ago, a short time in evolutionary terms. Evolution Faster When It's Warmer Jun 24 2009 - BBC News Climate could have a direct effect on the speed of "molecular evolution" in mammals, according to a new study. The results could help explain why the warm tropics are so species-rich. Giant Dinosaurs Get Downsized Jun 22 2009 - Yahoo! News Some dinosaurs were the largest creatures ever to walk on land, including the classic long-necked, whip-tailed Diplodicus, but a new study suggests it and its many extinct brethren weighed as little as half as much as previously thought. Ultrasmall Microbes Revived after 120,000 Years on Ice Jun 19 2009 - National Geographic News Ultrasmall microbes trapped in glacial ice for 120,000 years have been coaxed back to life, a new study says. While it's not the oldest bacteria to be resurrected, it's the first ancient "ultramicrobacteria" to be revived and characterized in detail. New Glimpses of Life's Puzzling Origins Jun 16 2009 - New York Times (requires free registration) In the last few years four surprising advances have renewed confidence that a terrestrial explanation for life's origins will eventually emerge. One is a series of discoveries about the cell-like structures that could have formed naturally from fatty chemicals likely to have been present on the primitive Earth. This lead emerged from a long argument between three colleagues as to whether a genetic system or a cell membrane came first in the development of life. They eventually agreed that genetics and membranes had to have evolved together. Microbe Wakes Up After 120,000 Years Jun 15 2009 - LiveScience.com After more than 120,000 years trapped beneath a block of ice in Greenland, a tiny microbe has awoken. The long-lasting bacteria may hold clues to what life forms might exist on other planets. Genetic Difference Found in Wild vs. Tame Animals Jun 11 2009 - US News & World Report A study of nasty and nice lab rats has scientists on the verge of knowing the genes that separate wild animals like lions and wolves from their tame cousins, cats and dogs. Hummingbirds "Faster than Jets" Jun 10 2009 - BBC News Male hummingbirds, swooping in an effort to impress females, achieve speeds "faster than fighter jets," according to a study. Chuckling Chimps Traced to Human Laughter Jun 5 2009 - CBS News Researchers made a variety of apes and some human babies laugh. After analyzing the sounds, they concluded that people and great apes inherited laughter from a shared ancestor that lived more than 10 million years ago. Gene for Glowing Passed Along to Monkey Offspring May 28 2009 - Yahoo! News Scientists gave marmosets a gene that made their feet glow green, and one of the animals passed it along to its offspring—the first time that an added gene has been inherited by a monkey. It was a milestone, experts said, that should make it easier to produce animals with versions of human disease for medical research. A Skeleton 4,000 Years Old Bears Evidence of Leprosy May 27 2009 - The New York Times (requires free registration) The oldest known skeleton showing signs of leprosy has been found in India and may help solve the puzzle of where the disease originated. Giant Dinosaurs Held Heads High May 27 2009 - BBC News Huge sauropod dinosaurs could have held their heads much higher than many researchers believe, according to a study. Not So Bird-Brained After All: Rooks Make and Use Tools May 26 2009 - Discover Four rooks by the names of Cook, Connelly, Fry, and Monroe have upped estimates of birds' intelligence by mastering a series of challenges in which they had to use tools to get tasty worms. Insight into Evolution of First Flowers May 19 2009 - ScienceDaily The sudden origin of flowering plants about 130 million years ago is a mystery that scientists have yet to solve. A new study is helping shed light on the mystery with information about what the first flowers looked like and how they evolved from nonflowering plants. World's Largest Colony of Endangered Turtles Found Off West Africa May 19 2009 - The Guardian The world's largest colony of leatherback sea turtles has been identified by scientists, raising hopes that the giant creature may not be as endangered as previously thought. Space Tomato Packs Nutritional Super-Punch May 18 2009 - Discovery News What started as a science experiment to grow plants in space has blossomed into a drought-resistent, nutritionally rich tomato—patent pending. The seeds were flown to the International Space Station in August 2007. Human Noses too Cold for Bird Flu May 15 2009 - BBC News Bird flu may not have become the threat to humans that some predicted because our noses are too cold for the virus to thrive, UK researchers say. Gorillas Are No Dummies, Zoo Study Shows May 14 2009 - National Geographic News Ongoing research at the Lincoln Park Zoo in Chicago suggests that gorillas outperform chimpanzees when it comes to counting studies. Brain's Problem-Solving Function at Work when We Daydream May 12 2009 - ScienceDaily A new study finds that activity in numerous brain regions increases when our minds wander. It also finds that brain areas associated with complex problem-solving—previously thought to go dormant when we daydream—are in fact highly active during these episodes. Antioxidants Blunt Exercise Benefit, Study Shows May 12 2009 - HealthDay.com Exercise helps increase insulin sensitivity and ward off diabetes, but taking supplemental antioxidants such as vitamins C and E actually blunts that benefit, researchers report. Whale Sharks Travel Vast Distances to Breed May 8 2009 - Discovery News Whale sharks live throughout the world's tropics—from the Indian Ocean to the Pacific to the Caribbean—but these giant fish are surprisingly low in genetic diversity, according to a new study. The finding suggests that even far-flung populations of whale sharks intermix and breed. Scientists Find 200 New Frog Species in Madagascar May 7 2009 - Reuters Scientists have found more than 200 new species of frogs in Madagascar but a political crisis is hurting conservation of the Indian Ocean island's unique wildlife, a study shows. Thousands of Caves Closed to Protect Bats from Mysterious "White Nose Syndrome" May 4 2009 - Scientific American One month after the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service asked people to voluntarily stay out of caves in the Northeast to hopefully prevent the further spread of the deadly white-nose syndrome that has already killed 500,000 bats, the U.S. Forest Service has taken things a step further, closing thousands of caves in 20 states to human activity. Eden? Maybe. But Where’s the Apple Tree? May 1 2009 - The New York Times (requires free registration) Locations for the Garden of Eden have been offered many times before, but seldom in the somewhat inhospitable borderland where Angola and Namibia meet. A new genetic survey of people in Africa, the largest of its kind, suggests, however, that the region in southwest Africa seems to be the origin of modern humans. Genes Have Key Role in Autism Apr 29 2009 - BBC News Scientists have produced the most compelling evidence to date that genetics play a key role in autism. They highlighted tiny genetic changes that appear to have a strong impact on the likelihood of developing autism and related conditions. A Tiny Hominid With No Place on the Family Tree Apr 28 2009 - The New York Times (requires free registration) Six years after their discovery, the extinct little people nicknamed hobbits who once occupied the Indonesian island of Flores remain mystifying anomalies in human evolution, out of place in time and geography, their ancestry unknown. Spider "Resurrections" Take Scientists by Surprise Apr 28 2009 - National Geographic News Like zombies, spiders in a lab twitched back to life hours after "drowning"—and the scientists were as surprised as anyone. The spiders, it seems, enter comas to survive for hours underwater, according to a new study. Seal with "Arms" Discovered Apr 27 2009 - National Geographic News A newly discovered prehistoric seal with "arms" is the no-longer missing link between seals' land-based ancestors and the ocean-dwelling, flippered creatures we know, a new study says. In the Genes of a Hereford, the Essence of Cow Apr 24 2009 - The New York Times (requires free registration) Scientists have achieved a major milestone in animal genetics: decoding the genome of the cow. The findings provide “tantalizing clues to explain ‘the essence of bovinity,’ ” according to an essay in the journal Science. Fossil Evidence of Missing Link in the Origin of Seals, Sea Lions, Walruses Found in Canadian Arctic Apr 23 2009 - ScienceDaily Researchers from the United States and Canada have found a fossil skeleton of a newly discovered carnivorous animal, Puijila darwini. New research suggests Puijila is a "missing link" in the evolution of the group that today includes seals, sea lions, and the walrus. All Sugars Aren't the Same: Glucose Is Better, Study Says Apr 22 2009 - Time In the first detailed analysis comparing how our systems respond to glucose and fructose, researchers report that consuming too much fructose can actually put you at greater risk of developing heart disease and diabetes than ingesting similar amounts of glucose. Simulated Brain Closer to Thought Apr 22 2009 - BBC News A detailed simulation of a small region of a brain built molecule by molecule has been constructed and has recreated experimental results from real brains. The "Blue Brain" has been put in a virtual body, and observing it gives the first indications of the molecular and neural basis of thought and memory. All Octopuses Are Venomous, Study Says Apr 20 2009 - National Geographic News According to a new study, all octopuses, cuttlefish, and some squid are venomous. The finding helps explain a long-standing mystery as to how exactly octopuses hunt and kill, say researchers. Iranian Scientists Clone Goat Apr 17 2009 - CBS News Iranian scientists have cloned a goat and plan future experiments they hope will lead to a treatment for stroke patients, the leader of the research said Wednesday. Want to Live Longer? Stop Worrying Apr 14 2009 - National Geographic News If you want to live to a hundred, you'd better lighten up. Children of centenarians—who usually inherit both longevity and personality traits from their parents—are on average more outgoing, agreeable, and less neurotic, according to a new study. Evidence That Mice Produce Egg Cells After Birth Apr 13 2009 - The New York Times (requires free registration) Scientists in Shanghai have challenged the orthodox medical view that a woman is born with egg cells to last a lifetime and will never generate any new ones. Overthrow of this view could hold major implications for treatment of infertility. Prehistoric Bears Ate Everything and Anything, Just Like Modern Cousins Apr 13 2009 - ScienceDaily By comparing the craniodental morphology of modern bear species to that of two extinct species, researchers have discovered that the expired plantigrades were not so different from their current counterparts. The cave bear, regarded as the great herbivore of the carnivores, was actually more omnivorous than first thought. Double Whammy Malaria Drug Hope Apr 13 2009 - BBC News A new "double whammy" malaria drug that works on its own and reverses resistance to other drugs is being developed by researchers. The drug contains a chemical that prevents the malaria parasite getting rid of a toxic by-product of feeding on red blood cells. Oil Spill Surface Cleanup Ignores Fish Below Apr 10 2009 - Discovery Channel Birds are the most high-profile victims of oceanic oil spills, but fish suffer from these messy accidents, too. Even worse, a new study suggests, the chemicals commonly used to clean up oil spills make oil far more toxic to fish. Calorie-Burning Fat? Study Says You Have It Apr 9 2009 - The New York Times (requires free registration) For more than 30 years, scientists have been intrigued by brown fat, a cell that acts like a furnace, consuming calories and generating heat. It was generally believed that humans lose brown fat after infancy, though. That belief, three groups of researchers report, is wrong. For Chimps, Candy Is Dandy but Steak Is Quicker Apr 9 2009 - Reuters Human females may get offended at dates who expect a little something extra after they buy a steak dinner, but for chimpanzees, the exchange may be a fair one, German researchers reported on Tuesday. New Theory of Alzheimer’s: Brain’s Memory Center Is “Overworked” Apr 8 2009 - Discover Young adults with a genetic variant that increases their chance of developing Alzheimer's later in life also have increased activity in the section of their brain devoted to memory, a new study has found. Study: Sports Drinks May Be Bad for Teeth Apr 8 2009 - CNN Sports drinks can rehydrate you after a workout, but they also may wreak havoc on your teeth. Prolonged consumption of these types of beverages could lead to erosive tooth wear, according to a study presented at the International Association for Dental Research. Why Fever Helps Autism: A New Theory Apr 7 2009 - Time Putting forth an intriguing new theory, researchers suggest that damage to a fever-regulating part of the brain may trigger autism. Chicks Are Smart, Scientists Confirm Apr 1 2009 - Discovery Channel Baby chickens aren't just cute—they are also whizzes at math, according to a new study. The study presents the first known evidence that any non-human animal can perform consecutive addition and subtraction calculations on the same set. Genes Tell Butterflies to Head South Mar 31 2009 - Reuters Scientists have uncovered a group of 40 genes that appear to make North America's monarch butterflies fly thousands of miles south each autumn. It is the first time that researchers have honed in on the exact genes driving migratory behavior in any animal. How to Grow a Better Tomato: The Case against Heirloom Tomatoes Mar 30 2009 - Scientific American The product of archaic breeding strategies, heirloom tomatoes are hardly diverse and are no more "natural" than grocery-store varieties. New studies promise to restore their lost, healthy genes. Optimal Running Speed Associated with Evolution of Early Human Hunting Strategies Mar 30 2009 - ScienceDaily A new study shows that the efficiency of human running varies with speed and that each individual has an optimal pace at which he or she can cover the greatest distance with the least effort. When It Comes to Intelligence, Size Matters Mar 27 2009 - Science Daily A new study has demonstrated a positive link between cognitive ability and cortical thickness in the brains of healthy 6 to 18 year olds. Study: Range of Pharmaceuticals in Fish Across US Mar 26 2009 - Houston Chronicle Fish caught near wastewater treatment plants serving five major U.S. cities had residues of pharmaceuticals in them, including medicines used to treat high cholesterol, allergies, high blood pressure, bipolar disorder, and depression, researchers report. Dog Tail-Chasing Linked to High Cholesterol Mar 25 2009 - Discovery Channel A team of veterinarians has found a surprising link between compulsive tail-chasing in dogs and high cholesterol, according to a study published in the March issue of the Journal of Small Animal Practice. Bees and Ants Operate in Teams Mar 23 2009 - BBC News Bees and ants are true team players unlike other creatures who seek safety in numbers for selfish reasons, according to researchers. Ants and bees worked together as a single unit and were prepared to die for the greater good of the colony. Bye Bye Birdie? One-Third of American Birds Are in Decline Mar 20 2009 - Discover American birds are in trouble, and those living in Hawaiian paradise are the worst off, according to a dire report issued by the U.S. Interior Department. The State of the Birds report says that one-third of bird species across the nation are endangered, threatened, or in serious decline due to habitat loss, polluted water, invasive species, and disease. Where Does Consciousness Come From? Mar 18 2009 - ScienceDaily A new paper suggests that four specific, separate processes combine as a "signature" of conscious activity. Feathers Tied to Origin of Dinosaurs Mar 18 2009 - MSNBC A new finding upends paleontological thinking about feathers, suggesting they might go back to the origin of all dinosaurs, more than 200 million years. First Impressions Are All in the Brain Mar 10 2009 - WebMD Certain brain regions are geared to pick up cues about other people on a first impression—with just a little information and maybe a few preconceived notions, a new study shows. Snap judgments, it turns out, aren't arbitrary at all, but are informed by what we see and know of our opinions about what certain personality traits suggest, researchers report. Study: Belligerent Chimp Proves Animals Make Plans Mar 10 2009 - Yahoo! News A canny chimpanzee who calmly collected a stash of rocks and then hurled them at zoo visitors in fits of rage has confirmed that apes can plan ahead just like humans, according to a Swedish study. Oily Fish Dementia Boosts Queried Mar 9 2009 - BBC News A UK study has cast doubt on claims that eating oily fish can protect against dementia in old age. Data from a trial of more than 800 older people initially showed that those who eat plenty of oily fish seem to have better cognitive function. But factors such as education and mood explained most of the link. Chimpanzees Invent Brush-Tipped Tool Mar 4 2009 - Discovery News "New and improved" could describe a brush-tipped probe invented by wild chimpanzees in Africa that found it did a better job than previous versions of the tool at gathering termites for consumption, according to a new study. Moral, Physical Disgust Hard-Wired Alike Feb 26 2009 - Discovery News Disgust over an unfair or immoral social situation is hard-wired into the human body as strongly as the reaction to a foul taste, according to research published today in the journal Science. How to Save New Brain Cells Feb 25 2009 - Scientific American Fresh neurons arise in the adult brain every day. New research suggests that the cells ultimately help with learning complex tasks—and the more they are challenged, the more they flourish. Gene Could Allow Lab-Grown Teeth Feb 24 2009 - BBC News Scientists believe they have found a way to grow teeth in the laboratory, a discovery that could put an end to fillings and dentures. Hope Over Peanut Allergy Cure' Feb 20 2009 - BBC News A group of children with peanut allergies have had their condition effectively cured, doctors believe. It is the first time a food allergy has been desensitised in such a way, although a longer-term follow up is now needed to confirm the findings. Kids' Cholesterol Study Reassuring, Doctors Say Feb 17 2009 - MSNBC Fewer than 1% of American teens are likely to need cholesterol drugs, says a new study that offers some reassuring news on the childhood obesity front. First Extinct-Animal Clone Created Feb 13 2009 - National Geographic News An extinct animal has been resurrected by cloning for the first time, although the clone died minutes after birth. Findings revealed in the journal Theriogenology describe the use of frozen skin in 2003 to clone a bucardo, or Pyrenean ibex, a subspecies of Spanish ibex that went extinct in 2000. Why Sleep Is Needed to Form Memories Feb 12 2009 - ScienceDaily If you ever argued with your mother when she told you to get some sleep after studying for an exam instead of pulling an all-nighter, you owe her an apology, because it turns out she's right. And now, scientists are beginning to understand why. Fossils Reveal Bus-Sized 2,500-Pound Snake Feb 4 2009 - Discovery News Fossils from northeastern Colombia reveal the biggest snake ever discovered: a behemoth that stretched 42 to 45 feet long, reaching more than 2,500 pounds. Coffee Drinkers Show Lower Dementia Risk Feb 3 2009 - Reuters In more good news for coffee lovers, a new study suggests that middle-aged adults who regularly drink a cup of java may have a lower risk of developing dementia later in life. New Insight Into How Bees See Could Improve Artificial Intelligence Systems Jan 26 2009 - ScienceDaily New research on bees could lead to improved artificial intelligence systems and computer programs for facial recognition. Single Cell Can Store Memories Jan 26 2009 - BBC News Just one brain cell is capable of holding fleeting memories vital for our everyday life, according to US scientists. Women Cannot Control Their Hunger as Well as Men, Study Shows Jan 22 2009 - ScienceDaily A ground-breaking brain-imaging study at the U.S. Department of Energy’s Brookhaven National Laboratory shows that men, but not women, are able to control their brain’s response to their own favorite foods. Dementia Rarer in Calm, Outgoing People Jan 21 2009 - WebMD Developing dementia may be almost half as likely in older adults who are calm and enjoy socializing as in their peers who are stressed and isolated, according to Swedish researchers. How to Lift Your Mood? Try Smiling Jan 16 2009 - Time Magazine Research suggests that the act of smiling is a hardwired trait and that the purpose of it may be not only to express joy but also to foster it from the outside in. First Rule of the Ant Colony: No Hanky Panky Jan 12 2009 - Time Magazine Ants don't tolerate philandering—promiscuous ants are attacked and killed. Now, scientists have figured out exactly how the colony knows who's been up to no good. Body Repair Could Be Ramped Up Jan 9 2009 - BBC News A combination of drugs could trick the body into sending its repair mechanisms into overdrive, say scientists. The technique could be used to speed the healing of heart or bone damage, they claim. Autism Cases on the Rise Jan 9 2009 - WebMD A new study by researchers at the University of California, Davis shows that the continuous increase in autism cases over the last decade—particularly the huge increase seen in California—is real, not just due to changes in diagnosis criteria or other "artifacts." Walk to Ward Off Age-Related Weight Gain Jan 6 2009 - WebMD Walking as little as half an hour a day may keep the extra pounds from adding up as you get older. A new study suggests that the more you walk, the less likely you'll gain weight as you age. Four Years After Tsunami, Coral Reefs Recovering Jan 2 2009 - ScienceDaily A team of scientists from the New York-based Wildlife Conservation Society has reported a rapid recovery of coral reefs in areas of Indonesia, following the tsunami that devastated coastal regions throughout the Indian Ocean on December 26, 2004. Keep Off Dieting to Avoid Flu Jan 2 2009 - BBC News Dieting at this time of year could impair your body's ability to fight the flu virus, a study warns. U.S. researchers found mice who were put on a calorie-controlled diet found it harder to tackle the infection than those on a normal diet. Daddy Day Care: Dinosaur Fathers Guarded the Eggs Dec 19 2008 - Reuters Scientists who examined the fossilized remains of three types of medium-sized dinosaurs found with large clutches of eggs have concluded that the males rather than the females seem to have guarded the nests and brooded the eggs. Philippines Moves to Fight Pig Ebola Dec 19 2008 - The Wall Street Journal Global health authorities are preparing an emergency mission to the Philippines after U.S. scientists discovered a strain of the Ebola virus in dead pigs there that had previously only been found in monkeys. The Yawn Explained: It Cools Your Brain Dec 15 2008 - Discovery.com News If your head is overheated, there's a good chance you'll yawn soon, according to a new study that found the primary purpose of yawning is to control brain temperature. The finding solves several mysteries about yawning, such as why it's most commonly done just before and after sleeping, why certain diseases lead to excessive yawning, and why breathing through the nose and cooling off the forehead often stop yawning. Vitamins Do Not Cut Cancer Risk Dec 10 2008 - BBC News Taking vitamin C or E does not reduce the risk of prostate cancers—or other forms of the disease, two large US studies suggest. Both trials were set up following some evidence that taking supplements might have a positive effect. Envy Is a Dog's Life, Study Finds Dec 9 2008 - Reuters Dogs can sniff out unfair situations and show a simple emotion similar to envy or jealousy, Austrian researchers reported on Monday. Dogs sulked and refused to "shake" paws if other dogs got treats for tricks and they did not. Obesity's Tie to Childhood Earaches Dec 9 2008 - Scientific American Middle-ear infections—the most common illness in young children—afflict three out of every four kids before the age of three. Now research suggests that these bacterial infections cause more than just pain. They may lead to taste impairment, putting children at an increased risk of becoming obese. Cold Sore Virus Linked to Alzheimer's Disease Dec 8 2008 - ScienceDaily The virus behind cold sores is a major cause of the insoluble protein plaques found in the brains of Alzheimer's disease sufferers, University of Manchester researchers have revealed. Brain Waves Shed Light on Autism Dec 3 2008 - Discovery News Unique brain wave patterns, spotted for the first time in autistic children, may help explain why they have so much trouble communicating. The results need to be confirmed in younger children, but researchers hope this technique could be used to help diagnose autism in children as young as age 1. That's earlier than usual and could mean behavior treatment much sooner. Surveying the Brain for Origins of the Senior Moment Dec 3 2008 - The Wall Street Journal Researchers are finding that we are more easily distracted as we age, highlighting the conflict between the demands of modern multitasking and our waning powers of concentration. Oldest Turtle Found: May Crack Shell-Evolution Mystery Dec 1 2008 - National Geographic News Fossils of the oldest-known turtles, unearthed in southwestern China, may help answer an evolutionary enigma—how did the turtle get its shell? Amoebae Family Values Nov 26 2008 - ScienceNow Daily News Single-celled organisms stick with relatives to avoid being duped. Regenerating a Mammoth for $10 Million Nov 20 2008 - The New York Times (requires free registration) Scientists are talking for the first time about the old idea of resurrecting extinct species as if this staple of science fiction is a realistic possibility, saying that a living mammoth could perhaps be regenerated for as little as $10 million. The same technology could be applied to any other extinct species from which one can obtain hair, horn, hooves, fur, or feathers, and that went extinct within the last 60,000 years, the effective age limit for DNA. "Orphan" Genes Play an Important Role in Evolution Nov 18 2008 - ScienceDaily Every group of animals possesses a small proportion of genes which are extremely variable among closely related species or even unique. Such genes are referred to as "novel," "orphan," or "taxonomically restricted." Obesity Programmed Before Birth Nov 17 2008 - BBC News Eating a high-fat diet in pregnancy may cause changes in the foetal brain that lead to over-eating and obesity early in life, research suggests. So That's Why Chickens Have Combs Nov 12 2008 - ScienceNow Daily News A new report reveals that genes that encode key hair-building proteins are not just present in mammals; they're also present in reptiles and birds. These findings, the study's authors say, suggest a new scenario for the evolution of hair. "Junk" DNA Proves Functional Nov 5 2008 - ScienceDaily Scientists at the Genome Institute of Singapore report that what was previously believed to be "junk" DNA is one of the important ingredients distinguishing humans from other species. Study: Brain Speed Peaks at Age 40 Nov 5 2008 - CBS News Think achy joints are the main reason we slow down as we get older? Blame the brain, too: The part in charge of motion may start a gradual downhill slide at age 40. New Cell Division Mechanism Discovered Oct 29 2008 - ScienceDaily A novel cell division mechanism has been discovered in a microorganism that thrives in hot acid. The finding may also result in insights into key processes in human cells, and in a better unnderstanding of the main evolutionary lineages of life on Earth. Genetically Engineered Purple Tomato Could Fight Cancer Oct 27 2008 - Discover Magazine Using a gene from a snapdragon flower, researchers have created a purple tomato rich in antioxidants, and a new study has shown that cancer-prone mice that were fed the altered tomatoes had significantly longer lifespans than those that dined on regular tomatoes. The tomatoes' purple hue was a side effect of the type of antioxidants produced, called anthocyanins. Tiny Flightless, Feathered Dino Found in China Oct 22 2008 - Discovery.com News A tiny, egg-robbing dinosaur that lived more than 150 million years ago could help explain a key phase in the evolution of birds, scientists report. In unusual language for a high-brow journal, Chinese paleontologists admit the wee dino was, frankly, "bizarre." The beast was a distant relative of the Tyrannosaurus rex but was no bigger than a kitten. And it was covered in feathers but couldn't fly. Heavy Metal–Eating "Superworms" Unearthed in U.K Oct 9 2008 - National Geographic News Newly evolved "superworms" that feast on toxic waste could help cleanse polluted industrial land, a new study says. These hardcore heavy metal fans, unearthed at disused mining sites in England and Wales, devour lead, zinc, arsenic, and copper. Rethinking the Wrinkling: Key Genes Cause Aging Sep 18 2008 - Scientific American Even after decades of research, aging largely remains a mystery. Now new research findings suggest there is a good reason for this impasse: scientists may have been thinking about the causes of aging all wrong. Instead of being the result of an accumulation of genetic and cellular damage, new evidence suggests that aging may occur when genetic programs for development go awry. Feeling Cold? Maybe You're Lonely Sep 18 2008 - WebMD Social isolation makes people feel physically cold, according to University of Toronto psychologists. Moreover, they find that making people feel left out makes them more likely to choose hot soup or coffee over warm or room-temperature foods and beverages. Microbial David vs. Alien Goliath Sep 12 2008 - Jacob Clark Blickenstaff—NSTA WebNews The 2005 Tom Cruise/Stephen Spielberg blockbuster War of the Worlds offers scenes that are certainly worth your attention. In addition to the oppportunities for life science teachers to discuss scale and microorganisms, Earth science and physics teachers have some interesting material to work with here. Why Dinosaurs Ruled: Just Plain Luck Sep 12 2008 - Yahoo! News Dinosaurs dominated Earth for more than 160 million years, evolving into a wild array of body types and sizes suited for many different ecological niches. Scientists previously thought that it was this evolutionary diversity that enabled the dinosaurs' reign, but a new study, detailed in the Sept. 11 issue of the journal Science, shows that it was really just a matter of luck. Study Helps Unlock Secrets of How the Brain Sees Sep 12 2008 - Reuters Scientists who tricked monkeys by swapping images of sailboats for teacups have figured out how the brain learns to recognize objects, a finding that could lead to robots that "see." Women More Prone to Nightmares Sep 11 2008 - BBC News Women experience significantly more nightmares than men and have more emotional dreams, research suggests. A Biological Clock for Dads Too Sep 9 2008 - Time Magazine Turns out women aren't the only ones with an expiration date on their fertility. An emerging body of research is showing that men, too, have a "biological clock." In Long-Awaited Maps of Cancer, the Breakthrough Is the Problem Sep 5 2008 - The Wall Street Journal Scientists now hope to fight cancer with the help of the same techniques that deciphered the human genome eight years ago: mapping it. The findings of papers that came out this week suggest that cancer's molecular machinery appears to be far more intricate than anyone imagined. Rare Mammoth Skull Discovered Sep 2 2008 - BBC News The "extremely rare" fossilized skull of a steppe mammoth has been unearthed in southern France. The discovery in the Auvergne region could shed much needed light on the evolution of these mighty beasts. Childhood Pets Linked to Snoring Aug 22 2008 - BBC News Growing up with a pet dog could increase your chances of being a snorer later in life, claims a Swedish study. This is not just a potential annoyance—heavy snoring has been linked to early death, heart disease, and stroke. They suggested allergic swelling could alter the shape of a person's airways for life. Tongue's Sixth "Taste" Discovered—Calcium Aug 21 2008 - MSNBC The capability to taste calcium has now been discovered in mice. With these rodents and humans sharing many of the same genes, the new finding suggests that people might also have such a taste. Stem Cells Could Boost Blood Transfusion Supplies Aug 20 2008 - Discovery.com News Scientists say they've found an efficient way to make red blood cells from human embryonic stem cells. The results suggest that embryonic stem cells could someday supply type O-negative "universal donor" red cells for transfusion, they wrote. Experts called the new work an advance, but cautioned that major questions had yet to be answered. Coastal Dead Zones Are Growing Aug 15 2008 - Time Magazine Over the past two or three decades, scientists have noticed with growing alarm that vast stretches of coastal waters are turning into dead zones—patches of seabed so depleted of oxygen that few creatures, if any, can survive there. Overall, researchers found that the number of new dead zones has grown exponentially over the past four decades. Octopuses Don't Have Eight Legs Aug 14 2008 - Discovery.com How many legs does an octopus have? The answer should be easy. But not any more. New research suggests they are not really eight-legged denizens of the deep, as popularly assumed; instead they use their front limbs more like arms—and can even tackle a Rubik's Cube. Half of U.S. Adults Lack 20/20 Vision Aug 13 2008 - ABC News About half of all American adults don't have the 20/20 vision physicians consider optimal because they are nearsighted, farsighted, or have an irregular corneal curve known as astigmatism, a large, new study reports. Neanderthal DNA Shows They Rarely Interbred with Us Very Different Humans Aug 11 2008 - Discover Magazine Scientists analyzed the DNA of 13 genes from the Neanderthal mitochondria and found they were distinctly different to modern humans, suggesting Neanderthals never, or rarely, interbred with early humans. The genetic material shows that a Neanderthal “Eve” lived around 660,000 years ago, when the species last shared a common ancestor with humans. Is There a Laziness Gene? Jul 30 2008 - Time Magazine Based on preliminary studies in animals, researchers suggest that genetics may indeed predispose some of us for sloth. Using mice specially bred and selected according to their activity levels, they identified 20 different genomic locations that work in tandem to influence activity levels in mice—specifically, how far the animals will run. Wild Orangutans Treat Pain with Natural Anti-Inflammatory Jul 28 2008 - NewScientist.com Wild orangutans have been spotted using naturally occurring anti-inflammatory drugs. Four individuals have been seen rubbing a soothing balm onto their limbs, the first known examples of orangutans self medicating. Aging May Be Controlled by Brake and Accelerator Genes Jul 25 2008 - Scientific American Scientists have discovered genetic switches in roundworms (Caenorhabditis elegans)--whose genetic makeup is remarkably similar to that of humans--that apparently cause the spineless critters to grow old when flicked on but, when off, may extend their lives. The new finding challenges the prevailing theory of aging, which is that our bodies wear out, or "rust," in much the same way as cars and other machines due to damage inflicted on our cellular DNA. A Load of Parasites Jul 24 2008 - ScienceNow Daily News Long overlooked by ecologists, parasitic Trematodes and other moochers constitute more than 1% of the total biomass in some environments, a new study shows. That dwarfs the contribution of many birds and other top predators. The findings could dramatically change our view of how food webs work. As They Get Older, Kids Do Less Exercise: Study Jul 16 2008 - Reuters Children turn away from exercise in droves in their early teen years after getting much more exercise when they are younger, according to a study spotlighting a factor in the rise of youth obesity. Coral Reefs Face Extinction Jul 16 2008 - Time Magazine According to a comprehensive survey by the Global Marine Species Assessment, one-third of the more than 700 species of reef-building corals are threatened with extinction. Using criteria established by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature, that makes corals the most endangered species on the Earth. Genes from Middle East Families Yield Autism Clues Jul 11 2008 - Yahoo! News Researchers have discovered half a dozen new genes involved in autism that suggest the disorder strikes in a brain that can't properly form new connections. The findings also may help explain why intense education programs do help some autistic children--because certain genes that respond to experience weren't missing, they were just stuck in the "off" position. Ritalin Dose Changes Effect Jul 10 2008 - Scientific American Research with rats finds that Ritalin at low doses encourages neurons to fire together, but at high doses it's just another stimulant. Antibiotics Can Harm Tendons, FDA Warns Jul 9 2008 - Reuters Certain antibiotic drugs such as Bayer AG's Cipro need stronger "black box" warnings about the risk of tendonitis and ruptured tendons, U.S. health regulators say. The drugs are members of a family known as fluoroquinolones. Eyeless Worm Senses Light Jul 8 2008 - ScienceNow Daily News Researchers have uncovered the ability to detect light in the soil-dwelling nematode Caenorhabditis elegans. Their findings may help illuminate the evolutionary history of vertebrate eyes. Bird Odd Couples Revealed by New Gene Study Jul 1 2008 - National Geographic They may not look like close cousins, but parrots and songbirds are among evolution's avian "odd couples," according to the largest ever genetic study of birds. Recently released, the study has shaken up the branches of the avian family tree and proven that you can't judge a bird family by its feathers. Fossil of Most Primitive 4-Legged Creature Found Jun 26 2008 - Yahoo! News Scientists unearthed a skull of the most primitive four-legged creature in Earth's history, which should help them better understand the evolution of fish to advanced animals that walk on land. Chickens Unlock Allergy Secrets Jun 24 2008 - BBC News Scientists have turned to chickens to help them understand why some people are struck down by severe allergies. The birds have a "fossilized" version of the key molecule responsible for severe allergic reactions in humans. Researchers say their findings could guide the hunt for future treatments. Baby Crocs Start Chatting Even Before They Hatch Jun 24 2008 - ABC News Baby crocodiles start chatting to one another and to their mothers just before they hatch, perhaps signaling that it is time to be born, French researchers report. The little crocs make an "umph! umph! umph!" sound right before they hatch. Mysterious Brain Cells Linked to Blood Flow Jun 23 2008 - Scientific American Nearly a century after the discovery of strange star-shaped cells in the brain, scientists say they have finally begun to unravel their function. Researchers say that it appears astrocytes (named for their stellar form) provide nerve cells with the energy they need to function and communicate with one another, by signaling blood to deliver the cell fuels glucose and oxygen to them. Malaria-Fighting Mosquitoes to Come? Jun 20 2008 - Time Magazine In a cramped, humid laboratory in London, mosquitoes swarming in stacked, net-covered cages are being scrutinized for keys to controlling malaria. U.S. Life Expectancy Reaches Record Jun 12 2008 - The New York Times (requires free registration) For the first time, U.S. life expectancy has surpassed 78 years, the government reported June 11th. The increase is due mainly to falling mortality rates in almost all the leading causes of death, federal health officials said. However, the United States continues to lag behind about 30 other countries in estimated life span, according to World Health Organization data. Can a Fir Coat Keep a Tree Warm? Jun 12 2008 - ScienceNow Daily News A controversial study suggests that trees may control the temperature of their leaves, keeping them at a balmy 21.4°C on average regardless of how cold the air gets. Oily Fish Cuts Eye Disease Risk Jun 11 2008 - BBC News Eating food rich in omega-3, such as oily fish, could help some people avoid one of the most common causes of vision loss, a research review suggests. The review suggests omega-3 may cut the risk of age-related macular degeneration by a third. Brain Size Not Key to Intellect Jun 9 2008 - BBC News Size may not be everything when it comes to brain evolution, say experts. Instead, research reveals that the rising complexity of connections between brain cells may have been the biggest driving force. Huge Hidden Biomass Lives Deep Beneath the Oceans May 23 2008 - NewScientist.com Scientists recently examined samples of a mud core extracted from between 860 and 1626 meters beneath the sea floor off the coast of Newfoundland. They found prokaryotes in every sample, and about 60% of the cells found were alive. Where cells living so far beneath the sea floor could have come from remains a mystery. Avoiding Food May Beat Jet Lag May 23 2008 - BBC News Adjusting meal times can help travellers recover from jet lag, a study suggests. Researchers believe the brain has a second "feeding clock" that keeps track of meal-times, rather than daytime, after studying mice. When food is scarce, the feeding clock overrides the master clock, keeping animals awake until they find food. Energy-Saving Tip: Walk Like a Human May 16 2008 - ScienceNOW Daily News Researchers have found that one reason larger primates climb less than smaller animals do is not because they're particularly inefficient in the trees; it's because they're more efficient on land. Wild Sloths Are no Sleepyheads After All May 15 2008 - NewScientist Far from deserving their lazy reputation, wild sloths sleep far less than biologists had thought. The first study to measure the sleep patterns of animals in the wild has found that three-toed sloths doze for less than 10 hours a day, compared to the rather more somnolent 16 hours a day recorded in captivity. Genetically Modified Human Embryo Stirs Criticism May 13 2008 - ABC News News that scientists have for the first time genetically altered a human embryo is drawing fire from some watchdog groups that say it's a step toward creating "designer babies." Reports of the first genetically modified human embryo have some groups worried that the advance is a first step toward designer babies. Human Aging Gene Found in Flies May 13 2008 - Science Daily Scientists have found a fast and effective way to investigate important aspects of human aging. They have discovered a gene in fruit flies that means flies can now be used to study the effects aging has on DNA. Memory: Forgetting Is the New Normal May 12 2008 - Time Magazine The more we study the workings of memory, the more we understand why it so often fails. The good news: it may be in your control. Platypus: Genetic Makeup Mapped May 9 2008 - Time Magazine Scientists said they have mapped the genetic makeup of the platypus--one of nature's strangest animals with a bill like a duck's, a mammal's fur, and snake-like venom. CDC: Sleep Habits Linked to Health May 8 2008 - Time Magazine People who sleep fewer than six hours a night--or more than nine--are more likely to be obese, according to a new government study that is one of the largest to show a link between irregular sleep and big bellies. How Boys Become Boys (and Sometimes Girls) May 7 2008 - Scientific American In research that could give doctors a way to reassign sex in cases of unclear gender, scientists report this week that they have figured out why some children with genes that should make them boys are instead born as girls. Tropics Insects Face Extinction May 7 2008 - BBC News Many tropical insects face extinction by the end of this century unless they adapt to the rising global temperatures predicted. Researchers say insects in the tropics are much more sensitive to temperature changes than those elsewhere. Tree-Lined Streets Cut Asthma May 5 2008 - BBC News Children who live in tree-lined streets have lower rates of asthma, a New York-based study suggests. They believe more trees may aid air quality or simply encourage children to play outside, although they say the true reason for the finding is unclear. Scientists Thaw 1,000-Pound Squid Corpse Apr 30 2008 - Time Magazine Marine scientists in New Zealand are thawing the corpse of the largest squid ever caught to try to unlock the secrets of one of the ocean's most mysterious beasts. No one has ever seen a living, grown colossal squid in its natural deep ocean habitat, and scientists hope their examination of the 1,089-pound, 26-foot long colossal squid will help determine how the creatures live. The thawing and examination are being broadcast live on the internet. Dirty Rotten Poxviruses Apr 28 2008 - Science Now Daily News It might not be the most elegant entrance, but poxviruses have engineered a way to sneak into cells through the garbage chute. According to a new study, the virus disguises itself as junk so that it will be gobbled by cells cleaning up floating debris. The discovery could explain how smallpox virus, the deadliest member of the poxvirus family, infects its hosts. Genetic Sequencing of Protein from T. rex Bone Confirms Dinosaurs' Link to Birds Apr 25 2008 - National Science Foundation Scientists have put more meat on the theory that dinosaurs' closest living relatives are modern-day birds. Molecular analysis, or genetic sequencing, of a 68-million-year-old Tyrannosaurus rex protein from the dinosaur's femur confirms that T. rex shares a common ancestry with chickens, ostriches, and to a lesser extent, alligators. Heart Cells Cultured in the Lab Apr 24 2008 - BBC News Scientists have moved a step closer to creating functioning heart tissue for transplants in the lab. They have grown three types of human heart cells from cultures derived from embryonic stem cells. High-Calorie Diet Linked to Boys Apr 23 2008 - BBC News A woman's diet around the time of conception may influence the gender of her baby, research suggests. The study suggests a high-calorie diet at this time--and regular breakfasts--might increase the odds of a boy. How Exercise Revs Up Your Brain Apr 18 2008 - U.S. News & World Report This week, a survey of existing research published by the Cochrane Library concluded that the same aerobic exercise that is good for your heart also improves cognitive function—specifically, motor function, auditory attention, and memory—in healthy older adults. Vitamins May Shorten Your Life Apr 16 2008 - BBC News Research has suggested vitamin supplements do not extend life and could even lead to a premature death. Decision-Making May Be Surprisingly Unconscious Activity Apr 16 2008 - Science Daily Contrary to what most of us would like to believe, decision-making may be a process handled to a large extent by unconscious mental activity. Even several seconds before we consciously make a decision, scientists say, its outcome can be predicted from unconscious activity in the brain. China Confirms Human H5N1 Transmission Apr 9 2008 - Time Magazine Chinese health officials have confirmed that a father caught bird flu from his son last December, according to a new report. Human-to-human transmission of bird flu has happened about a dozen times in the past. In nearly every case, transmission has occurred among blood relatives who have been in close contact, and the virus has not spread into the wider community. Stem Cells Made to Mimic Disease Apr 8 2008 - BBC News Scientists have taken skin cells from patients with eight different diseases and turned them into stem cells. The advance means scientists are moving closer to using stem cells from the patient themselves to treat disease. Dyslexia Differs by Language Apr 8 2008 - Time Magazine Dyslexia affects different parts of children's brains depending on whether they are raised reading English or Chinese. That finding means that therapists may need to seek different methods of assisting dyslexic children from different cultures. Flat-Faced Crawling Fish Discovered Apr 7 2008 - National Geographic Discovered in Indonesia in January, scientists say an odd anglerfish has forward-looking eyes like a human and crawls rather than swims. These and other traits suggest the fist-size animal may represent a new family of fishes, according to experts. DNA tests are needed for confirmation. Daily Caffeine Protects Brain Apr 3 2008 - BBC News Coffee may cut the risk of dementia by blocking the damage cholesterol can inflict on the body, research suggests. Crusaders Left Genetic Legacy Apr 1 2008 - BBC News Scientists have detected the faint genetic traces left by medieval crusaders in the Middle East. The team says it found a particular DNA signature which recently appeared in Lebanon and is probably linked to the crusades. A Scientific Approach to Surviving a Zombie Attack Mar 31 2008 - Jacob Clark Blickenstaff—NSTA WebNews In this column Prof. Blickenstaff examines the new DVD release of I Am Legend, which presents the scenario that a viral cure for cancer will mutate into a disease that wipes out most of the population of the planet. Language Feature Unique To Human Brain Identified Mar 25 2008 - Science Daily Researchers have identified a language feature unique to the human brain that is shedding light on how human language evolved. The study marks the first use of diffusion tensor imaging (DTI), a non-invasive imaging technique, to compare human brain structures to those of chimpanzees, our closest living relative. How Mammals Lost Their Egg Yolks Mar 18 2008 - NewScientist.com It is a chicken and egg question--did mammals evolve nutritional milk before or after they abandoned yolky eggs? A new study suggests that nutritional milk arose in all mammals in a common ancestor, up to 310 million years ago. Indian DNA Links to 6 "Founding Mothers" Mar 14 2008 - U.S. News & World Report Nearly all of today's Native Americans in North, Central, and South America can trace part of their ancestry to six women whose descendants immigrated around 20,000 years ago, a DNA study suggests. Six-Legged "Hexapus" Discovered Mar 7 2008 - National Geographic Caretakers at a British aquarium recently discovered that one of its newest residents, an octopus named Henry, had six legs instead of the usual eight. Butterflies Remember Caterpillar Experiences Mar 6 2008 - NewScientist Moths and butterflies can remember what they learned as caterpillars, a study reveals. The findings challenge the accepted wisdom that the insects (brains and all) are completely rewired during metamorphosis, and may provide clues about neural development. "Fuzzy Root Hairs" Show Plants Where to Grow Feb 29 2008 - MSNBC Scientists discovered how plant roots feel their way around in darkness to burrow through soil. As the roots of a seedling grow and spread in the ground, they encounter obstacles such as rocks that block their way. Somehow the roots find a detour around these obstacles, and a new study, detailed in the journal Science, tells how. Race Differences in Immune Genes Feb 29 2008 - BBC News Researchers have found the behavior of immune system genes varies from race to race, potentially affecting how they respond to infection. Researchers looked at over 9,000 genes in 180 people, half Caucasian and half from Nigeria. They found differences between the two races in 5% of key genes. The American Journal of Human Genetics study may help explain why some groups are more vulnerable to disease, and aid development of more tailored treatment. Sea Reptile Is Biggest on Record Feb 27 2008 - BBC News A fossilized "sea monster" unearthed on an Arctic island is the largest marine reptile known to science, Norwegian scientists have announced. The 150 million-year-old specimen was found on Spitspergen, in the Arctic island chain of Svalbard, in 2006. The Jurassic-era leviathan is one of 40 sea reptiles from a fossil "treasure trove" uncovered on the island. Nicknamed "The Monster", the immense creature would have measured 15m (50ft) from nose to tail. The Encyclopedia of Life, No Bookshelf Required Feb 26 2008 - New York Times (requires free registration) Scientists are writing the "Book of All Species." Or to be more precise, they are building a website called the "Encyclopedia of Life" (www.eol.org). On Thursday its authors, an international team of scientists, will introduce the first 30,000 pages, and within a decade, they predict, they will have the other 1.77 million. Sharks Travel "Superhighways," Visit "Cafes" Feb 20 2008 - National Geographic Sharks follow well-traveled "superhighways" among feeding hot spots, new research suggests. The discovery should allow scientists to create better conservation strategies for the fish. "Junk" RNA May Have Played Role in Vertebrate Evolution Feb 15 2008 - Scientific American Genetic material once dismissed as "junk" may be responsible for the evolution of simple invertebrates into more complex organisms sporting backbones, according to a new study. Tiny snippets of the genome known as microRNA were long thought to be genomic refuse because they were transcribed from so-called "junk DNA," sections of the genome that do not carry information for making proteins responsible for various cellular functions. Now, researchers report that these tiny genetic segments could be responsible for the evolution of animals with backbones, noting that they found a surfeit of microRNA in the genomes of the earliest vertebrates, such as lampreys, when compared with invertebrates like sea squirts. Just Desserts: Artificial Sweeteners Linked to Weight Gain Feb 12 2008 - Scientific American A new study adds to the growing body of evidence that artificial sweeteners may add, rather than trim weight. Psychologists report that nine rats given yogurt sweetened with no-cal saccharin ended up eating more and gaining more weight and body fat than eight fellow rodents given yogurt containing plain old glucose. Study authors speculate the reason is that the faux sweetener confuses the brain, fooling it into revving up the body's metabolism in anticipation of a never-to-come calorie load. New Way to Kill Viruses: Shake Them to Death Feb 11 2008 - MSNBC Scientists may one day be able to destroy viruses in the same way that opera singers presumably shatter wine glasses. New research mathematically determined the frequencies at which simple viruses could be shaken to death. "The capsid of a virus is something like the shell of a turtle," said physicist Otto Sankey of Arizona State University. "If the shell can be compromised [by mechanical vibrations], the virus can be inactivated." Recent experimental evidence has shown that laser pulses tuned to the right frequency can kill certain viruses. However, locating these so-called resonant frequencies is a bit of trial and error. Genetic Mutation Makes Those Brown Eyes Blue Feb 1 2008 - MSNBC People with blue eyes have a single, common ancestor, according to new research. Scientists have tracked down a genetic mutation that leads to blue eyes. The mutation occurred between 6,000 and 10,000 years ago, so before then, there were no blue eyes. The mutation affected the so-called OCA2 gene, which is involved in the production of melanin, the pigment that gives color to our hair, eyes and skin. "A genetic mutation affecting the OCA2 gene in our chromosomes resulted in the creation of a 'switch,' which literally 'turned off' the ability to produce brown eyes," Eiberg said. The genetic switch is located in the gene adjacent to OCA2 and rather than completely turning off the gene, the switch limits its action, which reduces the production of melanin in the iris. In effect, the turned-down switch diluted brown eyes to blue. Couch Potato Lifestyle May Speed Up Ageing Jan 29 2008 - NewScientist.com Being a couch potato in your free time could make you a decade older biologically than someone who is physically active, according to a major study of people's "chromosomal clocks." Researchers measured the lengths of telomeres, the DNA that bookends our chromosomes, in the white blood cells of 2401 twins. Telomeres shorten each time a cell divides, and when they become too short a cell can no longer divide, so telomeres act as a kind of timer counting down our biological age. The researchers found that people who did not exercise in their spare time had shorter telomeres than very active people. Why Bird Flu Has Been Kept at Bay Jan 28 2008 - BBC News Scientists say they have identified a key reason why the bird flu virus affecting poultry (the H5N1 strain) has so far not posed a widespread menace to humans. So far, the H5N1 strain has mainly infected birds and poultry workers, but experts fear the virus could mutate to pass easily from human to human. However, Massachusetts Institute of Technology found that to enter human respiratory cells the virus must first pick a very specific type of lock. The researchers say their discovery may help scientists better monitor changes in H5N1 and find better ways to fight it. Synthetic Life 'Advance' Reported Jan 24 2008 - BBC News An important step has been taken in the quest to create a synthetic lifeform. A US team reports in Science magazine how it built in the lab the entire set of genetic instructions needed to drive a bacterial cell. The group hopes eventually to use engineered genomes to make organisms that can produce clean fuels and take carbon dioxide out of the atmosphere. Let a Thousand Genomes Bloom Jan 22 2008 - Cosmic Log/MSNBC.com Researchers in China, Britain, and the United States have partnered to unravel the entire genetic code of at least 1,000 people worldwide. “The 1,000 Genomes Project will examine the human genome at a level of detail that no one has done before,” explained Richard Durbin of Britain’s Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute and the project consortium’s co-chair. Researchers have already identified about 100 regions of the genome that are associated with increased risk for various diseases using HapMap and other genetic databases. The new project will build on these databases. But in order to track exactly what goes wrong and how to fix it, scientists generally have to conduct another round of genetic sequencing. Scientists Discover How Cells Build a "Machine" for Cell Division Jan 15 2008 - NSTA News Using time-lapse photography and computer modeling, a team of researchers from Columbia, Yale, and Lehigh universities has explained a mystery surrounding the assembly of a cellular structure responsible for cell division. Birds Act Like Grandparents Jan 8 2008 - MSNBC.com For the first time, scientists have observed senior birds behaving like grandparents. Although it is rare in the animal kingdom except in humans, the findings could help scientists understand how grand-parenting develops. “By having a different system to compare and contrast to the human system, we may better understand what factors drive the evolution of each system,” said molecular ecologist David Richardson of the University of East Anglia in England. Scientists Discover New Key to Bird Flu's Spread Jan 7 2008 - MSNBC.com Researchers have discovered a critical difference between flu viruses that infect birds and humans. Scientists at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology found that a flu virus must be able to attach itself to an umbrella-shaped receptor coating human respiratory cells before it can infect cells in the upper airways. The discovery may help scientists better monitor changes in the H5N1 bird flu virus that could trigger a deadly pandemic in humans. Losses of Long-Established Genes Contribute to Human Evolution Dec 15 2007 - Science Daily University of California, Santa Cruz, researchers have performed the first systematic computational analysis to identify long-established genes that have been lost across years of evolution leading to human species. To find the gene losses, researchers used a program called TransMap, which compared the mouse and human genomes and searched for genes having significant changes to render them nonfunctional somewhere during the past 75 years since the divergence of the mouse and human. The researchers note the findings could have medical implications. Human Evolution Speeding Up, Study Says Dec 12 2007 - National Geographic News A new study reveals that a rise in population growth is driving human evolution to increase around the globe. Local, cultural, and environmental factors are shaping evolution differently on different continents, according to the report. “We’re evolving away from each other. We’re getting more and more different,” explained the study’s co-author Henry Harpending, an anthropologist at the University of Utah in Salt Lake City. The findings appear in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. Duke Scientists Map 'Silenced Genes' Nov 30 2007 - ABC News Usually, people inherit one gene from each parent when they are born. But there’s a new twist to this, according to scientists. Duke University researchers say some of those genes arrive “switched off,” so there is no back-up if the other gene goes bad, which can make a person more vulnerable to disorders ranging from obesity to cancer. Scientists at Duke have identified these genes, creating the first map of them. Experts note the work marks an important step in studying how the environment, pollution, food, and stress interacts with genes to help determine why some people get sick and others do not. 'Time-Sharing' Tropical Birds Key to Evolutionary Mystery Nov 21 2007 - Science Daily Although most birds are sole proprietors of their nests, some tropical species share the same home, according to a new study. A research team led by Queen’s University studied a small sea bird called the band-rumped storm petrel, which nests on desert islands in the tropics and subtropics. The researchers found that one set of the petrels will breed in burrows, raise their chicks, and leave for the winter. A different set of birds moves in and repeats the pattern in the same burrows. When the season changes again, the first set of birds will return. Scientists note the study confirms one of Charles Darwin’s more controversial theories that different species can arise, unhindered, in the same place. Scientists Publish Outline of Cat's Genetic Code Nov 1 2007 - MSNBC.com Researchers have added cats to the list of animals whose DNA has been decoded. Scientists explain they decided to examine cats because they can catch more than 200 diseases that resemble human illnesses, and having information about their genetic composition could help in the search for feline and human vaccines and treatments. More information about the work can be found in the November issue of the journal Genome Research. Nano-Assembly Mimics Origin of Life? Molecules Organize Themselves into Patterns Nov 1 2007 - Science Daily The automatic molecular assembly and selection steps exhibited by molecules, which start as random mixtures, demonstrates a fundamental step in the evolution of life, according to new research. The organization is activated by instructions which are built into the molecules. During assembly, molecules exhibit active selection: those in incorrect positions move to make room for others which fit properly. Scientists explain this observation may lead to further insight of how simple, inanimate molecules can build biological entities of increasing structural and functional complexity. Monkeys Reveal Brain is Hard-Wired for Counting Oct 30 2007 - NewScientist.com New research suggests that not only can monkeys understand written numbers, but that individual brain cells may become dedicated to specific numbers. The study also showed that cells in the monkey’s brains respond selectively to specific number values, regardless of whether the amount is represented by dots on a screen or an Arabic numeral. More information about this research can be found in the journal PLoS Biology. St. Bernard Study Shows Human-Directed Evolution at Work Oct 26 2007 - Science Daily University of Manchester biologists say the St. Bernard dog is living proof that evolution can occur. The scientists say that changes to the shape of the breed’s head over time can only be explained through human-directed evolution through selective breeding, an artificial version of natural selection. The Manchester research team examined the skulls of 47 St. Bernards to make their discovery. The work was funded by the Leverhulme Trust. Diet Choices 'Written in Genes' Oct 23 2007 - BBC News British researchers have discovered that our genes might play a key role in food likes and dislikes. Scientists at Kings College London examined more than 3,000 female twins between the ages of 18 and 79, working out their preferences in five different dietary groups. They discovered that 41% to 48% of a person’s preference towards one of the food groups was influenced by genetics. More information about the study can be found in the journal Twin Research and Human Genetics. Scientists Map Complete Chinese Genome Oct 12 2007 - MSNBC.com Described as a milestone and a first for Asians, scientists have completed the first map of the Chinese genome. “It is important for the scientific DNA research for Chinese and even Asians to find out the potential illness in genes and epidemic prediction,” an unidentified expert said in a Beijing newspaper. The next task for Chinese scientists will be to map the genome of pandas. Scientists Make New Blood Vessels Oct 5 2007 - CBS News Scientists have created new blood vessels from patients’ own cells for the first time. To create the blood vessels, the scientists first gathered cells from the skins and blood vessels of 10 adults with end-stage renal kidney disease. The scientists then put those cells in test tubes and coaxed those cells to grow into blood vessels. The blood vessels were then implanted into the patients. Researchers explain the new development could one day help people with blood vessel problems. Genetic Code-Dependent: DNA Structure Also Crucial to Genomic Variation Sep 28 2007 - Scientific American Until recently, genetic variation between people was attributed to flaws in genetic coding known as single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). But a new study argues that a genetic material’s arrangement, along with changes in that DNA construct, such as insertion, deletion, or rearrangement of segments of code within the genome, plays a more important role. “We think SNPs will be responsible for many phenotypes and diseases,” observed Michael Snyder, a professor of molecular, cellular, and developmental biology at Yale University and senior author of the study. Odd Fossil Skeletons Show Both Ape-like and Human Traits Sep 20 2007 - National Geographic News Researchers who unearthed human-like fossils in Georgia (the former Soviet republic) say the find fills a gap in the story of our evolution. The fossils of three adults and a teenager are thought to belong to Homo erectus. But the remains suggest the individuals were primitive. “If this (group) is Homo erectus, it is the most primitive and oldest one known,” explained David Lordkipanidze of the Georgian National Museum, who led the study. More information about the study can be found in the journal Nature. Study Finds Evidence of Genetic Response to Diet Sep 10 2007 - New York Times (Requires free registration) Scientists are learning that the human genome does respond to changes in diet, even though it may take generations to complete the effort. Researchers studying the enzyme that converts starch to simple sugars like glucose have found that people living in countries with a high-starch diet produce considerably more of the enzyme than people who eat a low-starch diet. Scientists note the reason is an evolutionary one. They explain that people in high-starch countries have many extra copies of the amylase gene, which makes the starch-converting enzyme. It's No Delusion: Evolution May Favor Schizophrenia Genes Sep 7 2007 - Scientific American After analyzing human DNA from several populations around the world and primate genomes dating back to the shared ancestor of both humans and chimpanzees, researchers have concluded that several gene variants linked to schizophrenia were positively selected and have remained largely unchanged over time. Scientists found that 28 of the schizophrenia-associated genes have been evolutionarily preferred in recent years by either Caucasian, Asian, or African populations. Researchers making the discovery plan to focus on the genes fingered in positive selection in hope of finding new treatments for schizophrenia. Study: Our DNA Less Alike Than Thought Sep 4 2007 - CBS News A new analysis has revealed that people are less alike than scientists had thought. “Instead of 99.9% identical, maybe we are only 99% (alike),” said J. Craig Venter, the study’s author. Venter’s DNA was analyzed for the study. The new research marks the first time a scientific journal has presented the entire human genome of an individual. More information about the research can be found in the journal PLoS Biology. How We Communicate: Gestures May Come From Chimps Aug 30 2007 - ABC News Researchers at the Yerkes National Primate Research Center in Atlanta have discovered that apes and chimps use the same motions humans do when asking for things. The study tested whether gestures are a flexible communication form by measuring the association between signals and specific behaviors. Researchers note the study may have answered the question of how humans learned to communicate. Scientists Map Speed of Dinosaurs Aug 24 2007 - Sydney Morning Herald (Australia) Using computer models, scientists have calculated the speed of dinosaurs. Researchers inputted information about the skeletal and muscular structure of the dinosaurs in the computer and ran a simulation tens of millions of times to see how fast the animals moved, explained William Sellers, a University of Manchester zoologist, who led the study. “What we found is they were all perfectly capable of running,” Sellers said. The new research will also help scientists understand how animals cope with climate change and extinction. New Fossil Ape May Shatter Human Evolution Theory Aug 23 2007 - National Geographic News Japanese and Ethiopian scientists report in the journal Nature that newly found fossil teeth might represent a previously unknown species of great ape that lived in Africa 10 million years ago. The teeth were found in the Afar region of Ethiopia, a valley made famous by the discovery of the early human ancestor known as Lucy. The scientists explain that the new find not only fills an important gap in the fossil record, but could demolish a working theory of human evolution. Artificial Life Likely in 3 to 10 Years Aug 20 2007 - ABC News Scientists from around the globe are attempting to create life from scratch. Experts note that an announcement about this effort will likely take place in three to 10 years. “Creating protocells has the potential to shed new light on our place in the universe,” observed Mark Bedau, chief operating officer of ProtoLife of Venice, Italy, an organization participating in the effort. Unravelling New Complexity in the Genome Aug 16 2007 - Terra Daily A new finding emerging from genome sequencing projects is that humans have a comparable number of protein-coding genes that are significantly less complex organisms. Scientists say that increased functional and cellular complexity can be explained primarily by how genes and the products of genes are regulated. A study published in the latest issue of Genome Biology shows that a step in gene expression is more highly regulated in a cell and tissue-specific manner than previously appreciated, and much of this additional regulation occurs in the nervous system. Study Finds Genetic Key to a Kind of Glaucoma Aug 10 2007 - New York Times (Requires free registration) Researchers have discovered the genetic flaws that underlie a major type of glaucoma. The finding is part of a continuing wave of discoveries about the genes underlying common diseases. Previous efforts to locate disease genes have proved unreliable, but scientists are confident that a new method called whole genome association is working Fossils in Kenya Challenge Linear Evolution Aug 9 2007 - New York Times (Requires free registration) Scientists who have analyzed two fossils found in Kenya say their findings challenge the conventional view that Homo habilis and Homo erectus evolved one after the other. Instead, the specimens apparently lived side by side in eastern Africa for nearly half a million years. Paleontologists and human evolution experts say the discovery strongly suggested that the early transition from more ape-like to more human-like ancestors was still poorly understood. The findings appear in the journal Nature. Study Shows Ancient Microbes May Return to Life Aug 7 2007 - NSTA News The DNA of ancient microorganisms, long frozen in glaciers, may return to life as the glaciers melt, according to scientists at Rutgers University. The finding is significant because scientists did not know until now whether such ancient, frozen organisms and their DNA could be revived at all or for how long cells are viable after they have been frozen, says Kay Bidle, assistant professor of marine and coastal sciences at Rutgers. Coelacanth Fossil Sheds Light on Fin-to-Limb Evolution Aug 3 2007 - Terra Daily Scientists have found a 400 million-year-old fossil of a coelacanth fin. The fossil shows that the ancestral pattern of lobed fins closely resembles the pattern in the fins of primitive living ray-finned fishes, according to scientists. “This ends intense debate about the primitive pattern for lobed fins, which involves the ancestry of all limbs, including our own,” said study author Michael Coates, associate professor of organismal biology and anatomy at the University of Chicago. Gene for Left-Handed Trait Discovered Aug 2 2007 - National Geographic News Scientists have discovered the gene most closely linked to left-handedness. Named LRRTM1, the gene is also associated with a slight increase in developing certain mental illnesses such as schizophrenia. Researchers explain, however, that left-handers should not be overly concerned about this connection. Researchers Unlock Mystery Behind Cell Identity Jul 27 2007 - NSTA News As a fertilized egg develops into a full grown adult, mammalian cells adopt careers as different cell types, from liver cells to neurons. One of the most fundamental mysteries in biomedicine is how cells make such different career decisions despite having exactly the same DNA. A research team at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology’s (MIT) Broad Institute and Harvard and Massachusetts General Hospital has unveiled a special code, not within DNA, but rather within the chromatin proteins surrounding it, that could unlock these mysterious choices underlying cell identity. Tooth Helps With Evolution Finding Jul 24 2007 - NewScientist.com An analysis of genetic material retrieved from an ancient mastodon tooth has pushed back the date that mammoths diverged from elephants by about two million years. The finding shows the mammoth and elephant split to be around six million to seven million years ago, when humans and their primate relatives may have shared a common ancestor. Researchers say this makes it more likely that environmental changes at the time caused a massive period of speciation in Africa. Research Reveals Single Origin Theory Jul 19 2007 - Terra Daily Competing theories on the origins of anatomically modern humans claim that either humans originated from a single point in Africa and migrated across the world or different populations independently evolved from Homo erectus to Homo sapiens in different areas. New research, however, has revealed a single origin theory by combining studies of global genetic variations in humans with skull measurements across the world. Study Shows Early Humans Walked Upright to Save Calories Jul 17 2007 - Scientific American The first steps that our earliest human ancestors took on two legs may arguably be the biggest ever, for both man and mankind. Why the switch from all fours to just two limbs? The answer, according to a new study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, is to save a few calories. Study Examines Chimps' Behavior Jul 17 2007 - Sydney Morning Herald (Australia) An angry chimpanzee will take revenge, but unlike a human, it will not do so out of spite, according to a new study that offers insights into how people perceive what is fair. The study showed chimpanzees would seek retribution when wronged, but did not punish others out of spite, for instance if another chimpanzee was better off, said Keith Jensen, an evolutionary biologist at the Max Planck Institute in Germany, who led the study. More information about the study can be found in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. New Evolution Research Plays Role in Genome Jul 16 2007 - Terra Daily Researchers from John Hopkins University continue to add evidence to the many genetic pieces of information that drive evolutionary change. “For a long time, the basic belief of evolution was that all random genetic changes that manage to stick around, have some selective advantage,” explained Nicholas Katsanis, associate professor at Hopkins’ Institute of Genetic Medicine. “But our work adds to the case that frequently, we are what we are largely due to random changes that are completely neutral.” New Research Could Lead to Industrial Cleaners Jul 9 2007 - MSNBC.com New research shows how scientists have engineered viruses to attack and destroy large colonies of potentially harmful bacteria called biofilms. The finding, published in the journal of the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, could lead to industrial cleaners, such as phages to clear dirt in food processing plants or new types of phage-based anti-biotics for humans or livestock. Study Suggests Chimps, Children Share Altruistic Quality Jul 2 2007 - Science News A new study suggests that chimpanzees will help strangers, regardless of personal gain. Children as young as 18 months also possess the same quality, according to the research. Researchers propose in the July issue of PLoS Biology that the roots of human altruism date back approximately six million years to a common ancestor of people and chimps. "Learning and experience are involved in altruistic helping, but our claim is that there is a predisposition (in chimps and people) to develop such behavior without explicit training," explained psychologist Felix Warneken of the Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology in Leipzig, Germany. Scientists Perform Gene Swap Jun 29 2007 - CBS News Scientists have changed one species of bacteria into another by performing a complete gene swap. It’s a step in a quest to one day create artificial organisms, part of a bigger project to custom design microbes that could produce cleaner fuels. But the way it was performed, dubbed a “genome transplant,” has genetics specialists buzzing. Scientists Explore the Field of Evo-Devo Jun 26 2007 - New York Times (Requires free registration) Since its humble beginnings as a single cell, life has evolved into a spectacular array of shapes and sizes, from tiny fleas to towering Tyrannosaurus rex, from slow-soaring vultures to fast-swimming swordfish, and from modest ferns to alluring orchids. But just how such diversity of form could arise out of evolution’s mess of random genetic mutations has remained one of the most fascinating and intractable questions in evolutionary biology. After more than a century of being puzzled, however, scientists are finding answers from a field known as evo-devo. Coming into its own as a science, evo-devo is the combined study of evolution and development. Report Reveals Dynamics Behind Higher IQ Jun 22 2007 - International Herald Tribune (France) A new study shows the eldest children in families tend to develop slightly higher intelligent quotients (IQ) than their younger siblings. The difference in IQ between siblings was a result of family dynamics and not biological factors, like changes in gestation linked to repeated pregnancies, according to the report. Researchers have long had evidence that firstborns tend to be more dutiful and cautious than their siblings, early in life and later, but previous studies focusing on IQ and differences were not conclusive. Neurological Gene Discovered Jun 21 2007 - Science Daily Scientists have discovered the gene mutation that produces one form of Charcot Marie Tooth disorder, an inherited neurological disorder. The disorder affects one in 2,500 people in the United States and usually begins in youth or by mid adulthood. Study Shows Chimps Gain Smarts from Humans Jun 19 2007 - MSNBC.com A new study reveals that chimps nurtured by humans since birth have a far better chance of figuring out how to use new tools. The findings highlight untapped potential within chimpanzees than can get uncovered “by studying them when they have been raised under very comparable conditions as our own children,” said Ohio State University cognitive primatologist Sally Boysen. Boysen noted the research suggests that early human ancestors may have been far more sophisticated in their mental capacities than previously thought. Plants Get Along Better with Siblings Than Strangers Jun 14 2007 - Science Daily "The next time you venture into your garden armed with plants, consider who you place next to whom. It turns out that the docile garden plant isn't as passive as widely assumed, at least not with strangers. Researchers at McMaster University have found that plants get fiercely competitive when forced to share their pot with strangers of the same species, but they're accommodating when potted with their siblings." according to a recent article in Science Daily. Scientists Identify Cell Receptor Responsible for Cold Jun 12 2007 - NSTA News Scientists have identified the receptor in cells of the peripheral nervous system that is most responsible for the body’s ability to sense cold. Published in the journal Nature, the finding reveals one of the key mechanisms by which the body detects temperature sensation. But in doing so, it also illuminates a mechanism that mediates how the body experiences intense stimuli, temperature in this case, than can cause pain. Researchers Detect Variations in DNA that Underlie Seven Common Diseases Jun 7 2007 - New York Times (Requires free registration) Applying a new genomic technique to large group of patients, researchers in Britain have detected DNA variations that underlie seven common diseases, discovering unexpected links between them. The variations pinpoint biological pathways underlying each of the diseases, and researchers hope that as the pathways are analyzed, new drugs and treatments will emerge. The seven common diseases are bipolar disorder, coronary artery disease, Crohn’s disease, hypertension, rheumatoid arthritis, and Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes. Do Pets Really Have Personality? Jun 6 2007 - ABC News The great Russian scientist Ivan Pavlov was one of the first to observe personality differences in the dogs he studied in his lab during the late 1800s. He could make all of them salivate at the sound of a bell in anticipation of food, but some of them just seemed to get into it more than others. Down through the years, a number of other scientists have discovered what seem to be personality traits in various animals, but the question of animal personalities has largely been ignored by science, possibly because personality has long been considered distinctively human. But that has changed. “The study of animal personalities has become a hot topic in behavioral biology over the last five years or so,” said Sander van Doorn, an evolutionary biologist at the Santa Fe Institute in New Mexico, and co-author of a research paper published in the journal Nature that puts an evolutionary twist on the subject. Lizard Survey Reveals Greater Abundance of Animals on Islands than Mainland Ecosystems Jun 4 2007 - NSTA News A comprehensive survey of lizards on islands around the world has confirmed what island biologists and seafaring explorers have long observed: animals on islands are much more abundant than their counterparts on the mainland. Besides confirming that longstanding observation, the study signals an alarm for island populations in a rapidly warming world. It suggests that climate change may have devastating consequences for lizards and other animals that inhabit islands because their ecosystems are much more sensitive than those on the mainland to change. Upright Orangutans Point Way to Walking May 31 2007 - Nature News A study of orangutans walking through tree tops suggests that humans’ ancestors may also have first stood upright in the trees, according to researchers. The apes stand on two legs when moving along narrow branches, using their hands to steady them, explains Robin Crompton at the University of Liverpool in the United Kingdom. Crompton’s research team believes that a similar behavior is the most plausible precursor of true bipedal walking. Growing Nerve Cells in 3-D Affects Gene Expression May 30 2007 - NSTA News A new Brown University study shows that nerve cells grown in three-dimensional cultures use 1,766 genes differently compared to nerve cells grown in standard two-dimensional petri dishes. The study, published in the May issue of Tissue Engineering, adds to a growing body of research showing that culture techniques can significantly affect cell growth and function. Superpoison's Genetic Blueprint is Revealed May 29 2007 - NewScientist.com It produces the most potent toxin known, so no wonder some regimes have turned Clostridium botulinum, the bacterium that makes Botox and causes botulism, into a bioweapon. Now its genome has been sequenced, providing a tool against biological attack as well as the more familiar infection from food. Scientists Study Animal 'Fingerprints' May 25 2007 - Science Daily Scientists and criminal justice investigators have developed a technique designed to more accurately track and conduct a census of some animals. The research focuses on the fisher, a member of the weasel family, and the only carnivore known to develop “fingerprints.” The process involves using prints left at special tracking boxes to identify which fishers come in for the bait and, therefore, count the number of animals using the area. My Dear Fellow Species May 21 2007 - New York Times (Requires free registration) Last week, the Darwin Correspondence Project, based at Cambridge University, put about 5,000 letters to and from Darwin, some of them previously unpublished, online at darwinproject.ac.uk, with thousands more to follow. The searchable database lets anyone track the painstaking development of his research and thinking, on all kinds of topics, personal and professional, and with a huge array of correspondents. Quantum Dot Recipe May Lead to Cheaper Solar Panels May 18 2007 - NSTA News Rice University scientists have revealed a breakthrough method for producing molecular specks of semi-conductors called quantum dots, a discovery that could clear the way for better, cheaper solar energy panels. The research, by scientists at Rice’s Center for Biological and Environmental Nanotechnology (CBEN), appears in the journal Small. Scientists Develop DNA Damage Test May 16 2007 - Science Daily Researchers from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and the Whitehead Institute report creating a cell culture test for assessing a compound’s genetic toxicity that may prove dramatically cheaper than existing animal tests. The assay, the scientists said, would allow genetic toxicity to be examined far earlier in the drug development process, making it much more efficient. Language Might Have Evolved from Gestures May 11 2007 - Science News Chimpanzees and bonobos can communicate with greater flexibility using hand gestures than they can with facial expressions or vocalizations, new research shows. Their use of hand motions to convey different meanings in different circumstances suggests that gestures may have played an important part in the evolution of language. Scientists Sequence the Marsupial Genome May 10 2007 - Science Daily Geneticists have produced the first high-quality draft of a marsupial genome sequence. The genome of the grey, short-tailed opossum (Monodelphis domestica) sequenced by Kerstin Lindblad-Toh and colleagues at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology’s Broad Institute and Harvard University offers interesting insights into the genetics of the immune system and the X chromosome. Study Sheds Light on Memory by Erasing It May 9 2007 - Science Daily A new study shows how memory can be created and then biochemically erased in slices of rat hippocampus by manipulating a so-called “memory molecule.” “The core problem in memory research has been understanding what the storage molecule actually is, said Brandeis University professor John Lisman, lead author of the study. “Identifying this molecule is essential to understanding memory itself, as well as any disease of memory. With this study, we have confirmed (protein kinase) CaMKII as a memory molecule.” Genes Come Alive with the Sound of Music May 3 2007 - Nature News Imagine humming along to horse hemoglobin or tapping your toes to transcription factors. Now you can, thanks to a pair of molecular biologists, who have developed a way to turn such proteins into music. Puzzling Plankton Yield Secrets of Evolution and Global Photosynthesis May 2 2007 - Terra Daily The analysis of DNA sequences from tiny green algae have provided new insights into the mystery of how new species of plankton evolve, and further highlights their critical role in managing the global cycling of carbon. These findings, by a group led by the DOE Joint Genome Institute; the Scripps Institution of Oceanography, University of California, San Diego; and the Pierre and Marie Curie University, can be found in this week’s Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. Scientists Seek Lonesome George's Cousin May 1 2007 - MSNBC.com Lonesome George, a giant Galapagos tortoise thought to be the last of its kind, may not be so lonely after all, thanks to the discovery of a possible cousin. Enzyme Found to be Key in Muscle Function May 1 2007 - Science Daily Scientists have identified an enzyme that increases a cell’s ability to maintain healthy muscle and restore normal muscle function. The study is the first to explore the part the enzyme plays in a cascade of events triggered by exercise-induced hormones and other signals. Tiny Scale Can Weigh Living Bacteria, Cells Apr 26 2007 - MSNBC.com With a tiny, high-tech scale, researchers can now weigh living bacteria and immune cells for the first time. The technique could assist researchers in developing inexpensive, portable diagnostic devices that could help health workers in developing countries. Brain's Speech Site is Revisted and Revised Apr 25 2007 - Nature News Analysis of two damaged brains, preserved in a museum since the nineteenth century, could force neuroscientists to rethink the area where language resides in the brain. Bees Vanish, and Scientists Race for Reasons Apr 24 2007 - New York Times (Requires free registration) More than a quarter of the country’s 2.4 million bee colonies have been lost, tens of billions of bees, according to an estimate from the Apiary Inspectors of America, a national group that tracks beekeeping. So far, no one can say what is causing the bees to become disoriented and fail to return to their hives. Biologists Prove Critical Step in Membrane Fusion Apr 23 2007 - NSTA News A research team led by Brown University biologist Gary Wessel has observed and recorded a critical step in the process in a live cell. Botanists Discover the Signal that Triggers Flowering Apr 20 2007 - NewScientist.com After a quest lasting more than 70 years, botanists may finally have found what one leading textbook describes as “the Holy Grail of plant biology”—the molecular command that tells a plant it is time to flower. Chimps 'More Evolved' Than Humans Apr 17 2007 - NewScientist.com New research reveals that chimpanzees are a more highly evolved species than humans. Evolutionary geneticist Jianzhi Zhang and colleagues at the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, compared DNA sequences for 13,888 genes shared by humans, chimps, and rhesus macaques to make their finding. Scientists Map DNA of Research Monkeys Apr 13 2007 - ABC News Scientists have unraveled the DNA of another of our primate relatives, this time a monkey named the rhesus macaque, and the work has a far more immediate impact than just to study evolution. These animals are key to testing the safety of many medicines, and understanding diseases, such as AIDS. The new research will enable scientists to ascertain when the monkeys are a good stand-in for humans. In Startling Advance, Study Identifies Dinosaur Protein Apr 13 2007 - New York Times (Requires free registration) In a retrieval once thought unattainable, scientists have recovered and identified proteins in a bone of a well-preserved Tyrannosaurus rex that lived and died, and was fossilized 68 million years ago. The scientists say the success, with advanced research techniques, opens the door for the first time to the exploration of molecular-level relationships of ancient, extinct animals, instead of just relying on their skeletal remains. Artificial Cilia Mimic Their Biological Peers Apr 13 2007 - NewScientist.com Nanoscopic hair-like polymer structures are being developed by researchers and could help explain the way similar biological appendages, known as cilia, function inside the body. Was Early Earth Purple? Apr 11 2007 - MSNBC.com Ancient microbes might have used a molecule other than chlorophyll to harness the Sun’s rays, one that gave the organisms a violet hue, according to new research. For more information on Regulation and Behavior in Organisms, NSTA members can refer to the April/May 2007 issue of Science Scope. For Plants on Alien Worlds, It Is Not Easy Being Green Apr 11 2007 - NewScientist.com The greenery on other planets may not be so green. Astrobiologists say plants on Earth-sized planets orbiting stars somewhat brighter than the Sun may appear yellow or orange, while those on planets orbiting stars much fainter than the Sun might look black. Tree Frogs Use Geometry to Hang On Apr 10 2007 - MSNBC.com White’s tree frogs, originating in Australia and Indonesia, and capable of growing to almost five inches, maintain their grip on surfaces by keeping the angles of their toe pads below 90 degrees, according to a new study presented at the annual meeting of the Society for Experimental Biology in Glasgow, Scotland. Scientists Create Nanotube-tipped Pipettes Apr 9 2007 - Science Daily Scientists have developed carbon nanotube-tipped pipettes for use in DNA sequencing and organelle-targeted drug delivery. The Drexel University College of Engineering researchers said the pipettes make it possible to perform injections or probe fluid in specific regions inside a cell, and perhaps even specific organelles. The scientists note the probe has the possibility of transferring fluids through the carbon nanotube in and out of the pipette, thereby bridging the gap between existing microscale technologies and nanoscale interactions. Gene Makes Small Dogs Small Apr 6 2007 - Scientific American In big news for small dogs everywhere, researchers have found a tie that binds the small breeds, from Chihuahua to Pomeranian to Pekingese: they all share the same version of a gene for a growth hormone called insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF1). Biological Fuel Cell Turns Drinks Into Power Apr 5 2007 - Science News Using enzymes commonly found in living cells, a new type of fuel cell produces small amounts of electricity from sugar. If the technology becomes viable for mass production, a few drops of your favorite soft drink will be all you need to recharge your cell phone. Time in the Animal Mind Apr 3 2007 - New York Times (Requires free registration) New studies suggest that the two directions of temporal travel are intimately entwined in the human brain. A number of psychologists argue that re-experiencing the past evolved in our ancestors as a way to plan for the future and that the rise of mental time travel was crucial to our species’ success. But some experts on animal behavior do not think we are unique in this respect. They point to several recent experiments suggesting that animals can visit the past and future as well. Study Shows Calcium's Role in the Brain Mar 29 2007 - NSTA News A new study by researchers at Oregon Health & Science University shows how calcium regulates the recharging of high-frequency auditory nerve cells after they have fired a burst of signals. The findings could have implications for neurological disorders. Chimps Hunt With Tools Mar 28 2007 - NSTA News Chimpanzees in Senegal are regularly making and using spears to hunt other primates without human assistance, according to new research. This research is the first to show habitual tool use by nonhumans while hunting other vertebrates. New Microscopic Technique is Developed Mar 26 2007 - Science Daily German researchers have developed a microscopic technique that allows imaging of large tissue samples, such as brain sections at good resolution. Biologists can study a tiny section of the brain at high microscopic resolution, but information about the connections between different regions are lost. Now Hans Ulrich Dodt at the Max Planck Institute in Munich, Germany, and colleagues have created a technique that allows imaging of large volumes, while retaining a high enough resolution to still see subcellular structures, such as the dendrites of neurons, within a large brain volume. Brain Injury Said to Affect Moral Choices Mar 23 2007 - New York Times (Requires free registration) Damage to an area of the brain behind the forehead, inches behind the eyes, transforms the way people make moral judgments in life or death situations, scientists report. In a new study, people with this rare injury expressed increased willingness to kill or harm another person if doing so would save other people’s lives. Why Children Never Leave Home? Evolution Mar 16 2007 - MSNBC.com The long childhoods and delayed maturity common in modern humans are traits that date back to at least the early members of our own species in Africa. Previous research had found that fossils from earlier hominids, such as Australopithecus and Homo erectus, possessed short growth periods that were more similar to chimpanzees than living humans. So, it was unclear, when a lengthier period of child development emerged in human evolution. The new analyses using teeth belonging to a child living in North Africa 160,000 years ago reveal longer-term growth patterns similar to those found in modern European children. What's So Funny? Well, Maybe Nothing Mar 13 2007 - New York Times (Requires free registration) Laughter, a topic that stymied philosophers for 2,000 years, is finally yielding to science. Researchers have scanned brains and tickled babies, chimpanzees, and rats. They have traced the evolution of laughter back to what looks like the primal joke or, to be precise, the first stand-up routine to kill with an audience of primates. Living Long on Less? Mouse and Human Cells Respond to Slim Diets Mar 12 2007 - Science News Scientists have known since the 1930s that mice and other animals live 30 to 50% longer when placed on a diet that is low in calories yet nutritionally complete. The unanswered question has been whether calorie restriction has the same life-extending effect on people. Direct proof of a payoff for human longevity would take decades. But scientists have now shown that people on a calorie-restricted diet experience many of the cellular changes reported in mouse studies. Study Uncovers Memory Aid: A Scent During Sleep Mar 9 2007 - New York Times (Requires free registration) Scientists studying how sleep affects memory have found that the whiff of a familiar scent can help a slumbering brain better remember things that it learned the evening before. The smell of roses, delivered to people’s nostrils as they studied, and, later as they slept, improved their performance on a memory test by 13%. The new research is the first rigorous test of the effect of odor on human memory during sleep. Dino Bones Reveal DNA Surprise Mar 8 2007 - MSNBC.com The distinction between birds and the dinosaurs from which they evolved is becoming more challenging, researchers say. Scientists used to think that relatively shorter genomes were associated with flight. Birds have short genomes compared to other vertebrates or animals with backbones. However, a new finding complicates this thinking and shows that the shorter genomes of birds originated in Saurischian dinosaurs, the group of dinosaurs from which birds evolved. Project Uses DNA to Trace Ancestry Mar 6 2007 - Science Daily With a simple swipe of the inside of a cheek, scientists can now determine what part of the world a person’s ancestors come from. The National Geographic Society, in partnership with IBM, plans to collect DNA samples from indigenous tribes throughout the world as part of the Genographic Project, a global effort to trace the origins of human ancestry. Scientists Try to Predict Intentions Mar 5 2007 - CBS News At a laboratory in Germany, volunteers slide into a MRI machine and perform simple tasks, such as deciding whether to add or subtract two numbers, or choosing which of two buttons to press. They have no idea that scientists in the next room are trying to read their minds, using a brain scan to figure out their intention before it is turned into action. In the past, scientists had been able to detect decisions about making physical movements before those movements appeared. But researchers claim they have now identified people's decisions about how they would later perform a high-level mental activity. Fruit Fly Hearts Similar to Human Hearts Feb 27 2007 - Science Daily Scientists say Drosophila fruit fly research may lead to new treatments for heart disease, the leading cause of death in industrialized nations. DNA From Ivory May Lead to Poachers Feb 26 2007 - CBS News The complex science of DNA analysis is helping to protect elephants by showing police and conservationists the source of black-market ivory. The price of ivory has nearly quadrupled in recent years, prompting poachers to kill more elephants to sell their tusks illegally. Protecting the giant animals is complicated by the fact that they spread across large parts of Africa and authorities are unsure where the illegal hunting is taking place. But the seizure of more than six tons of ivory in Singapore in 2002 has helped solve part of that puzzle, according to a new report. Skeletons Fly: 3-D Video Traces Bird Evolution Feb 22 2007 - MSNBC.com Scientists are filming alligators as they trot along treadmills and pigeons on the fly in wind tunnels. But rather than a view of flesh and muscles, a new three-dimensional video technique peeks beneath the skin to show skeletons on the move. Brown University scientists are using this approach to understand how the biomechanics of flight evolved. How the Brain Responds to Risky Decisions Feb 14 2007 - NSTA News Should you have surgery that is likely to extend your life, but poses some risk that you will not survive? Should you consider leaving a comfortable job for one that pays better, but is less secure? Researchers at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), have conducted the first neuroscience research that offers insight into how people go about evaluating such situations. Specifically, the research compares how our brains evaluate the possibility of gaining versus losing when making risky decisions. Sleep Well Before Learning Something New Feb 14 2007 - NewScientist.com A new study shows that sleep deprivation can severely hamper the brain’s ability to learn. Faces, Faces Everywhere Feb 13 2007 - New York Times (Requires free registration) Why do we see faces everywhere we look? Compelling answers are beginning to emerge from biologists and computer scientists who are gaining new insights into how the brain recognizes and processes facial data. Putting the Brakes on Evolution Feb 5 2007 - Nature News Think your genes have evolved to make the perfect proteins for your body? Think again. Researchers have found that a secondary function of some pieces of DNA has held this evolution in check, slowing the associated genes’ progress in becoming ‘ideal’ protein machines. Scientists Figure Out Origins of Sea Smell Feb 2 2007 - MSNBC.com A trip to the beach means sand between your toes, salt water in your mouth, and that aromatic sea air in your nose. But what gives the ocean air that delightful and distinctive smell? The smell comes from a gas produced by genes recently identified by researchers in ocean-dwelling bacteria. "Hobbit" Was Own Species, Not Diseased Human, Brain Study Says Jan 30 2007 - National Geographic News A tiny, hobbit-like human that lived 18,000 years ago was a member of its own unique species and was not a diseased human, according to a new study of the hobbit’s skull. When discovery of the so-called hobbit was announced in 2004, scientists hailed it as a new species. Other scientists argued the hobbit is a modern human with a genetic disease called microcephaly, which causes the formation of small brains. The ensuing debate has led to several comparisons between the hobbit’s brain and those of modern microcephalics. The new study aims to resolve this debate by defining the brain characteristics that distinguish “normal” modern humans from microcephalics. For more information on Science and the Brain, NSTA members can refer to the January 2007 issue of The Science Teacher. Evolution Change May Help Plants Cope Better Jan 30 2007 - NSTA News Countering Charles Darwin’s view that evolution occurs gradually, scientists at the University of California, Irvine, have discovered that plants with short life cycles can evolutionally adapt in just a few years to climate change. Scientists Develop 'DNA Nanotags' Jan 29 2007 - Science Daily Carnegie Mellon University researchers say they have combined fluorescent dye molecules with DNA nanostructure templates to make nanosized fluorescent labels called nanotags. The researchers note that such nanoscale labels hold considerable promise for studying fundamental chemical and biochemical reactions in single molecules or cells, improving the sensitivity for fluorescence-based imaging and medical diagnostics. Why Our Brains Suffer a Log-Jam Jan 29 2007 - Daily Mail (London, England) Scientists have located a “bottleneck in the brain” that may explain why we find it hard to do two things at once. The problem appears to be caused by a log-jam of nerve messages. Researchers note the findings have important implications for motor safety and work within complex environments, such as an aircraft cockpit. For more information on Science and the Brain, NSTA members can refer to the January 2007 issue of The Science Teacher. Are Anti-Bacterial Soaps a Good Idea? Jan 29 2007 - MSN.com Is it true that anti–bacterial soaps are bad? Learn Bill Nye’s surprising answer in this article. New Squirrel-like Rodent Discovered in Peru Jan 24 2007 - NewScientist.com A “strikingly unusual” new mammal has been discovered in the tree forests of Peru. The large rodent, which has been described by its finders as a “handsome novelty,” looks similar to a squirrel and yet is most closely related to spiny rats. Study: Learning Process Slows Alzheimer's Jan 24 2007 - Science Daily A new study suggests that the process of learning can slow the development of two brain lesions that are the hallmarks of Alzheimer’s disease. University of California, Irvine, researchers say their finding indicates older people can help delay the onset of the degenerative disease by keeping their minds active. For more information on Science and the Brain, NSTA members can refer to the January 2007 issue of The Science Teacher. Researchers Demonstrate Direct Brain Control of a Humanoid Robot Jan 22 2007 - NSTA News A classic science fiction scene shows a person wearing a metal skullcap with electrodes sticking out to detect the person’s thoughts. Another science fiction movie standard depicts robots doing humans’ bidding. These two images have now been combined, thanks to University of Washington researchers who have controlled the movement of a humanoid robot with signals from a human brain. Folic Acid Supplements Rejuvenate Older Brains Jan 19 2007 - NewScientist.com Folic acid supplements can improve mental performance and memory in people over 50, according to a new study. Also known as vitamin B9, folic acid is naturally present in foods such as liver, spinach, and beans, and is taken as a supplement by pregnant women to prevent the birth defect spina bifida. But researchers have now shown that folic acid or folate might also slow the insidious effects of age on the brain. For more information on Science and the Brain, NSTA members can refer to the January 2007 issue of The Science Teacher. Amnesia Destroys Imagination as Well as Memory, Study Finds Jan 18 2007 - National Geographic News New research suggests amnesia may rob people of their imaginations as well as their memories. For more information on Science and the Brain, NSTA members can refer to the January 2007 issue of The Science Teacher. Cells' Quality Control Methods Studied Jan 17 2007 - Science Daily Scientists have determined how human cells avoid protein production mistakes that can produce serious neurological diseases. The findings appear in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. Scientists Discover Gene Mutation for Milk Tolerance Jan 16 2007 - NSTA News A discovery by an international team of scientists led by a University of Maryland researcher identifies, for the first time, genetic mutations in East Africans that are associated with the ability to digest milk as adults. The Voices in My Head Say 'Buy It!' Why Argue? Jan 16 2007 - New York Times (Requires free registration) Now that scientists have spotted the pain and pleasure centers in the brain, they’ve moved on to more expensive real estate: the brain’s shopping center. For more information on Science and the Brain, NSTA members can refer to the January 2007 issue of The Science Teacher. Big Bird-Brains Boost Beneficial Behaviors Jan 10 2007 - NewScientist.com Bigger brained birds have a better chance of survival, according to a study that examined the mortality rates of 200 bird species around the world. For more information on Science and the Brain, NSTA members can refer to the January 2007 issue of The Science Teacher. Researchers Map New Form of Genetic Diversity Dec 26 2006 - NSTA News A new map of human genetic diversity provides a powerful tool for understanding how each person is unique. Are Scientists Closer to Discovering a Fountain of Youth? Dec 21 2006 - Scientific American The case of a 15-year-old Afghan boy with a rare genetic condition that caused him to age rapidly may help scientists unlock the mysteries how and why we age, bringing them closer to finding a way to halt or dramatically slow the aging process. Humans Migrated Out of Africa, Then Some Went Back, Study Says Dec 15 2006 - National Geographic News Humans first moved out of Africa about 70,000 years ago, but 30,000 years later some of them moved back. That’s according to a new study based on DNA evidence from ancient human remains found in Africa. The study shows that a small group of early humans returned to Africa after migrating to the Middle East. Gas On Your Mind: Snail's Brain Provides Insights Into Human Learning Dec 14 2006 - Science Daily Scientists at the University of Leicester are trying to gain a greater insight into the workings of the human mind--through the study of a snail's brain. Endangered Turtle Found in Vietnam Dec 8 2006 - Yahoo News Researchers in Vietnam announced Friday they have caught one of the world's most endangered turtles in the wild, a development which could bolster efforts to protect the species from hunters and collectors. While the turtles are still found in markets and pet shops, it was the first time researchers have caught one in the wild in 65 years. Professor Devises New Form of Solar Cell Nov 28 2006 - CBS News A University of Idaho professor is devising a new form of solar cell she says could lead to a breakthrough that would make solar energy commercially feasible. Chemist Pam Shapiro, her graduate students, and Shapiro’s colleagues at the university are working on creating better materials and combining them in new ways that could more than double the efficiency of present solar cells. If successful, Shapiro says the new technology could help the U.S. break its oil dependency. Whales Boast The Brain Cells That 'Make Us Human' Nov 27 2006 - NewScientist.com Whales may share our kind of intelligence, researchers say, after discovering brain cells previously found only in humans and other primates. Toxic Seed Becomes Hope for the Hungry Nov 27 2006 - Christian Science Monitor Where most people might look at a white-capped cotton plant and see the makings of next year’s T-shirts, Keerti Rathore sees food for a hungry world. Rathore and his colleagues have figured out how to make poisonous cottonseeds fit for human consumption. The new, nontoxic seeds could give 500 million people an additional source of high-quality protein, the team estimates, if the genetically engineered plant is approved for cultivation. Fish 'Personalities' Shaped by Life Experience Nov 22 2006 - Nature News You might be forgiven for thinking that fish have no personality. But according to biologists in Britain, not only do different trout have various characters, but these change as the fish experience life’s highs and lows. Fruit Flies' Aerial Stunts Inspire Brain Study Nov 21 2006 - National Geographic News Budding engineers often take apart common devices, such as toasters, and put them back together again to learn how the parts make up a working system. However, budding biologists have a harder time using this approach, once a living organism is taken apart it usually cannot be made to function again. Using modern genetic engineering techniques, researchers are now able to turn biological components on and off, in effect removing parts to see how each one affects the whole system. Genomic "Time Machine" May Pinpoint Divergence of Human and Neanderthal Nov 15 2006 - Scientific American A short, fossilized femur from a 38-year-old Neanderthal, which sat untouched in a museum in Zagreb, Croatia, could lead to the first full genome sequence of Homo Sapiens' closest relative and help scientists understand what is special about humans, say research teams who have published analyses of two partial sequences of Neanderthal DNA in this week's issues of Science and Nature. Neanderthal Gene Study Reveals Early Split With Humans Oct 27 2006 - National Geograhic News A new genetic study bolsters theories of an early human-Neanderthal split and is helping scientists pinpoint what makes human unique. Honeybees Have Their Genome Sequenced Oct 25 2006 - NewScientist.com The honeybee (Apis mellifera) is the third insect, after the fruit fly and mosquito, to have its genome sequenced, and a comparison with those insects has already revealed some surprises. For example, the honeybee genome has evolved more slowly compared to mosquitoes and fruit flies. But the rate of genetic recombination, the shuffling of maternal and paternal genes into new combinations, is nearly 10 times that so far discovered in any animal, including humans. Viral Infections May Contribute to Memory Loss Oct 23 2006 - NewScientist.com A group of aggressive viruses, including those responsible for common colds, polio, and diarrhea, may harm a crucial memory–processing region in the brain known as the hippocampus, according to new research. The viruses, called, picornaviruses, infect more than a billion people worldwide every year. Gene Key to Taste Bud Development Identified Oct 20 2006 - NSTA News Scientists have identified a gene that controls the development of taste buds. The gene, SOX2, stimulates stem cells on the surface of the embryonic tongue and in the back of the mouth to transform into taste buds, according to a research team at the Duke University Medical Center. Genetic 'Roadmap' Charts Links Between Drugs and Human Disease Oct 18 2006 - NSTA News A research team led by scientists at the Broad Institute of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Harvard University has developed a new kind of genetic “roadmap” that can connect human diseases with potential drugs to treat them, as well as predict how new drugs work in human cells. 'DNA Computer' is Unbeatable at Tic-Tac-Toe Oct 17 2006 - NewScientist.com A computer that uses strands of DNA to perform calculations has mastered the game tic-tac-toe. MAYA–II, developed by researchers at the University of New Mexico and Columbia University, uses a system of DNA logic gates to calculate its moves. Scientists have already developed DNA computers capable of various similar simple calculations. But the researchers behind MAYA–II say their design should prove particularly useful for exploring ways to identify the genetic markers associated with certain diseases. Neanderthal DNA Illuminates Split With Humans Oct 11 2006 - NewScientist.com The first comparison of human and Neanderthal DNA shows that the two lineages diverged about 400,000 years ago and that Neanderthals may have had more DNA in common with chimps than with modern humans. U.S. Prepares for Major Genetic Studies Sep 28 2006 - Science Daily John Hopkins University has received a $2 million grant to prepare for large U.S. studies to examine the roles that genes and the environment can play in human health. “Such research could help unravel the complex genetic and environmental factors that contribute to common diseases such as cancer and heart disease,” explains Francis Collins, director of the National Human Genome Research Institute. Tarantulas Spin Silk From Their Feet Sep 28 2006 - Nature News Most spiders rely on their tiny claws and hairy feet to scurry up walls and cling to ceilings, but it seems that heavier spiders need an extra bit of sticking power. Researchers have discovered that the secret for tarantulas is gluey silk from their feet. 'Spectrum of Empathy' Found in the Brain Sep 18 2006 - NewScientist.com Do you ever wonder how some people can put themselves into another person’s shoes and some people cannot? Our ability to empathize with others seems to depend on the actions of “mirror neurons” in the brain, according to a new study. Mouse-like Mammal May Hold Genetic Key Sep 15 2006 - Science Daily Purdue University researchers say the shadowy, mouse–like vole is not well known, but could serve as an important scientific tool. Studies have shown that the rodent, a fast–evolving mammal, has puzzling genetic traits that could help explain human genetics and evolution. First Tree Joins Genome Club Sep 14 2006 - Nature News The first tree genome has been published. Armed with this information about the black cottonwood poplar (Populus trichocarpa), researchers hope they will be able to make the tree a better source of renewable energy. 'Mix and Match' Proteins Found Sep 8 2006 - Nature News Proteins appear to be more changeable than biologists once thought. Human cells can apparently shuffle the components of these molecules, cutting and reordering them to make new structures. This ability might allow the body to boost its immune response against infected cells. Researchers are optimistic that it could enhance their understanding of how the immune system recognizes cells that need to be attacked. Evolution of Fruit Fly Mirrors Climate Change Sep 7 2006 - NSTA News Fast-warming climate appears to be triggering genetic changes in a species of fruit fly that is native to Europe and was introduced into North and South America about 25 years ago. Fastest-Evolving Human Gene Linked to Brain Boost Aug 16 2006 - NewScientist.com A study of differences between the human and chimp genomes has identified a gene associated with neural growth in the cerebral cortex, the part of the brain involved in processing thoughts and learning, as having undergone “accelerated evolutionary change.” A research team led by Katherine Pollard of the University of California, Santa Cruz, suggests that the fast–changing gene may help explain the dramatic expansion of this part of the brain during the evolution of humans. Another Source of Genetic Variability Mapped Aug 11 2006 - Nature News The way that some pieces of DNA are cut and changed within individual genomes has been mapped for the first time. This catalog of insertions and deletions in the human genome could eventually help scientists to find treatments for diseases, tailored to the genetic make–up of individuals. Evolution Reversed to Rebuild Old Gene Aug 7 2006 - MSNBC.com Scientists have reconstructed a 530 million-year-old gene by piecing together key portions of two modern genes that descended from it. Researchers say the effort could lead to new types of gene therapy, in which a damaged gene could be restored by pairing parts of it with portions from a similar gene from another part of the body. More information about the work can be found in the journal Developmental Cell. Stressed Plants Pass on Ability to Quickly Adapt Aug 7 2006 - Scientific American Researchers have shown plants’ ability to adapt to changing conditions in stressful situations can be passed on to four generations. Barbara Hohn of the Friedrich Miescher Institute for Biomedical Research in Switzerland and her colleagues subjected several thale cress plants to harsh levels of ultraviolet light or evidence of bacterial pathogens. The plants survived the ordeal by increasing the frequency of homologous recombination during cell division as expected. But the plants also passed this elevated mutation rate onto their offspring at a rate of two to four times higher than in the progeny of unstressed parents, even when these offspring were not challenged with ultraviolet light or pathogens. Scientists Break Down Oil-Eating Microbe Jul 31 2006 - Scientific American Oil spills continue to be a major problem across the globe. The spills have soiled the world’s seas every year causing ecological damage. Scientists developing strategies to clean the oceans have looked to the microbes that thrive in the wake of such spills as one solution. A detailed analysis of a microbe named Alcanivorax borkumensis, a rod-shaped bacteria that relies on oil to provide it with energy, has enabled scientists to move one step closer to having biologically-based remedies for oil spills. Scattered Laser Light Gives Bacteria Away Jul 31 2006 - NewScientist.com Researchers from Purdue University have built a fast and inexpensive device for detecting the presence of potentially deadly microbes. The device, called a laser scatterometer, can identify bacterial colonies after a few hours of growth. Bacterial colonies grow in complex structures that are specific to their species. When hit with a laser beam, the researchers found that these structures scatter light into a unique pattern, similar to a fingerprint. Scientists Hope to Unravel Neanderthal DNA Jul 21 2006 - New York Times (Requires free registration) German researchers plan to partner with an American company to reconstruct the genome of Neanderthals. The initial genome to be decoded comes from 45,000-year-old Neanderthal bones found in Croatia. Bones from other sites would be analyzed at a later date. Experts note that recovery of the Neanderthal genome, in whole or in part, would be invaluable for reconstructing many events in human prehistory and evolution. The Quest for the $1,000 Human Genome Jul 18 2006 - New York Times (Requires free registration) Scientists are decoding a new human genome in an effort to develop a new generation of machines that will sequence DNA at a reduced cost. The human genome being decoded is that of James D. Watson, co–discover of the structure of DNA and the first director of the National Institutes of Health’s human genome project. Experts note that decoding a person’s genome is at present far too costly to be a feasible medical procedure. But the aim of the NIH and several manufacturers, including the company decoding Watson’s DNA, is to reduce the costs of decoding a human genome to a $1,000. Evolution Caught in the Act Jul 13 2006 - Nature News Competition between two species of finch in the Galápagos islands has caused the beak size of one species to shrink. Detailed observations of the birds, which Darwin famously studied while formulating his theory of evolution, have provided one of the best descriptions of a characteristic trait evolving in the wild. Arctic Vault to Store Seeds in Case of Disaster Jul 5 2006 - The National Academies Seeds from thousands of crop varieties will be stored in a vault being built in Norway to safeguard the seeds in the event of catastrophe. More than 100 countries are contributing funds to build the vault. The seeds will be packaged in foil and stored at sub-zero temperatures. Genetic Science Applied to Historic Prints Jun 21 2006 - MSNBC.com A biology professor with a passion for old prints and maps has found a new way to date centuries-old books by using a technique similar to what scientists use to study mutations. Pennsylvania State University’s Blair Hedges “print clock” technique consists of counting the number of discrepancies, such as line breaks on the same pages in the different editions of a book. Experts note that breaks or fading may be a result of wear and tear during print runs. Hedges said his analysis shows the breaks occur at a constant rate over time. Scientists Taking Cues from Nature Jun 20 2006 - CBS News People have always looked to nature for inspiration. But for the past 30 years, such observations have become the foundation of an increasingly popular scientific field—biologically inspired design. Dozens of researchers gathered in Atlanta in May to share their experiments in what observers said was a sign of the field’s coming of age. Projects on display included how bat ears could improve sonar technology and using worms to learn how to develop sensors that could one day distinguish smell. Critics argue the “relative dearth of discoveries and the staggering cost to develop them is not worth the final product.” Scientists in the field say “recent advances will lead to new discoveries that will far outweigh any concerns.” Foraging Monkeys Make Use of Meteorology Jun 20 2006 - Scientific American New research shows that humans are not the only primates that plan outdoor activities based on the weather. Gray-cheeked mangabey monkeys also rely on weather clues to find figs and insect larvae, according to researchers at the University of St. Andrews in Scotland. Karline Janmaat and her colleagues used global positioning system satellite technology to record the monkeys’ movements in the Kibale National Park of Uganda for 210 days to make their finding. The finding may support the idea that primate cognition evolved to solve problems rooted in ecology, such as foraging. Duck Look-Alike Reveals Birds' Evolution Jun 16 2006 - New York Times (Requires free registration) Filling a gap in the evolution of birds, scientists have found fossils of a bird that lived 110 million years ago and resembled a small modern-day waterfowl. One of the new fossils, from northwest China, even preserves the webbing between the toes. Scientists note that the finding supports the notion that all living birds, from ostriches to ducks to hummingbirds, descended from an ancestor that lived by the shore. More information about the finding can be found in the journal Science. Scientists Find New Shark Species Jun 13 2006 - CBS News Scientists have discovered a new genetically distinct species of hammerhead shark. Dubbed the “cryptic species,” the new sharks are rare and live off the coast of South Carolina. Scalloped hammerheads are common along the coast and sharks of the cryptic species were found from Florida to North Carolina. The newborn cryptic sharks, however, were found mainly along the South Carolina coast. “The apparent abundance of the cryptic species in coastal South Carolina could be a result of sampling, but it might also highlight the fact that the South Carolina bays are the more important nursery grounds for the cryptic species,” explains Joe Quattro, a biology professor, who found the new shark species. Experts Tracking Coral Reef Killers Jun 13 2006 - ABC News Biologists and criminal experts from around the world are joining forces to develop crime scene investigation techniques that work under water. The effort will help marine biologists document and preserve their findings so they will hold up in court if death strikes a coral reef. The “CSI”-type standards will govern such things as how to take notes under the sea, how to mark off and photograph a crime scene, and how to preserve the chain of custody so that defense attorneys cannot argue that evidence was tampered with. Genes Governing Embryonic Stem Cell "Immortality" Discovered Jun 12 2006 - Scientific American New research has uncovered some of the genes that allow embryonic stem cells to renew themselves. Princeton University researchers made the discovery using a bent sequence of RNA—so-called short hairpin RNA (shRNA)—to sequentially turn on and off various genes within embryonic stem cells from a mouse. The shRNA, delivered by a virus, allowed the researchers to determine whether a given gene helped control stem cell differentiation. The researchers plan to continue their work into mouse stem cells as well as human colonies. Why We Need a Siesta After Dinner Jun 5 2006 - NewScientist.com The mystery of why we often feel sleepy after eating a big meal may finally be solved. Researchers from the University of Manchester in the United Kingdom have discovered that high blood glucose levels, similar to those after eating a big meal, can switch off the brain cells that normally keep us awake and alert. Denis Burdakov, who led the research, says the findings make evolutionary sense since sleepiness could be the body’s way of telling us to relax and conserve energy once we have consumed our food. Chocolate Generates Electrical Power Jun 1 2006 - NewScientist.com Scientists in the United Kingdom have discovered that chocolate can generate electrical power. Lynne Mackaskie and her colleagues at the University of Birmingham fed Escherichia coli bacteria diluted with caramel and nougat waste. The bacteria consumed the sugar and produced hydrogen. The researchers then used this hydrogen to power a fuel cell, which generated enough electricity to power a small fan. Scientists note this process could provide a use for chocolate waste that would otherwise end up in a landfill. Ozone and Cholesterol Combine to Cause Heart Disease May 31 2006 - Scientific American New research scheduled to appear in Biochemistry shows how the ozone’s byproducts in the body can harden arteries and cause heart disease. Chemist Paul Wentworth, Jr., of the Scripps Research Institute and his colleagues tested such byproducts known as atheronals—in vitro. The team’s previous research had shown that the white blood cells responsible for inflaming arterial walls also produce ozone and ultimately the atheronals: atheronal-a and atheronal-b. The new research shows that when the atheronals interact with various blood cells, they produce some of the effects that can lead to heart disease. Stomach Bug Makes Food Yield More Calories May 26 2006 - Nature News Scientists have identified a key microbe in the human stomach that helps us glean more calories from food. Samuel Buck of Washington University in St. Louis and his colleagues focused on the microbe Methanobrevibacter smithii, a “bug” that removes waste, to make their finding. The discovery supports the idea that the type of microbes in our stomach help to determine how much weight we gain, and that filling the intestine with particular “bugs” could help fight obesity. Mouse Finding Violates Laws of Heredity May 25 2006 - Scientific American DNA has long been considered the sole arbiter of heredity. New research, however, shows that RNA itself may also pass traits down through the generations. Experts explain the result may someday help scientists understand aspects of diabetes, infertility, and other diseases. In a commentary accompanying the report, Paul Soloway of Cornell University said, “a particularly intriguing possibility is that such RNAs regulate other nongenetic modes of inheritance, such as metabolic or behavioral imprinting.” Humans May Have Limiting Effect on the Origin of (New) Species May 23 2006 - New York Times (Requires free registration) Humans can threaten species with extinction in many ways, including pollution, deforestation, and over fishing. But two new studies point to another danger to the world’s biodiversity. Scientists explain in this article that humans may be blocking new species from evolving. 'Hobbit' Species Discovery Challenged May 19 2006 - ABC News The surprising discovery of bones heralded as a new, hobbit-like human species may turn out to have simply been the remains of a human suffering from a genetic illness that causes the body and brain to shrink, according to researchers challenging the original report. The bones were discovered in 2003 on the Indonesian island of Flores and caused a stir in the scientific community when researchers declared they represented a new, dwarf species, which they named Homo floresiensis. However, some scientists questioned whether it was really a new species. Robert D. Martin of the Field Museum in Chicago and co-authors are challenging the original classification in a technical comment in today’s issue of the journal Science. Is Shrub Darwin's 'Missing Link?' May 18 2006 - CBS News To millions of Moms, the Mother’s Day bouquet still gracing the table symbolizes gratitude and love. But to Charles Darwin, the flowers would also stand as colorful characters in what he called an “abominable mystery—“ the origin of flowering plants. “It’s no different now,” said biologist William Friedman, noting the mystery remains abominable. But Friedman may have plant biologists on a promising new scent. Friedman says he has discovered a unique trait in an ancient line of plants that could represent a missing link between flowering plants and more ancient seed plants. Chimpanzee and Human Ancestors May Have Interbred May 17 2006 - Nature News The evolutionary split between humans and chimpanzees may have taken place earlier than thought, according to a new genetic study. The split may also have been more of a challenge than previously thought leading to the controversy theory that humans and chimpanzees may have interbred many thousands of years after first parting company. More information about the study can be found in the journal Nature. Evolution Happens Faster in the Tropics May 2 2006 - MSNBC.com A new study suggests that plants and animals living in warm, tropical climates evolve faster than those living in more temperate zones. Scientists from the University of Auckland in New Zealand examined the rate of molecular evolution for 45 tropical plants and compared it to related species living at more temperate latitudes to make their finding. Published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, the finding could help explain why rainforests have such rich biodiversity compared with other parts of the planet. Environmental DNA Damage May Drive Human Mutation May 1 2006 - Scientific American Japanese scientists have shown how environmentally damaged letters can lead to transcription flaws and, ultimately, human diversity. Geneticist Yusaku Nakabeppu of Kyushu University and his colleagues studied the abundance of 8-oxoG in cellular cultures from four subjects, two men and two women. By fluorescently labeling monoclonal anti-bodies that attach to DNA sites where 8-oxoG has made its changes, the researchers revealed that the oxidized guanine does not occur randomly throughout the chromosome, but rather clusters in certain areas. Evolution Gets Busy in the Urban Lab Apr 26 2006 - NewScientist.com Evolution is operating with a vengeance in the urban environment as animals struggle to adapt to novel conditions and cope with “evolutionary illusions.” An animal is said to be in an evolutionary illusion or trap when it does something it has evolved to do, but at the wrong time or in the wrong place. The concept may help explain why so many squirrels are squashed on city streets, notes Joel Brown, an ecologist at the University of Illinois in Chicago. New Fossil Links Up Human Evolution Apr 13 2006 - ABC News Fossils have long provided snapshots of the human family tree, but a new find in Africa gives scientists a kind of mini home movie showing man’s primal development. Because the 4.2 million-year-old fossil is from the same human ancestral hot spot in Ethiopia as remains from seven other human-like species, scientists can now fill in the gaps for the most complete evolutionary chain so far. Scans Show Different Growth for Intelligent Brains Mar 30 2006 - New York Times (Requires free registration) The brains of highly intelligent children develop in a different pattern from those with more average abilities, researchers have found after analyzing a series of imaging scans collected over 17 years. Some experts expect the discovery will help scientists understand intelligence in terms of the genes that foster it and the childhood experiences that can promote it. For more information on Genetics, NSTA members can refer to the March 2006 issue of Science Scope. Transgenic Pigs are Rich in Healthy Fats Mar 27 2006 - NewScientist.com Transgenic pigs enriched with omega-3 fatty acids could one day make pork sausages a healthy food choice. The western diet has become skewed towards the consumption of omega-6 fatty acids over omega-3’s. The belief is that the fatty acids have contributed to increased incidents of heart disease, cancer, diabetes, and other diseases. But researchers have created pigs that can convert their unhealthy omega-6 fatty acids into omega-3’s. Scientists hope to double the omega-3 concentration in future efforts, bringing the levels close to those found in fish. For more information on Health, Nutrition, and the Human Body, NSTA members can refer to the March 2006 issue of Science & Children. A Hunt for Genes That Betrayed a Desert People Mar 21 2006 - New York Times (Requires free registration) A group of scientists are studying the plight of a community known as Bedouins. Until recently, the Bedouins’ ancestors were nomads who roamed the deserts of the Middle East and, as tradition dictated, often married cousins. Marrying within the family helped strengthen bonds among extended families struggling to survive the desert. But after centuries this custom of intermarriage has had devastating genetic effects. For more information on Genetics, NSTA members can refer to the March 2006 issue of Science Scope. 'DNA origami' Creates Map of the Americas Mar 16 2006 - NewScientist.com Using a new technique for manipulating molecules, Paul Rothemund at Caltech in Pasadena, California, has created a map of the Americas measuring just a few hundred nanometres across out of carefully folded strands of DNA. This new technique has been dubbed "DNA origami". Rothemund says that DNA origami could prove hugely important for building future nano-devices including molecular machines and quantum computer components. The technique exploits the fact that complementary base pairs of DNA will automatically stick together and involves folding a single strand of DNA in many different ways. Chillies Turn Up the Heat on Tumours Mar 15 2006 - New Scientist.com A new study shows the same component of jalapeno peppers that makes them burn the human tongue also appears to kill prostate cancer cells. Phillip Koeffler of Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles and his colleagues exposed human prostate cancer cells in a laboratory dish to the natural compound. They found that capsaicin dramatically slowed the proliferation of the cells in the dish. Koeffler says men concerned about prostate cancer should not interpret these findings as a reason to increase their consumption of hot peppers, noting the compound has not been shown to prevent cancer, instead it simply slows cancer growth. For more information about Health, Nutrition, and the Human Body, NSTA members can refer to the March 2006 issue of Science & Children. Nanotech Restores Vision in Hamsters Mar 14 2006 - MSNBC.com Scientists can partially restore the vision of blinded hamsters by plugging gaps in their injured brains with a synthetic substance that allows brain cells to reconnect with one another, according to a new study. If the method can be applied to humans, the microscopic material could one day help restore sensory and motor function to patients suffering from strokes and injuries of the brain or spinal cord. It could also help mend cuts made in the brain during surgery. For more information on Health, Nutrition, and the Human Body, NSTA members can refer to the March 2006 issue of Science & Children. Ear's Spiral Responds to Bass Mar 13 2006 - Nature News Why is our cochlea curled into a spiral? It has been thought to be a space-saving measure. But Vanderbilt University researchers have shown the spiral could be vital for increasing our ear’s sensitivity to sound, particularly at low frequencies. The researchers believe the snail-shell curve of the cochlea focuses sound waves at the spiral’s outer edge, making it easier for vibration sensitive cells to detect them. If the researchers are right, then the ear is more sophisticated that we thought. “It would show we need to take a step back from the cell biology and see how the cochlea works as an integrated system,” explains Karl Grosh who studies the ear’s structure. The findings also suggest that artificial cochlear implants could be improved. For more information on Health, Nutrition, and the Human Body, NSTA members can refer to the March 2006 issue of Science & Children. Separation of Man and Ape Down to Gene Expression Mar 9 2006 - Scientific American Humans and chimpanzees have in common more than 98% of DNA and 99% of genes. But in looks and behavior we are very different from them. For more than 30 years--well before either the human or chimpanzee genome had been sequenced--scientists have speculated that this might be due to the way that the common genes express themselves rather than differences in the genes themselves. A new comparison published in Nature seems to prove that theory. For more information on Genetics, NSTA members can refer to the March 2006 issue of Science Scope. Human Selection is Alive and Kicking Mar 7 2006 - Nature News Researchers at the University of Chicago have identified the regions of our genetic sequence that show the strongest marks of natural selection. The scientists’ work highlights the genes that have been most important in adapting to new lifestyles, and could help to identify the genetic factors involved in complex medical conditions such as high blood pressure and alcoholism. For more information on Genetics, NSTA members can refer to the March 2006 issue of Science Scope. Chimps Display a Hallmark of Human Behavior: Cooperation Mar 3 2006 - New York Times (Requires free registration) One of the hallmarks of being human is cooperation. New studies on chimpanzees suggest that this part of human nature may have already existed millions of years ago, perhaps before the human and ape lineages divided. Scientists had observed chimpanzees in the wild apparently cooperating in the past, but skeptics said these observations might be illusions. They argued the scientists needed to conduct an experiment to get at what the chimpanzees were doing. In another set of experiments, the scientists compared the altruism of 18-month-old children with that of juvenile chimpanzees. The results can be found in the current issue of Science. Butterflies Poke Holes in DNA Barcodes Feb 27 2006 - Nature News A study of butterflies has highlighted a hotly debated glitch in DNA barcoding. Biologists sampling Karner blue butterflies have found that genetic scans failed to identify the endangered animals. The study’s authors believe the reason for the barcoding failure is that mitochondrial genes may have leaked from one sub-species to the other through a few rare inter-breedings. Bacteria Turns Styrofoam Into Biodegradable Plastic Feb 27 2006 - Scientific American Bacteria are everywhere, silently going about their business of breaking down cellulose, fermenting foods or fixing nitrogen in the soil, among a host of other activities. Given their ubiquity and diversity of functions, biotechnologists have been searching for new uses for different strains of the microscopic organisms, such as consuming oil spills or even capturing images. Biologists at the University College Dublin in Ireland have found that a strain of Pseudomonas putida can exist on a diet of pure styrene oil—the oil remnant of superheated Styrofoam—and, in the process, turn the environmental problem into a useful, biodegradable plastic. Scientists Find Gene That Controls Type of Earwax in People Jan 30 2006 - New York Times (Requires free registration) Japanese researchers have made an important discovery when it comes to earwax in people. Earwax comes in two types, wet and dry. The wet form predominates in Africa and Europe, where 97% or more people have it, and the dry form among East Asians. The populations of South and Central Asia are roughly half and half. By comparing the DNA of Japanese with each type, researchers have identified the gene that controls which type of earwax a person has. More information about the study can be found in today’s issue of Nature Genetics. Teen Brains Underdeveloped in Areas Related to Motivation Jan 20 2006 - New Scientist.com Teens may be more inclined to engage in risky activity, such as drunk driving, because the part of the brain associated with motivation is underdeveloped compared to adults. A recent article in the Journal of Neurosciences reveals that "[i]n adolescents, this part of the brain, known as the right ventrial striatum, appears to be under-active." James Bjork, who led the study, suggests that "[p]erhaps teens seek more extreme behaviours to achieve normal levels of stimulation in this brain region." Bjork told New Scientist that "the next step is to study teen reactions to delayed rewards." Cats Climb New Family Tree Jan 11 2006 - National Geographic News Researchers say they have solved an 11-million-year-old puzzle: how a single feline-like ancestor in Asia spread throughout the world and developed into all modern cat species. Cats are native to all continents except Australia and Antarctica, and the 37 wild and domestic species living today belong to one of the world's most successful carnivore families. The details of this evolution success story proved elusive for biologists, however, in part because of incomplete fossil records and the few distinguishing dental and skeletal characteristics among ancient cats. But after nearly 10 years of genetic research, scientists have constructed a feline family tree that better charts the journey of cat evolution. Journal Cites Evolution Studies in 2005 Dec 22 2005 - CBS News The journal Science’s pick for breakthrough of the year in 2005 is “evolution in action,” focusing on studies of how evolution works and how it affects lives today. Three areas of research were noted in particular. They include the sequencing of the chimpanzee genome, the human haplotype map, and research into the formation of new species as they evolve to differ from others. Several research projects were discussed at meetings to choose the annual breakthrough winner. “Then we realized they were all connected to evolution,” observed Colin J. Norman, news editor of Science. Researchers: Sweet Tooth May Be in Brain Dec 20 2005 - ABC News Biopsychology researchers have discovered a “pleasure spot” in the brains of rats that may shed light on how food translates into pleasure for humans. The researchers explain that sweetness by itself is merely a sensation. Its pleasure arises within the brain, where neural systems actively paint pleasure onto the sensation to generate a “liking” reaction. The results of Susana Pecina and Kent Berridge’s work could have applications for treating eating disorders. Plan Matures for Partner to Genome Quest Dec 15 2005 - Nature News Geneticists are brewing plans for a collective effort, loosely patterned on the Human Genome Project, which would map subtle changes in DNA. Some say these changes are just as important to our understanding of disease as straight mutations. Backed by dozens of scientists, project supporters say they have not encountered much resistance because the proposal does not have a price tag yet. More information about the plan, called the Human Epigenome Project, can be found in the journal Cancer Research. Genetic Secrets of Man's Best Friend Revealed Dec 8 2005 - Scientific American Scientists have decoded the dog genome. A boxer named Tasha, selected for her high degree of inbreeding, had her genetic secrets puzzled out and then compared to partial genetic pictures of other breeds of dog and other mammals. Because each breed represents an isolated group with discrete traits that can be linked to distinct genes--and because different breeds suffer from some of the same maladies that afflict humans, such as allergies or certain types of cancer--the dog's genome should help isolate the genetic roots of such diseases, proving dogs' utility to humanity once more. In Give and Take of Evolution, a Surprising Contribution From Islands Nov 22 2005 - New York Times (Requires free registration) Two scientists have discovered that islands can act as engines of evolution instead of dead ends. Ornithologist Ernst Mayr laid the foundation for the modern understanding of the way new species evolve, arguing they mainly emerged when populations became geographically isolated. Biologist Christopher Filardi made the discovery by studying a group of Pacific island birds called monarch flycatchers that were among the birds Mayr studied 80 years ago. The results suggest that conserving biodiversity on islands is vital for the evolution of new species in the future. Gene Swapping Helps Bacteria Adapt Nov 21 2005 - Scientific American Bacteria, like all organisms, have to make a living in an ever-changing world. They face shifting climates, varying food supplies and—the horror of horrors—antibiotics. How do they adapt? According to the results of a new study, simply by copying the successful innovations of their relatives. New DNA Map Will Help Find Bad Genes Oct 27 2005 - ABC News Scientists have mapped patterns of tiny DNA differences that distinguish one person from another, an achievement that will help researchers find genes that promote common illnesses such as heart disease and diabetes. The map represents "a real sea change in how we study the genetics of disease," said Dr. David Altshuler, a leader of the project that included more than 200 researchers from six nations. One-Fifth of Human Genes Have Been Patented, Study Reveals Oct 13 2005 - National Geographic News A new study shows that 20% of human genes have been patented in the United States, primarily by private firms and universities. The study marks the first time that a detailed map has been created to match patents to specific physical locations on the human genome. Further information about the study can be found in this week’s issue of the journal Science. NASA Scientists Confirm Toxic Seas During Earth's Evolution Oct 10 2005 - Science Daily NASA exobiology researchers confirmed Earth's oceans were once rich in sulfides that would prevent advanced life forms, such as fish and mammals, from thriving. A team of scientists from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Harvard University, working with colleagues from Australia and the United Kingdom, analyzed the fossilized remains of photosynthetic pigments preserved in 1.6 billion-year-old rocks from the McArthur Basin in Northern Australia. They found evidence of photosynthetic bacteria that require sulfides and sunlight to live. Animals "Hit by Global Warming" Oct 5 2005 - BBC News Climate change could lead to the extinction of many animals including migratory birds, says a report commissioned by the British government. Melting ice, spreading deserts, and the impact of warm seas on the sex of turtles are among threats identified. It says that warming has already changed the migration routes of some birds and other animals. While many species have been able to adapt to new conditions simply by moving their ranges further towards the poles, the study warns that this option is not available to other animals such as polar bears and seals, whose habitat is disappearing rapidly with the melting of Arctic sea ice. Even subtle changes in sea temperature can have dramatic impacts on wildlife with rapid depletion of the tiny plankton organisms which form the base of the food web in the oceans. 'Whale Riders' Reveal Evolution Sep 21 2005 - BBC News Biologists from the University of Utah have examined the genes of “whale lice” to track the evolution of whales. The small parasitic crustaceans were taken off right whales, which have been driven to the brink of extinction in some waters by commercial hunting. The genetics of the lice reveal their hosts split into three species five to six million years ago, with the species being equally abundant before whaling began. More information about this study can be found in the journal Molecular Ecology. Genes Show Signs Brain Still Evolving Sep 9 2005 - ABC News The human brain may still be evolving, according to new research that involved the tracking of changes in two genes thought to help regulate brain growth. University of Chicago geneticist Bruce Lahn and colleagues identified a collection of variations in each gene that occurred with unusually high frequency using DNA samples from ethnically diverse populations to conduct their research. Lahn observed the “genetic evolution of humans in the very recent past might in some ways be linked to cultural evolution.” But scientists not associated with the study have urged “great caution” in interpreting the research. Scientists Decipher the Chimpanzee's DNA Sep 1 2005 - ABC News What makes us human? Scientists have taken a step toward finding a biological answer to that question. In papers published in the journals Nature and Science, scientists report that have deciphered the DNA of the chimpanzee, the closest living relative of humankind. “We’ve got the catalog, now we just have to figure it out,” explained Dr. Robert Waterston of the University of Washington School of Medicine and senior author of one of the papers appearing in the two journals. Building Life a Molecule at a Time Aug 19 2005 - CBS News They’re called “synthetic biologists” and they boldly claim the ability to make never-before-seen living things, one genetic molecule at a time. They are mixing, matching, and stacking DNA’s chemical components like microscopic Lego blocks in an effort to make biologically based computers, medicines, and alternative energy sources. The rapidly expanding field is confounding the taxonomists’ centuries-old system of classifying species and raising concerns about the new technology’s potential for misuse. Harvard to Investigate Origins of Life Aug 16 2005 - ABC News Harvard University plans to launch a research project that will explore how life began. The “Origins of Life in the Universe Initiative” will begin with an admission that some mysteries about life’s origins cannot be explained. A team of researchers will receive $1 million annually in funding from Harvard over the next few years to work on the project. “My expectation is that we will be able to reduce this to a very simple series of logical events that could have taken place with no divine intervention,” observed David R. Liu, a professor of chemistry and chemical biology at Harvard. Recipe for D-I-Y DNA Decoding Revealed Aug 5 2005 - Scientific American A thousand dollars can buy many things. Scientists hope to add an individual’s genetic sequence to that list. Researchers are developing new methods to conquer the task. One such method involves using a common epifluorescence microscope and a digital camera. Employing tiny beads one micron wide, researchers can replicate thousands of DNA sections simultaneously. Four different fluorescent dyes, which each bind selectively to one DNA base, are then used to “read” the DNA sequence by color. Tests on the E. coli genome indicate this technique has an error rate of less than one mistake per million bases. DNA Sequencing Speeds Up Aug 1 2005 - Scientific American With large scale DNA sequencing projects becoming more commonplace, scientists are investigating new sequencing methods to save time and money. One such method is 100 times faster than conventional methods. Designed by Jonathan M. Rothberg of 454 Life Science Corp. in Branford, Connecticut and his colleagues, the new technique uses tiny fiber-optic reaction vessels that measure 55 micrometers deep and 50 micrometers across. The method allows for the amplification and sequencing of hundreds and thousands of DNA molecules simultaneously. Butterfly Unlocks Evolution Secret Jul 24 2005 - BBC News Why one species branches into two is a question that has haunted evolutionary biologists since Darwin. Speciation takes place on a regular basis. Scientists, however, cannot pinpoint the driving forces behind it. But researchers studying a family of butterflies think they have witnessed a subtle process, which could be forcing a wedge between newly formed species. Scientists Make Light of Micro Cell Separation Jul 20 2005 - ABC News Scientists seeking a simple solution to separate single cells from a group of others have discovered a way to make light of the problem. Dubbed the “optoelectronic tweezer,” this new technique combines a relatively low intensity light source with photo electricity to enable scientists to literally corral the cells they want to study. The new technique could be used to quickly isolate and study foetal cells in a mother’s blood sample or separate abnormally shaped organisms from healthy ones. For more information on Cells, NSTA members can refer to the Summer 2005 edition of Science Scope. Study Lends Weight to Racing Equations Jul 15 2005 - nature.com When it comes to athletics, going the distance is not just a matter of fitness. Researchers have found that there is an ideal body mass for running at a certain speed, and for a certain distance. The researchers looked at records of élite athletes from a variety of running events, each of which suits itself to a different speed. By collecting the heights and weights of the world's 45 fastest men and women over eight different track distances for the past 14 years, they uncovered a surprisingly simple relationship between event distance and a runner's body size. The research also contributes to ongoing debate about the running ability of large animals, including dinosaurs. Ancient Life in China Limestone Jul 12 2005 - BBC News Researchers have found well-preserved fossils of organisms that lived on the ocean bed about 550 million years ago. The fossils, unearthed in southern China, are of some of the earliest complex life forms known to science. Frondose vendobionts died out before the Cambrian explosion about 540 million years ago, when animals with bones and shells appeared. They are not closely related to any modern species but share similarities with fungi, lichen, and algae. Evidence of complex life older than 540 million years is hard to study. Many of the organisms that appeared in the Ediacaran Period (the time period between about 600 and 542 million years ago) had soft body parts that do not make an impression in rock. The Scopes Trial, 80 Years Later Jul 11 2005 - NSTA Sunday, July 10, marked the 80th anniversary of the Scopes Trial. Here is a roundup of selected news stories. How Quantum Physics Can Teach Biologists About Evolution Jul 5 2005 - New York Times (Requires free registration) In the fall of 1900, physicist Max Planck started calculating the glow emitted by objects heated to high temperatures. In retrospect, it seems like a small-bore problem, a task to give a young scientist at the beginning of his career. But if the question sounds minor, Planck’s answer was not. Planck’s work led him to discover a new world of quantum mechanics. Physicists reeled, but physics survived. Once they got over their shock, scientists began testing Planck’s ideas with observation and experiment, work that eventually produced computer chips, lasers, CAT scans and other technologies—all made possible through our new understanding of the way the world works. Biologists might do well to keep Planck in mind as they confront creationism and “intelligent design” and battle to preserve the teaching of evolution in public schools. Scientists Breed Sturdier Rice Plants Jun 24 2005 - Scientific American Scientists in Japan and China have developed a more robust rice plant that resists collapsing in inclement weather, leading to higher crop yields. A team of investigators led by Motoyuki Ashikari and Hitoshi Sakakibara of the Plant Science Center in Yokohama, Japan, analyzed the rice genome and identified several regions of DNA linked to improved grain yields to discover their new finding. Scientists say the results could “pave the way for a new green revolution.” Bacteria Pull Off Photosynthesis Sans Sunlight Jun 21 2005 - Scientific American In the textbook description of photosynthesis, sunlight fuels the production of sugars that are converted into fuel for the photosynthetic organism. A recent discovery from the deep blue sea, however, may force a revision of that account. Scientists have found a photosynthetic bacterium that does not live off the light of sun. Instead, the photosynthetic bacterium uses the dim light produced by hydrothermal vents, 2,400 meters below the ocean’s surface. Cave Bear DNA Sequencing Could Be Boon for Human Evolution Studies Jun 3 2005 - Scientific American Scientists report they have retrieved and sequenced nuclear DNA from the bones of an extinct cave bear and hope to apply their methods to ancient human remains, such as Neanderthals. “…We would like to access and evaluate genomic information about other hominid species, Neanderthals in particular, as they represent probably our closest prehistoric relative,” explains Edward M. Rubin of the U.S. Department of Energy Joint Genome Institute. DNA Study Yields Clues on First Migration of Early Humans May 13 2005 - New York Times (Requires free registration) Geneticists have illuminated several aspects of how modern humans migrated from Africa, after conducting a DNA study of an ancient group of people in Malaysia. The geneticists say there was only one migration of modern humans out of Africa, which consisted of a single band of hunter-gatherers. The group traveled a southern route to India, Southeast Asia, and Australia. Previous theories had held that the group had taken a northern route through the Middle East. Global Gene Project to Trace Humanity's Migrations Apr 13 2005 - National Geographic News New DNA studies suggest all humans descended from a single African ancestor who lived some 60,000 years ago. To uncover the paths that lead from him to every living human, the National Geographic Society has launched the Genographic Project. This five-year initiative will combine population genetics and molecular biology to trace the migration of humans from when they first left Africa to the places where they currently live. Click on the link above to read more and how the public can participate in the project. Human X Chromosome Coded Mar 17 2005 - Washington Post (Requires free registration) More than 280 scientists from six countries have determined the genetic code of the X chromosome. The new picture of the chromosome, however, falls far short of explaining all the mysteries of what makes a woman. But scientists note they are much closer to explaining some of the differences between men and women by determining the exact order of all 155 million “letters” of the X chromosome code. The effort also brings into focus the molecular underpinnings of hundreds of genetic diseases, far more than what has been discovered on any other chromosome. Ecologists Propose "Intactness Index" Mar 2 2005 - nature.com Scientists have proposed a new way to calculate the overall impact that different countries are having on species richness. "The basic problem with using extinction as an indicator," one researcher explains, "is that by the time you get the information, it is too late to take any action." The Biodiversity Intactness Index involves grouping similar species together and then estimating the effect that changes in land use will have on each of the groups to give a broader picture of how ecosystems are faring. Science Intends to Tag all Life Feb 10 2005 - BBC News Scientists have launched a new initiative that will enable them to create a "giant catalog of life." Researchers plan to analyze every species on Earth and obtain a “barcode” for each specimen. Initial projects will focus on birds and fish, recording details of their genetic make-up that can be used to tell one life form from another. The data will then be placed into a database to link all the information acquired by scientists on particular organisms. Some scientists, however, have opposed the project, noting that calling the effort “barcoding” is misleading. Bat Evolution Linked to Warming Jan 28 2005 - BBC News What’s the connection between bats and global warming? Science magazine says a sharp rise in global temperatures about 50 million years ago may have been responsible for the evolution of bats. New DNA data traces the origin of four major bat lineages to a brief period in the Eocene epoch, when the average global temperature increased about seven degrees Celsius. This warming is also linked to an explosion in the diversity of other mammals, but little is known about bat evolution. Do Genes Play a Role in Science Gender Gap? Jan 25 2005 - Boston Globe Could biological differences between men and women really contribute to men’s greater career success in the sciences? The president of Harvard University created a controversy this month when he suggested that may be the case. Studies show that men and women’s brains are not exactly the same. But the question is whether those differences matter. Click on the link above to read more. Scientists Recreate Genome of Ancient Human Ancestor Jan 25 2005 - National Geographic News Scientists have recreated part of the genetic code of an extinct, shrew-like creature that is thought to have been the most recent common ancestor of most placental mammals, including humans. Researchers note the goal of recreating the boreoeutherian ancestor’s genetic code is to better understand human biology and evolution. “The main reason we did this was to learn something about our [own] genome and they way genomes evolve within the mammal kingdom,” said Mathieu Blanchette, an assistant professor in the computer science school at McGill University in Canada. Gray Matter and the Sexes: Still a Scientific Gray Area Jan 24 2005 - New York Times (Requires free registration) Has science found compelling evidence of inherent sex disparities in the relevant skills, or perhaps in the drive to succeed at all costs that could help account for the persistent paucity of women in science generally, and at the upper tiers of the profession in particular? Researchers who have explored the subject of sex differences from every angle and organ say yes, there are a host of discrepancies between men and women in several areas. Yet despite the desire for tidy and definitive answers to complex questions, researchers warn that the mere finding of a difference in form does not mean a difference in function or output inevitably follows. DNA Helps Nanoparticles Pull Themselves Together Jan 24 2005 - Scientific American A burgeoning area of nanotechnology research is the development of tiny drug delivery systems that can target diseased cells specifically, leaving healthy ones untouched. New data suggests that a novel synthetic approach could cut the manufacturing time for one type of nanoscale delivery system in half. “With this approach, you can target a wide variety of molecules, drugs [and] contrast agents to almost any cell,” notes James Baker of the University of Michigan, the study’s co-author. Scientists add the results have proved the concept is feasible and could usher in a new age of self-assembling disease-fighters. Toys Have Lasting Impact on Brain Dec 23 2004 - BBC News Toys that stimulate a young child's mind could permanently boost their brain function, according to research on owls conducted at Stanford University. Previous studies showed that young owls quickly acquire new skills that leave older owls baffled. In their new experiments, the Stanford team wanted to see if the owls could still remember those skills when they become adults. The research suggests that skills learned very early in life may trigger permanent changes in brain structure, underlining the importance of choosing the right toys for children, even at the earliest stages of life. Brain Area May Control Urge to Hoard Dec 22 2004 - Reuters Researchers may have located the area in the brain that separates the stamp collectors from the pack rats. The findings could ultimately aid in understanding obsessive-compulsive disorder, schizophrenia, and other neurological conditions where patients sometimes show an abnormal tendency to hoard. Complete Chicken Genome Sequenced Dec 9 2004 - Scientific American Scientists have sequenced the genome of the chicken. The findings show the bird has between 20,000 to 23,000 genes like humans. But the bird only has a billion DNA base pairs compared to the 2.9 billion pairs of humans. “The reduced number of base pairs in the fowl genome results in part from chickens possessing less so-called junk DNA than humans do,” explains the study’s lead author LaDeana Hiller of Washington University School of Medicine. Scientists note these findings should help them better understand basic developmental biology and improve vaccine production models. Scientists Downsize The Human Genome Oct 20 2004 - MSNBC A new analysis of the human genome by a global group of scientists shows humans have far fewer genes that previously thought. The new estimate is 20,000 to 25,000 genes, a decrease from 30,000 to 40,000 that the same group of scientists published in 2001. Experts note, however, the complexity of the human body arises from more than its genetic parts. “It’s not just the number of genes that matters,” said Eric Lander of the Broad Institute in Cambridge, Massachusetts and co-author of the study. “It really is how nature uses these genes.” Evolution and Religion Can Coexist, Scientists Say Oct 18 2004 - National Geographic News Joel Primack has a long and distinguished career as an astrophysicist. A professor at the University of California, Santa Cruz, Primack co-developed the cold dark matter theory that seeks to explain the formation and structure of the universe. Primack also believes in God. That might strike some people as peculiar, because in some areas popular belief renders science and religion as incompatible. But scientists might be as likely to believe in God as other people, according to surveys. DNA Pioneer Maurice Wilkins Dies at 88 Oct 6 2004 - ABC News Described “as one of the greatest scientists of the 20th century,” Maurice Wilkins, who helped discover the double helix structure of DNA has died. Wilkins devised an X-ray technique that was used to take the first picture of DNA, which led to James Watson and Francis Crick’s work building a hypothetical model for DNA’s structure. Wilkins then spent seven years proving Watson and Crick’s theory was correct. Wilkins died Oct. 5 in a London hospital. He was 88. Science Cracks Killer Bug's Code Sep 23 2004 - BBC News An international research team reports in the journal Science they have deciphered the complete sequence of DNA for the bacterium that causes Legionnaires disease. Researchers have also identified previously unknown regions of the genome that could be involved in the bug’s virulence. Infection with the Legionella pneumophila bacterium can be deadly, especially in the elderly or with those who have weak immune systems. Scientists note this latest breakthrough could help speed up the search for new vaccines and treatments. Gene Technique to Fight Human Blindness Sep 15 2004 - New Scientist.com Scientists plan to perform the first clinical trial using the technique of RNA interference or RNAi in hopes that it can help treat age-related macular degeneration, a condition that can lead to blindness. “It’s tremendously exciting,” observed Michael McManus, an RNAi expert at the University of California, San Francisco. McManus added the trial represents the first step in using the RNAi technique to treat a human disease. Team Hopeful in Its Effort to Recreate Primal Life Sep 9 2004 - New York Times (Requires free registration) Scientists analyzing the genomes of microbes believe they have reconstructed the pivotal event that created the one-celled organism from which all animals and plants are descended, including people. The event is a merger of two primitive bacterial-type cells into a eukaryote. William Martin, an early life expert from the University of Dusseldorf in Germany, noted the effort by scientists has “opened up a whole new field of endeavor for mathematicians and biologists to make more realistic graphs of the history of life.” Strongest Microscope Comes to Maine Lab Sep 9 2004 - Press Herald (Portland, Maine) The world’s most advanced microscope will be installed at the Jackson Laboratory in Maine. Scientists from the Institute for Molecular Biophysics predict the 4Pi Confocal Laser Scanning Microscope will lead to breakthroughs in human genetics and biology, as well as increase the profile of research in Maine, the first place in the country to have the $1 million machine. Scientist Has Concerns About Uses of DNA Sep 8 2004 - ABC News Alec Jeffreys, the scientist who discovered genetic fingerprinting, is voicing concerns about the use of the technology. The British genetics professor supports the establishment of DNA databases, but questions how the one in Britain has been developed. Jeffreys fears that stored DNA samples could be used to extract information about a person’s medical history, ethnic origin, or psychological profile. Jeffreys also opposes retaining DNA samples from suspects who are acquitted, a practice approved by a British court in 2002. Viral Movie Provides Clues to Infection Mechanism Aug 23 2004 - Scientific American Lights! Camera and action! Scientists have made a movie on how a common virus can invade its host. Experts note the new images will enable researchers to better understand the infection process, which could help with treatment options and possibly improve gene therapy techniques. Biology Enters Fourth Dimension Aug 13 2004 - Wired News Researchers with the European Molecular Biology Laboratory have created a new microscope that can enable scientists to peer deeper into living organisms. The Selective Plane Illumination Microscopy microscope will allow scientists to study large organisms from several angles under real conditions with a minimal disruption to a specimen. A patent is pending for the microscope and commercialization is expected in the next two years. Scientists Build Tiny Structures Out of RNA Aug 12 2004 - MSNBC Researchers from Purdue University have discovered that the genetic building blocks that form the basis for life may also be used to build the tiny machines of nanotechnology. To reach their conclusion, the scientists used ribonucleic acid or RNA to build microscopic structures such as spirals, triangles, rods, and hairpins. Scientists note this technique could be applied to nanoscale devices. Genetic Jumble Aug 11 2004 - ABC News What makes us different? Lee Dye, a former science writer for the Los Angeles Times, answers that question in this ABC News column. According to Dye, new research suggests that the variations in humans might be the result of the different number of “rungs” on each “ladder” of DNA’s double helix. 'Junk' DNA Reveals Vital Role May 7 2004 - Nature News Scientists have a mystery on their hands—a collection of DNA segments that have unidentified functions, but that seem to be essential to the survival of all vertebrates. Dubbed “ultra-conserved elements,” these segments lie in the large parts of the genome that do not code for any protein. Scientists predict the most likely scenario for the function of the sequences is the control of indispensable gene activity. Another possibility may be that the segments control embryo growth. Experts say a “flurry of studies” will likely be conducted to solve this mystery. Prehistoric DNA to Help Solve Human-Evolution Mysteries? Mar 25 2004 - National Geographic News Researchers claim that it might be feasible to extract DNA from the bones of human ancestors and other hominids that died up to one million years ago. Scientists say the genetic material could be used to enhance the understanding of relationships among hominids, as well as help answer questions about the evolution of various traits of humans. Hendrik Poinar, a Canadian scientist noted, the key to finding ancient DNA lies in the conditions of preservation. Study Supports New Mass Extinction Theory Mar 18 2004 - CNN A detailed survey of birds and butterflies in Britain shows a population decline of 54 percent to 71 percent, a finding that suggests the world may be undergoing another major extinction. Researchers said the study helps support the theory that the sixth big extinction in Earth's history is under way - this one caused by humans. Computation's New Leaf: Plants May Be Calculating Creatures Feb 24 2004 - Science News Scientists have discovered that plants may perform "distributed emergent computation." Many biological systems appear to carry out this type of distributed computation - for instance, ant colonies, nervous systems, and immune systems. Unlike traditional computation, in which a central processing unit carries out programs, distributed emergent computation lacks a central controller. Instead, large numbers of simple units interact with each other to achieve complex, large-scale computations. Researchers Make Cloning Breakthrough Feb 12 2004 - Yahoo News/AP Researchers in South Korea have become the first to successfully clone a human embryo and then cull from it master stem cells that many doctors consider key to one day creating customized cures for diabetes, Parkinson's, and other diseases. The announcement immediately revived controversy over whether to ban all human cloning, as the Bush administration wants, or to allow this "therapeutic cloning" that might eventually let patients grow their own replacement tissue. SARS Evolution Traced Jan 30 2004 - Scientific American Findings published online in the journal Science explain how Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) has evolved and provide possible clues to developing treatments to battle the disease. Scientists have determined that two virus genomes that caused the earliest infections in people were identical to those found in wild animals in China. More than 800 deaths and 8,000 cases resulted from SARS outbreaks in China, Hong Kong, and Canada. Genome Scan Shows Human-Chimp Differences Dec 12 2003 - Nature News Scientists have discovered that genes involved in smell and hearing are different between humans and chimpanzees. While some scientists believe this finding will enable new hypotheses to be formed about human evolution, other researchers disagree. “There are so few changes between humans and chimpanzees that comparing single genes gives hardly anything to analyze,” argues Adam Eyre-Walker, an evolutionary biologist at the University of Sussex. US Fossil Spins Web of Intrigue Nov 13 2003 - BBC News What appear to be silk-spinning organs have been found on the body of an extinct cousin of the modern spider. The evidence, though, is not conclusive; they could be cleaning structures or specialized hairs that trigger fight-or-flight responses. If the "microtubercles" on this newly discovered trigonotarbid fossil were indeed used to spin silk, it would suggest that silk-spinning could have evolved independently in many arachnid lines and may one day be found in other extinct arthropods. [Click here for another ancient spider story.] How the Brain Reacts to Romance Nov 12 2003 - BBC News What happens in your head when you fall in love? Researchers have found that feelings of intense romantic love are linked to activity in two areas of the brain, which have high levels of dopamine activity. But functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) scans found women's brains showed emotional responses, while men's showed activity linked to sexual arousal. The researchers also found activity in other areas of the brain changed - including one that another study showed was active when people ate chocolate. Clay Could Have Encouraged First Cells to Form Oct 24 2003 - Scientific American New research has revealed that a lump of clay might have provided the platform for the foundation of primordial cells, according to a study published in the journal Science. Previous research indicated that chemicals found in montmorillonite clay could catalyze reactions involved in constructing RNA from nucleotides. Scientists, however, have also determined that clay could encourage fatty acids to form small fluid-filled sacs known as vesicles, which have developed faster in the presence of clay than without it. Pasteur Knocked Off Pedestal? Oct 9 2003 - Nature News A British biologist claims a Scottish scientist not Louis Pasteur was the first person to discover and cure a bacterial infection. “The idea that Pasteur developed germ theory in 1860 is absolutely ludicrous,” argues Milton Wainwright of the University of Sheffield, who says John Goodsir recognized in 1842 that microbes make people sick. A spokesperson for the Pasteur Institute in Paris says the organization is not convinced of Wainright’s proposal. Study Spurs Hope of Finding Way to Increase Human Life Aug 25 2003 - The New York Times (Requires free registration) Scientists have discovered a class of chemicals that could help people live longer. The chemicals are designed to mimic the effect of a low-calorie diet, which is known to lengthen the life span of rodents. Researchers note that human life could be extended by 30 percent if people respond to the chemicals in a similar way. The chemicals have not been tested on mice or humans. Scientists say if the chemicals were to work on humans, it would be several years before any drug based on this discovery becomes available. Creative Search for Naked Truth Aug 19 2003 - The Washington Post Scientists have discovered that early humans might have started wearing clothes earlier than previously thought. The new finding is based on a study of genetic differences between human body lice, which depend on clothing for survival and human head lice, which do not. Scientists have praised the study, but caution reading too much into the findings since the results dispute previous reports and new research scheduled to be published. Genetic Analysis Revises Tally of Past Whale Populations Jul 25 2003 - Scientific American Scientists might have underestimated the number of whales that once lived in the Atlantic Ocean, according to a new genetic study. The report suggests that about 12 times more humpback and fin whales once cruised the ocean compared with previous estimates. Researchers note this new finding could have a significant impact on the future of whaling and whale conservation. Variation in One Gene Linked to Depression Jul 18 2003 - The Washington Post Scientists have discovered that people with a genetic vulnerability to stress are more likely to become depressed after a traumatic event as those with a version of the same gene. Psychologist Terrie Moffitt and a team of researchers tracked 847 people for five years as they experienced emotional crises to discover their findings. Experts note the work by Moffitt and her colleagues “marks the first time that scientists have traced the roots of a complex mental disorder to a specific interaction of genes and the environment.” Scientists Map Key Chromosome Jul 10 2003 - MSNBC Scientists in Germany and the United States have identified a key chromosome that contains genes linked to hand and facial development, deafness, and cancers. Human chromosome 7 contains 153 million letters of DNA and about 1,150 genes. Scientists note this latest discovery will help researchers design new treatments for cancer patients and understand genetic components of head and face development. Genes Linked to High-Risk Personalities Jun 17 2003 - New Scientist.com A new study shows that people who smoke, take drugs, or drink too much may be genetically predisposed to their habits. “Our study suggests that there is a genetic basis to certain kinds of personality traits, which may be important in influencing whether people take up habits like smoking or whether they can subsequently give them up,” noted Marcus Munato, team leader of Cancer Research United Kingdom in Oxford. Scientists Say They ID Depression Gene Jun 15 2003 - The Washington Post Scientists have identified a “flawed gene” that promotes manic depression or bipolar disorder, according to a new study published in the journal Molecular Psychiatry. The study’s senior author, Dr. John Kelsoe of the University of California, San Diego, noted this finding could help guide scientists to devise new treatments for people who suffer from manic depression. Study: Cell Trio Accounts for Light Sense Jun 15 2003 - Yahoo-Associated Press An international team of scientists has discovered that three types of cells enable all mammals to detect light. The cells include rods and cones, and a third type of cell that produces a protein. Dr. Russell Van Gelder, of the Washington University Medical School, noted the discovery marks “the beginning of research into this field rather than its end.” Scientists Raid Tombs to Solve Columbus Mystery Jun 2 2003 - MSNBC Spanish scientists are hoping to solve the mystery of where the remains of Christopher Columbus really lie. The Dominican Republic and Spain both claim to have the remains of the first European who discovered America. Scientists have until June 6 to extract specimens for DNA tests and note the results won’t be known for at least six months. Stem Cell 'Master Gene' Found May 30 2003 - The Washington Post Scientists have discovered a “master gene” in embryonic stem cells that gives such cells their “unique regenerative and therapeutic potential.” Researchers say the new finding will not bring a “quick end” to the political controversy over human embryo research. Experts note, however, the work by scientists “is already revealing more about the mysterious capacity of embryonic stem cells to indefinitely retain their youthful potential to become any kind of cell the body might need.” Mice May Reset Clocks on Genetic Evolution May 22 2003 - Chicago Tribune A new study shows a group of white-footed mice in the Chicago area have undergone significant genetic changes in the past 150 years. Scientists say their findings indicate a mammalian genome can evolve more rapidly than previously thought. Further information about this study can be found in the journal Nature. Chimps Should Be Part of Human Genus, Scientists Say May 20 2003 - MSNBC New research reported in the online version of the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences shows chimpanzees are more closely related to people than gorillas or other monkeys and should be considered as members of the human family. Scientists note the new findings discovered by a team led by Morris Goodman at Wayne State University School of Medicine in Detroit will likely spark a renewed debate about evolution and the relationship among humans and animals. New Species of Giant Jellyfish Found May 7 2003 - The Kansas City Star Marine biologists have discovered a new and unique species of jellyfish. The 23 Big Reds recently found in the Pacific Ocean by scientists have been described as having a fleshy red bell and a cluster of wrinkled, thick arms. Scientists note, however, how the Big Reds function remains a mystery. Virtual Life-Forms Mutate, Shedding Light on Evolution May 7 2003 - National Geographic Digital organisms—special programs that can reproduce, mutate, and adapt—can thrive inside computers and are helping scientists learn about evolution, according to a new study published in the May 8 issue of the journal Nature. Thomas Ray, a University of Oklahoma biologist who designed digital organisms in the 1990s, noted the study “doesn’t surprise evolutionary biologists, but rather is a completely clear and detailed analysis of what we believe.” Anthrax Genome Unveiled May 1 2003 - Nature News Scientists have decoded the genome of the bacterium that causes anthrax. “The sequence is like a big Swiss army knife,” observed Timothy Read of the Institute for Genomic Research in Maryland. Read noted the sequence contains more than 5,000 genes with various functions. The sequence could help scientists with a diagnosis and highlight new targets for vaccine and drug development. DNA Rewrite Could Allay Cloning Fears Apr 29 2003 - Nature News Scientists say reproductive cloning could be transformed into a safe method for assisted reproduction. Researchers attending the Human Genome Organization’s meeting this month in Mexico have suggested the safety challenges posed by the current method of reproductive cloning could be bypassed if cloned human embryos were used to derive healthy sperm and eggs. Scientists note the existing method of taking the nucleus of an adult cell and placing it in an egg stripped of its own DNA can cause miscarriages, birth defects, and other problems. Genetically Enhanced Humans to Come, Say DNA Pioneers Apr 24 2003 - New Scientist.com The founders of DNA say humans will be able to genetically enhance themselves and their unborn children in the next 50 years. Francis Crick and James Watson made the announcement at a recent celebration in London to mark the 50th anniversary of the discovery of the molecule’s structure. “The future of genetics holds the promise of a much greater understanding of human nature,” Watson observed. Scientist: Everyone Should Be DNA Fingerprinted Apr 23 2003 - Yahoo-Reuters As a way to combat crime and enhance personal security, a British scientist has recommended that everyone be fingerprinted for DNA. Professor Sir Alec Jeffreys, who works in the genetics department at the University of Leicester, argues that existing criminal databases don’t contain enough information to catch criminal suspects. Potent Stem Cells Found in Baby Teeth Apr 23 2003 - Scientific American Researcher Songtao Shi of the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research in Maryland has discovered that the pulp inside baby teeth contains fast-growing stem cells. Scientists claim this new source of stem cells could help in clinical studies of stem cell transplantation and tissue engineering. Further information about Shi’s finding can be found in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. Study: Tea Boosts the Body's Defenses Apr 22 2003 - Yahoo-Associated Press Scientists have found more evidence on the benefits of drinking tea. Dr. Jack Bukowski of Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston and Harvard Medical School reports in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences that a chemical in tea can help boost the body’s defense against disease. Penny Kris-Etherton, a Pennsylvania State University nutrition specialist, noted that Bukowski’s study “adds to the growing body of evidence that tea is an effective disease fighter.” She said, however, Bukowski’s work needs to be confirmed in a study involving more than 21 people. Scientists Discover Gene Linked to Most Lethal Form of Skin Cancer Apr 21 2003 - Scientific American Rutgers University scientists have identified a gene that causes melanoma in mice and say the same gene is involved in a third of melanoma cases in humans. Suzie Chen and her colleagues discovered the gene after conducting a study on the development of fat cells in mice, mapping the animals’ genomes, and examining biopsy tissue from melanoma patients. The scientists said they hope their findings will lead them toward future treatments for melanoma. Further information about this study can be found in the journal Nature Genetics. West Nile Here to Stay, Scientists Say Apr 21 2003 - The Kansas City Star The West Nile virus has no plans to disappear, according to scientists. Researchers recently discovered various birds and horses infected with the virus in Mexico, Jamaica, and the Dominican Republic. Scientists say the recent discoveries may prove that West Nile will be dangerous to people and devastating to wildlife in the future. “The long and short of it is that all of North America will have the West Nile virus in the next two years,” said biologist Andrew Townsend Peterson. Genetic Error Causes Rapid-Aging Syndrome Apr 17 2003 - The Washington Post American and French scientists have discovered a genetic mutation in children with Hutchinson-Gilford progeria syndrome. The disease causes children to age at a rate five to 10 times faster than normal and to die from atherosclerosis by their early teens. Scientists noted their research would help them find a cure for progeria and offer insights into the normal aging process. Labs Crack Killer's Code Apr 15 2003 - Nature News Two research groups have cracked the genetic code of the virus that causes Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS). The code supports the idea that the disease “leapt from animals into humans.” Scientists said they hope to use the new genetic information to refine a diagnostic test for the virus. The SARS virus has killed nearly 150 people and infected more than 3,000 others since November 2002. Human Genome Finally Complete Apr 14 2003 - BBC News Scientists working on the human genome project have finished their job two years ahead of schedule. Though some researchers claimed it would take 20 years or more to complete this project, scientists noted that robotics and supercomputers helped them to finish their work earlier than planned. “Completing the human genome project was a long step on a vital road, but the eventual health benefits could be phenomenal,” observed Professor Allan Bradley of the Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute, the only British organization taking part in the international effort. Monkey Cloning Failures Cast Doubt on Feasibility of Human Reproductive Cloning Apr 11 2003 - Scientific American A new report shows that human reproductive cloning cannot be achieved using current methods. Calvin Simerly of the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine and his colleagues discovered this finding after learning that reproductive cloning in monkeys is hindered by the absence of proteins that control cell division and the splitting of chromosomes. Gerald Schatten, the study’s co-author claims, “given enough time and materials, we may discover how to make [human reproductive cloning] work.” Counting Coots Amaze, Mystify Scientist Apr 2 2003 - Yahoo-Reuters A California scientist has discovered that common marsh birds called coots can count. Bruce Lyon, an assistant ecology and evolutionary biology professor at the University of California, Santa Cruz, learned of this finding after tracking the fate of eggs in more than 400 coot nests in British Columbia during a four-year study. “The ability of females to count only their own eggs in a mixture of eggs is a remarkable feat that provides a convincing, rare example of counting in a wild animal,” Lyon observed. Elephants Need for Speed Defies Definition Apr 2 2003 - New Scientist.com Researchers have found that Asian elephants are more quick-footed than they appear and may even break into a run. Stanford University scientist John Hutchinson along with his colleagues in the United States and Thailand studied the fast motion of elephants by performing a biomechanical video analysis of the animals. The scientists discovered the average walking speed of elephants was 4.5 miles per hour, but 32 of the animals reached a speed of up to 15 miles per hour and three elephants exceeded that speed. Biomechanics have dubbed the elephant’s gait as “Groucho running” after the bent walk of comedian Groucho Marx. To Test Evolution, Press the 'Undo' Button Mar 18 2003 - The New York Times (Requires free registration) Biologists from Louisiana and Texas have discovered how to reverse the evolution process with baker’s yeast. Mohamed Noor and Michael Travisano found in their experiments that when chromosomal rearrangements destroyed by evolution are reversed, one distinct species could produce fertile offspring. Chromosomal rearrangements are likely to play a role in the evolution of other species as well, the scientists noted. Red Light Saves Sight Mar 5 2003 - Scientific American Scientists at the Medical College of Wisconsin have discovered that red light can save a person’s sight. The school’s researchers learned of their finding when they exposed red light to rats and other animals after they had consumed methanol, a common ingredient found in windshield wiper fluid and anti-freeze. This research builds on previous studies that have shown light in the far-red to near-infrared spectral range can help wounds heal more quickly and stimulate growth in cultured cells, scientists said. Black Cats May Be the More Fortunate Felines Mar 4 2003 - New Scientist.com Black cats may not be a symbol of bad luck after all. Scientists recently discovered black coats evolve separately several times in various species of cat indicating dark fur has a survival benefit. Researchers have also learned the mutations leading to a black coat are in the same gene family as human diseases. Scientists note, however, the best benefit of black fur is camouflage for hunting. Cells Inspire Spacecraft Feb 27 2003 - Nature News The loss of the space shuttle Columbia has not deterred scientists from developing spacecraft for the future. Scientists recently convened at the University of California, Los Angeles, for a conference to discuss the idea of creating futuristic spacecraft based on living cells. The event inaugurated the Institute for Cell Mimetic Space Exploration, a group that will create “biology-inspired devices” that could result in space travel in 30 years. Working Out What Genes Do Feb 4 2003 - BBC News The discovery of RNA interference—a process the human body uses to switch off individual genes while leaving others unaffected—has prompted scientists to perform an international initiative to uncover the function of each of our genes. “Despite the massive advances in sequencing the DNA in the human genome, the function of most of our genes remains a mystery,” observed Sir Paul Nurse, chief executive of Cancer Research UK. Ultrasound Blasts Away Tumor Cells Jan 30 2003 - New Scientist.com An Ireland company is conducting experiments in hopes of killing cancer cells. Gendel has been using blasts of ultrasound to destroy tumor cells in mice. The company plans to start human trails of the procedure in 2005. If successful, scientists say the technology “may lead to a non-invasive cancer therapy for tackling tumors that are hard to treat conventionally.” Scientists Print Out Living Cells Jan 30 2003 - The Post and Courier (Charleston, SC) Two South Carolina scientists have become the first to build three-dimensional tissue structures and print living tissue. Dr. Vladimir Mironov of the Medical University of South Carolina and Thomas Boland of Clemson University used ink cartridges from modified desktop printers and filled them with living cells and a gel solution to conduct their experiment. Mironov and Boland hope to expand their efforts by printing whole organs. “If everything works as we hope it will, this could revolutionize medical care,” Boland observed. Ultrapowerful X-Rays Reveal How Beetles Really Breathe Jan 24 2003 - Scientific American Scientists from the Field Museum in Chicago and Argonne National Laboratory have discovered that insects actually breathe. Researchers made their discovery after exposing insects to powerful x-ray beams. Scientists have known for years insects breathe using a system of internal respiratory tubes. The new work performed by researchers, however, shows insects can use their muscles to breathe. Scientists say this discovery could lead to new insecticides. Italian Scientists Discover Migraine Gene Jan 21 2003 - Yahoo-Reuters Two Italian scientists may have a solution for headache sufferers. Geneticist Giorgio Casari and neuroscientist Roberto Marconi of the San Raffaele Institute in Milan have discovered a gene linked to severe migraines. The finding, “could pave the way to banishing not only migraines but everyday headaches as well,” the scientists said. Stem Cells Migrate from Bone to Brain Jan 20 2003 - New Scientist.com Scientists have discovered for the first time that stem cells in bone marrow can develop into brain cells and not just blood and bone cells as previously thought. A team of scientists at the U.S. National Institute of Neurological Diseases and Stroke in Bethesda, Maryland made their discovery after performing autopsies on four women. According to researchers, this new finding could help repair damaged or diseased brains. Scientists Identify Key Gene for Long-Term Immunity Jan 15 2003 - ABC News/Reuters American scientists have identified an important gene involved in long-term immunity against infections. “Our work shows that the SAP gene is a central player in long-term anti-body responses, and indicates that manipulation of SAP may have therapeutic benefits in generating better anti-body responses,” noted Shane Crotty of the Emory Vaccine Research Center in Georgia. A Biologist Explores the Minds of Birds That Learn to Sing Jan 7 2003 - The New York Times (Requires free registration) Science teachers can explore the brains of birds with biologist Erich Jarvis in this article. The story also profiles Jarvis who recently won the Alan T. Waterman Award, the National Science Foundation’s $500,000 prize for young researchers. Orangutans Show Signs of Culture, Study Says Jan 3 2003 - National Geographic According to a study published in the journal Science, scientists from around the globe have discovered that behavioral patterns among different orangutan populations show evidence of culture. “This study demonstrates the richness of orangutan behavior and how the study of orangutans is important for understanding human evolution,” said Cheryl Knott, co-author of the study and an anthropologist at Harvard University. Knott noted, however, the ability to study orangutans is “vanishing” with the disappearance of forests. Researchers Map Chromosome 14 Jan 1 2003 - MSNBC French scientists with help from their American counterparts have mapped chromosome 14, the site of more than 60 disease genes. “At the present time, this is the longest piece of contiguous DNA that has been sequenced,” said Jean Weissenbach of Genoscope, the French national sequencing center, which directed the project. Scientists say they hope to complete the sequencing of the remaining 20 chromosomes by April 2003. Human Clone Claim Stirs Controversy Dec 31 2002 - Scientific American News of the first human clone has sparked controversy among scientists, politicians, and others. Clonaid, a private company with ties to the Raelian sect, announced in December a seven-pound baby girl was a clone of her American mother. The company, however, has offered no scientific proof to back its claim. Robert Lanza, Advanced Cell Technology’s vice president of medical and scientific development, said “without scientific data, [I’m] extremely skeptical of the group’s claim.” Small Molecule 2002's Major Find Dec 27 2002 - BBC News Catch up on the top science news stories of 2002! Every December, Science magazine's editors pick the highlights of the year, and it has been a vintage year for research, in their view. They say the most significant advance concerned molecules called small RNAs that control much of a gene's behavior. Other big stories involved neutrinos, the Cosmic Microwave Background, circadian retinal cells, and a very old hominid. Fresh Debate Over Human Origins Dec 24 2002 - BBC News American scientists say they have found evidence in support of a rival theory that we all descended from early humans who left Africa 100,000 years ago. Scientists have known early humans first left Africa in search of other lands and that a second group of humans replaced the local population. Some anthropologists, however, now argue that not all of the local populations were replaced and early humans were interbred with African hominids. Scientists attribute their discovery to an analysis of data from the human genome project. Air Pollution Induces DNA Mutations in Mice Dec 10 2002 - Scientific American A new study shows that industrial pollution might cause genetic defects. Data recently published online by the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences shows mice subjected to ambient air in close proximity to a steel mill had twice as many mutations as their rural counterparts. Scientists observe, “this is the first demonstration of heritable mutation induction in any organism as a result of ambient air pollution exposure.” Mouse Genetic Code Published Dec 4 2002 - AP/Yahoo Scientists in six countries have published nearly the entire genome (genetic makeup) of the mouse - about 95% of its 2.5 billion DNA "letters." Scientists are already comparing it with the human genome, released almost two years ago, hoping to better understand human evolution and gene function. The mouse genome is 14% smaller in volume than the human genome, but fully 99% of the mouse genes have counterparts in humans, including the gene that produces a tail in mice. New York Researchers Will Shake Up Proteins to Study Them Nov 26 2002 - The New York Times (Requires free registration) A new biology center in New York will feature the latest machines for scientists to explore the three-dimensional structure of the body’s proteins. The New York Structural Biology Center will house three, $2 million Nuclear Magnetic Resonance spectrometers when it opens in December. The center will be the largest of its kind in the world apart from a similar facility in Japan, according to scientists. Bacterium Inside Fly Could Be Key to a Cure Nov 25 2002 - The Washington Post Scientists from Yale University recently decoded all 697,742 letters of Wigglesworthia glossinidia, a microbe named after British entomologist Sir Vincent Brian Wigglesworth. The genetic unveiling of the bacterium offers scientists “an unexpected avenue” in the fight against sleeping sickness. Scientists Sound Alarm over World's Plants Nov 1 2002 - St. Louis Post-Dispatch According to a new study, the Earth is losing plant diversity faster than previously thought. "We're probably going to lose things that haven't even been named and for which we have no idea what their utility for mankind might be," said George Schatz, a botanist at the Missouri Botanical Garden. Why are so many plant species threatened with extinction? The main reason is human destruction of their habitats. Antibacterial Soap a Waste of Time, Experts Say Oct 23 2002 - Yahoo! News/Reuters You thought you were being smart, scrubbing your hands with that "germ-killing" soap. It turns out you may have been doing more harm than good. Researchers say heavy use of antibacterial soaps "could contribute to a whole new breed of hard-to-kill superbugs." But these researchers also say these soaps are no more "antibacterial" than other soaps. So how can they be a factor encouraging the development of super-resistant bacteria? Perhaps we shouldn't wash our hands at all? We leave it to the reader to sort this out. Extinction Risk for 1 in 3 Primates, Study Says Oct 8 2002 - National Geographic A new study released this month by Conservation International and the Primate Specialist Group of the World Conservation Union shows one in every three of the world’s apes, monkeys, lemurs, and other primates is threatened with extinction. The World’s Top 25 Most Endangered Primates–2002 revealed that primate species and sub-species defined as “critically endangered” and “endangered” increased from 120 to 195 since this report was first released in January 2000. Asia is home to 11 of the endangered primates on the top 25 list, followed by Africa with eight and central and South America and Madagascar, both with three. Primates listed in the top 25 include the greater bamboo lemur (Madagascar), the northern muriqui (Brazil), and the guizhou snub-nosed monkey (China). “It’s important to point out that the Top 25 list is just the tip of the iceberg and a call for more conservation action,” commented Bill Konstant of Conversation International who co-authored the report. Keeping Cool: Study Finds Women's Brains Are Better at Handling Anger Sep 25 2002 - ABCNEWS.com Researchers say they have evidence that shows there is a physiological reason for why men tend to be more hot headed than women. The research indicates that men are more aggressive than women because the part of the brain that modulates aggression is smaller in men than it is in women. Both genders have about the same ability to produce emotions, but when it comes to keeping those emotions in check, men have been shortchanged. Finding a Wild, Fearsome World Beneath Every Fallen Leaf Sep 25 2002 - New York Times (requires free registration) This article takes you on a tour with the renowned entomologist Edward O. Wilson, a self-described "lover of little things," as he explores the micro-wilderness near Henry David Thoreau's cabin at Walden Pond and stresses the importance of protecting biodiversity. Be sure and click on the link in the right-hand column ("Interactive Feature: Micro-Wilderness, Teeming With Life"). Voracious Fish Wiped Out in Maryland Sep 18 2002 - Yahoo! News/AP Maryland officials have declared victory against the northern snakehead, an alien species of fish that threatened to upset the ecosystem of the Little Patuxent River region. The state's Department of Natural Resources is taking measures to neutralize any fish poison that still remained in the pond where the snakeheads were breeding. 9/11: One Year Later Sep 11 2002 - Scientific American The editors of Scientific American online have pulled together articles from the past year, grouped in the following topic areas: Antiterrorism Technology; Biological and Chemical Weapons; The Psychology of Terror; Readers' Reactions. Not all the articles directly address the events of September 11, 2001, but they are all relevant and thought-provoking. Did Chimps Outlast Ancient AIDS? Sep 3 2002 - MSNBC -- AP Why is that chimpanzees, which share more than 98 percent of their DNA with humans, don't develop AIDS? According to one new study, the answer may be that an AIDS-like epidemic killed off huge numbers of chimps 2 million years ago, leaving only those with the right immune system genes to fend off the disease. The research could have implications for the development of a vaccine for humans. Soaring City Slickers: Bald Eagles, Other Birds of Prey Being Reintroduced to U.S. Cities Aug 30 2002 - Scientific American Earlier this summer, New York City's Parks Department teamed with the Earth Conservation Corps to transplant four young bald eagles to a park on the northern tip of Manhattan. The project is one of many efforts nationwide to reintroduce birds of prey to cities, with the hope that they will adapt to urban life. A promising precedent, for instance, is that of the peregrine falcon, which now thrives in cities across the United States. But how will the bald eagle fare? Will the regal bird some day be seen soaring among New York's trademark skyscrapers? Click above to read more... Scientists Uncover Gecko Stickiness Aug 28 2002 - MSNBC The mystery of what makes geckos stick to just about any surface has puzzled scientific minds since Aristotle. But a study released yesterday may have the answer, suggesting that so-called van der Waals forces (and not water-based forces, as some had thought) are the secret to the lizard's grip. Experts say the findings could help scientists develop new and better synthetic adhesives. "I watched 'Spiderman' on an airplane and I couldn't help thinking we could do better than that someday," the lead researcher said. Read more... Female Lions Prefer Dark-Maned Males, Study Finds Aug 27 2002 - National Geographic Today While gentlemen may prefer blondes, it appears that lionesses go for males with the darkest, longest, most decadent locks. That's according to a new study, which used stuffed toy lions in the wild to test female preferences. The researchers posit that a long, dark mane signals fitness and health to a female -- just the qualities she wants in a suitor. Cloned Pigs Raise Transplant Hopes Aug 23 2002 - BBC News The shortage of human organs for transplantation is a chronic medical problem, causing thousands of people to die while waiting for their operations. Now, a British biotechnology company is claiming a breakthrough in the quest to create organs for transplant from pigs to humans, saying they have (for the first time) cloned piglets lacking both copies of a gene that makes the human immune system reject pig tissue. Still, many scientists remain skeptical, warning that much more research is needed before xenotransplantation (transplanting organs from one species to another) can be considered a viable medical option. Anthrax Study May Yield Remedy Aug 22 2002 - New York Times (requires free registration) The nation may soon have a new tool in the fight against biowarfare agents such as anthrax. Scientists report in today's Nature that they cured mice infected with a close relative of anthrax, using a protein produced by a bacteria-killing virus. The study raises the hope that these proteins -- called lysins -- can be used as antidotes to anthrax and other bacterial diseases. And perhaps most promising, the research suggests that the proteins work in such a way that they make it virtually impossible for bacteria to develop resistance to their effects (a common problem with traditional antibiotics). Study: Gene May Determine West Nile Susceptibility Aug 21 2002 - NewScientist.com Some people may be genetically predisposed to have a deadly reaction to the West Nile virus, suggests a new study, which examined mice infected with the virus. The findings could help scientists determine who is most at risk from the virus, as well as how to protect and treat them, the researchers said. So far this year, 251 cases and eleven deaths from West Nile have been recorded in the United States, with the CDC predicting more cases in the months ahead. Studies: Birds Seek Out Desirable Neighborhoods Aug 16 2002 - National Geographic News Location, location, location. Just like humans, birds like to scope out potential surroundings before settling in, two new studies suggest. For instance, scientists who studied a population of collared flycatchers report in today's Science that the adults scoped out the nesting sites of fellow birds before deciding where to lay their eggs, apparently judging a place favorable (or not) by the number and fitness of existing offspring. The results could aid conservation efforts, experts say. They also offer further evidence that the cognitive abilities of birds are much more complex than previously thought. Breakthrough: Other Animals' Sperm Produced in Rodents Aug 15 2002 - Washington Post In a major breakthrough, scientists report in today's Nature that they have created pig and goat sperm inside the bodies of lab mice. Researchers achieved this feat by grafting bits of testicular tissue from newborn pigs and goats onto the backs of the mice, marking the first time that viable sperm has been produced in such distantly related species, as well as from the tissue of sexually immature mammals. Among other applications, experts say the technique could be used to preserve species close to extinction and to produce sperm from valuable farm animals without waiting for them to become adults. The procedure might also be of use to humans (e.g., it could conceivably make fatherhood possible for men who lose their testes to cancer in youth), although many scientists and ethicists warn that such applications would first have to undergo careful scrutiny. Gene Study Explains Speechless Apes Aug 15 2002 - Nature News Humans share a number of characteristics with the great apes, but a handful of key traits set us apart, including our gift of gab. But exactly when and how did speech evolve in our ancestors? A study released today may help unravel that mystery, showing that our great ape kin lack key parts of a gene (FOXP2) that is critical for human speech. The researchers also estimate that the gene variant permitting speech in humans became widespread during the last 200,000 years, just around the time that anatomically modern humans emerged and began their worldwide expansion. Is Acid Rain Killing Off Wood Thrushes? Aug 14 2002 - National Geographic News Remember acid rain, the aerial affliction that attracted so much attention in the 1980s but has since fallen off the public's radar screen? Well, it appears that the problem has not entirely disappeared. A study released this week links acid rain to the decline of the wood thrush, a forest bird known for its beautiful song. The study is said to be the first in North America to present large-scale evidence linking the population decline of a land bird to acid rain. Click above to learn more... Missing Gene Makes Mice Lean Aug 13 2002 - Scientific American Mice lacking a single gene can feast on a high fat diet without gaining weight, a new study shows. The findings could shed light on the genetic mechanisms underlying metabolism, perhaps leading to drugs that offer protection against obesity and diabetes. Clever Crow Displays Toolmaking Prowess Aug 12 2002 - National Geographic News Birdbrain might not be such an insult after all. Zoologists writing in the current issue of Science report that a captive crow repeatedly coaxed a piece of straight wire into a hook to obtain out-of-reach food, even though the bird had never seen the process of bending and had no prior training with pliant objects. The researchers say the accomplishment -- purposefully modifying objects into tools without prior experience -- is almost unknown in the animal world, perhaps showing that New Caledonian crows "rival nonhuman primates in tool-related cognitive capabilities." Frog Fathers Provide Transport, Piggyback Style Aug 8 2002 - National Geographic Today In an animal world where deadbeat dads are common, two species of frogs native to Papua New Guinea appear to be bucking the trend. A study in this week's Nature reports that these frog fathers not only guard the eggs but also provide transport, piggyback style, for up to 24 froglets after they emerge from the shell. What's more, this all takes place long after the mother has left. So how unusual is this paternal behavior? "The microhylid frogs of New Guinea are the only known large group of terrestrial vertebrates in which male care predominates," the study's author writes. Learn more... Experts: West Nile Virus Will Sweep Across Whole U.S. Aug 7 2002 - NewScientist.com The bad news: West Nile virus is continuing to sweep westward across the nation, with experts predicting that it will soon encompass the entire continent. The good news: Climate-based "risk maps" for each state are being developed to predict precisely which areas will be hit, giving public health officials more time to plan for and control the disease. Fish Killer May Not Be Toxic, After All Aug 6 2002 - Yahoo -- Reuters The tiny organism Pfiesteria has been blamed for killing billions of fish along the East Coast and making some fishermen sick. But new research suggests that such a fearsome reputation may be undeserved, with scientists finding no evidence that the microbe secretes a deadly toxin. At worst, the organism may simply weaken fish by nibbling holes in their skin, leaving the fish open to infections. Scientists Map Mouse Genome Aug 5 2002 - Washington Post -- AP An international team has mapped 98 percent of the mouse genome, the most comprehensive map ever of the mouse's genetic code, the above article reports. (Details appear today in the online edition of the journal Nature.) Because humans and mice have similar-sized genomes and share many of the same genes, it is expected that the breakthrough will speed up the hunt for human genes and improve understanding of how they contribute to diseases. Keeping Foreign Critters at Bay: Countries Struggle to Fend Off Invasive Species Aug 2 2002 - Christian Science Monitor While the northern snakehead fish has become the latest poster child for invasive species (see previous story), variations of the tale are being repeated worldwide, the above article reports, as countries struggle to fend off and control nonnative organisms. For example, it is estimated that in the U.S. alone, some 50,000 invasive species cost the country $137 billion a year. What's the best strategy for dealing with this problem? "Prevention, prevention, prevention," experts say, because once nonnative organisms become established, they're almost impossible to get rid of. Studies Suggest Dogs May Be Smarter Than Thought Aug 2 2002 - BBC News Dogs are cleverer than most people think, say two new studies. The first suggests that dogs try to convey different messages through the pitch and pace of their barks. The second (more controversial) study argues that dogs have a basic mathematical ability that enables them to tell when one pile of objects is bigger than another (i.e., they can count). The researchers say that because dogs are descended from wolves, this ability could have evolved as a way for them to work out how many allies and enemies they had in a pack. Study: Cannabis-like Brain Chemicals Erase Bad Memories Aug 1 2002 - Nature News Some memories are best forgotten, but just how the brain erases painful recollections is unclear. Now, a new study suggests that natural brain chemicals called cannabinoids (which are similar to the active ingredient in cannabis) help mice wipe out traumatic memories. The research raises the possibility that drugs designed to boost cannabinoids in a part of the brain known as the amygdala could help people suffering from panic attacks and anxiety disorders. Researchers warn, however, that smoking cannabis would not produce the same effect, because doing so floods the entire brain indiscriminately, among other harmful effects. Scientists Unsure What Triggers Whale Strandings Aug 1 2002 - San Francisco Chronicle The mass stranding of 60 pilot whales on Cape Cod was a sad sight to behold (scroll down to see yesterday's story), leaving many to wonder what causes such events. As the above article notes, in most cases, it is impossible to know for sure -- although several factors, including the whales' tight social structure, are thought to play a role. Read more... 60 Stranded Pilot Whales Perish On Cape Cod Shores Jul 31 2002 - Boston.com -- AP In a sad turn of events, about 60 pilot whales have died since the pod began stranding itself on Cape Cod beaches earlier this week. "It's heartbreaking," said one observer, who was one of many marine experts and volunteers who came to the area to try to save the disoriented animals. It was not immediately known why the whales became stranded, but blood samples are being taken to help determine the cause. Lobster Shell Color Shift Explained Jul 30 2002 - Scientific American News Why does a lobster shell change color from purplish-blue to red-orange during cooking? The question has long intrigued scientists (and shellfish lovers), but new research has at last revealed the molecular mechanism underlying the phenomenon. What's more, the finding could have important implications for drug delivery. Click above to read more... Giant Squid Washes Ashore in Tasmania Jul 29 2002 - National Geographic While the giant squid has long enjoyed a reputation of mythic proportions (think 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea), the creature, amazingly, has never been seen alive in its native habitat. Earlier this month, however, a 550-pound adult female giant squid was discovered washed up on the eastern shores of Tasmania, giving scientists hope that a mating ground may exist nearby. Might the elusive creature finally be found and filmed? Click above to read more... Puffer Fish Reveals Hidden Human Genes Jul 26 2002 - Nature News What can humans learn from an inflatable poisonous fish known as the puffer? Apparently, quite a lot. According to a report posted today on the website of the journal Science, scientists have decoded the genome of the puffer, and already, the sequence has helped unearth nearly 1,000 new human genes. Study: Women Recall Emotional Events Better Than Men Do Jul 24 2002 - Scientific American It has long been said that a wife has a truer memory for marital spats than does her husband. Now, a new report appears to offer scientific support for that lore. According to the study, women use more and different brain regions than men do when experiencing or remembering intense emotional experiences, resulting in more vivid recollections. Microbes Recruited as Cleanup Crews Jul 24 2002 - MSNBC -- Reuters Bacteria are not always harmful to humans. In fact, they can often be quite helpful, and with the support of $103 million in grants from the Department of Energy, scientists nationwide will be looking for new and better ways to harness the services of microorganisms. Among researchers' goals: genetically engineered bugs that can clean up nuclear waste, eat carbon dioxide, and turn toxic soil pure again. A New Kind of New Yorker, One with 82 Legs Jul 24 2002 - New York Times (requires free registration) Amid a mound of leaf litter in New York's Central Park, scientists have discovered a centipede so unusual that it makes up a new species (and genus). It is believed to be the first new species found in Central Park in more than a century. A researcher at the American Museum of Natural History said the find gives new reason to appreciate the virtues of natural mess in parks: "If they rake all the leaves, remove all the fallen twigs and branches, new species -- and the regular guys -- will not survive. The whole system will cease to function. We need to appreciate unmanicured nature." Poison Alien Fish, Experts Recommend Jul 22 2002 - Yahoo -- AP The saga continues over what to do with the northern snakehead fish, a voracious predator from China that recently turned up in a Maryland pond (see previous story). Last Friday, a 12-member panel of scientists agreed that the state needs to eradicate the fish, with poison being one of the main options. "You're talking about a total rearrangement of the food chain when you introduce a top predator like this," one expert said. "It definitely changes the neighborhood.” Is a "Sixth" Extinction Looming? Jul 22 2002 - Yahoo -- Reuters To our knowledge, mass extinctions have occurred five times in the long history of life on Earth. Now, some scientists are fretting that we may be on the brink of a sixth mass extinction, with one U.N. report showing that nearly a quarter of all mammal species are globally threatened. The difference, of course, is that this time around it's not meteors and other natural phenomena that deserve the blame; it's humans. Brains of Mice Enlarged; Experiment Could Aid Research Into Tumors, Retardation Jul 19 2002 - USA Today In a new study, scientists report that they were able to increase the size of brains in mice by tweaking a single gene. The modification apparently triggered an increase in beta catenin, a protein that plays an important role in cell division and, as the study suggests, in the development of the cerebral cortex. It is hoped that the experiment may offer insights into the evolution of intelligence and the cause of some forms of mental retardation and brain tumors. Crowds Flock to Smell Stinky Bloom Jul 18 2002 - MSNBC -- AP People are flocking to a California botanical garden to catch a whiff of the rare titan arum plant, one of the world's biggest and stinkiest flowers. "It's the worst thing I've ever smelled," one nine-year-old remarked of the nearly five-foot-tall plant. Native to Indonesia, the titan arum blooms only a few times in its 40-year life span and has been seen in bloom only about 15 times since its first U.S. display in 1937. Mail-Order Molecules Brew a Terrorism Debate Jul 17 2002 - Washington Post Last week's announcement that scientists had used mail-order molecules to make polioviruses from scratch (see previous story) is raising questions about whether the DNA synthesis industry warrants closer oversight, the above article reports. At the very least, scientists say, it shows that the time is ripe for a public discussion about how best to prevent the use of biotechnology for nefarious purposes. Navy Gets OK for Controversial Sonar Jul 17 2002 - MSNBC -- AP National security vs. environmental protection. That was the difficult tradeoff facing the Bush administration when it recently approved the Navy's request to use a powerful low-frequency sonar that supporters say is crucial to detecting super-quiet submarines. Environmentalists, however, fear that the sonar will endanger whales and other marine mammals, who rely on sound for communication, feeding, mating, and migration. Maryland Suffers Setback in War on Invasive Walking Fish Jul 16 2002 - National Geographic News The news is getting worse for wildlife officials who recently identified a northern snakehead in a Maryland pond (see previous story). It appears that the air-breathing, land-crawling fish is multiplying, posing a serious threat to Maryland's freshwater ecosystems. Experts say the next step is to rid the pond of the unwanted predator, but doing so won't be easy. Orphan Orca Swims to Freedom in Canada Jul 15 2002 - ABC News -- Reuters A young female killer whale rescued near Seattle in January was released yesterday, swimming to join her relatives in what scientists hope will be a permanent reunion. If the effort is successful, it will mark the first time a lost wild orca has been reunited with its pod by scientists. "I don't think there was a dry eye at the net pen," said one aquarium official, when asked to describe his feelings about the reunion. Scientists Create Polio-Causing Virus from Scratch Jul 12 2002 - Washington Post Researchers in New York have created infectious polioviruses from scratch, marking the first time that a working biological entity has been made from inert chemicals. The achievement is raising a host of concerns, including whether other viral ailments can be manufactured from raw materials, perhaps for bioterror purposes. "What they've done is demonstrate a potential that's very alarming," one biologist said. "It really challenges the notion of what 'extinct' means." Other scientists went further, suggesting that the work might have been better left unpublished. Seal Epidemic Begins Anew Jul 12 2002 - Scientific American Researchers writing in today's Science report an alarming rise in the phocine distemper virus (PDV) among Northern Europe's seals. The same virus almost wiped out the region's seals in 1988, but for the past 10 years, investigators found no sign of the disease, offering hope that it had disappeared completely. Unfortunately, with no uniform strategy in place to halt the spread of PDV, it's unclear at this point what humans can do to help minimize the number of deaths. Bioethics Panel Recommends a Moratorium on Cloning Research Jul 11 2002 - New York Times (requires free registration) Cloning for therapeutic purposes should not be banned outright, but rather prohibited during a four-year moratorium, according to a long-awaited report by President Bush's bioethics advisers. In a dissent, 7 of the panel's 18 members went even further, recommending that cloning research (which many believe could lead to treatments and cures of diseases) proceed under government regulation. The panel, however, unanimously called for a ban on using cloning to produce babies that are genetic copies of adults, saying that such an approach would be unsafe and unethical. Pesticides, Parasite May Cause Frog Deformities Jul 10 2002 - National Geographic News Frogs with extra or missing legs have been showing up with greater frequency over the past decade. What's the cause? Some say the culprit is pesticide runoff from farms; others point the finger at a common parasite, the trematode worm. Now, a new study suggests that both these factors in combination are to blame, with pesticides such as Atrazine making frogs much more susceptible to parasitic infections. Scientists say society can learn a lot from such studies because environmentally induced problems in amphibians tend to foreshadow similar effects on humans. Maryland Wages War on Invasive Walking Fish Jul 9 2002 - National Geographic News Alien species -- plants and animals that become established outside their natural habitat as a result of human activity -- pose a huge threat to the biodiversity and health of an ecosystem. The latest unwelcome guest is the northern snakehead fish, a voracious predator from Asia that was recently spotted in a Maryland pond. Biologists have stressed that the creature, which has the unique ability to breathe out of water and travel across land, must be eradicated before it spreads to the state's river system. Complicating the task, however, is the fact that nobody knows for sure how many snakeheads are out there. Scientists Identify Protein for Plant-Microbe Symbiosis Jun 27 2002 - Nature News A few plants, including peas and beans, form symbiotic relationships with bacteria that convert atmospheric nitrogen into ammonia; in return, the plants give the bacteria a place to live and carbohydrates. But what triggers these relationships? Scientists writing in this week's Nature say they have identified the protein in plants (and the gene encoding it) that responds to bacteria's requests to set up home. The discovery could help researchers extend "nitrogen-fixing" to other crop plants, thus improving yields. Horseshoe Crabs Remain Mysteries to Biologists Jun 26 2002 - National Geographic -- Bangor Daily News Predating the dinosaurs by some 200 million years, horseshoe crabs (which, by the way, are not actually crabs), have proven to be some of Earth's most durable creatures. But despite their resiliency, very little is known about these animals, including how long they live, why their life cycles seem directed by the moon, and where they spend most of the year. Biologist Sue Schaller, through her living laboratory in Taunton Bay, Maine, now hopes to provide some of the answers. Click above to read about her research... Caffeine Shows Promise as Pest Repellent Jun 26 2002 - Nature News Is your vegetable garden under attack by slugs and snails? According to a new report in this week's Nature, you may not need to look any further than your morning cup of coffee for an environmentally friendly pesticide. Learn more... Two New Primate Species Discovered Jun 24 2002 - National Geographic News Two new species of Titi monkeys have been discovered in the vast rain forests of the Amazon, researchers at Conservation International announced yesterday. Scientists say the find reflects an ongoing boom in the number of new primate discoveries; since 1980, for example, 38 species of monkeys have been discovered worldwide. "It has little to do with experience,” said Marc van Roosmalen, the Dutch primatologist who discovered the two Titi monkeys. "I just keep going out into the field and looking for things. Any place I go I find new species." Two New Studies Show Potential of Adult, Embryonic Stem Cells Jun 21 2002 - Nature News Two new studies published in this week's Nature provide additional insight into the abilities of stem cells (both adult and embryonic) to treat diseases. The first study offers evidence that a particular kind of adult stem cell, derived from bone marrow, can differentiate into nearly all the tissue types in the body. This is significant, because up until now, stem cells from adults were thought to have a more limited repertoire. In the second study, researchers were able to turn embryonic stem cells from mice into dopamine-producing neurons, the kind that would be needed to correct the devastating effects of Parkinson's disease. Many scientists reacting to the two studies stressed that the research should not trigger an adult-versus-embryonic stem cell dispute. Rather, they said, the studies suggest that different cell types might best treat different diseases, underscoring the need to continue with all kinds of stem cell research. Study: Warmer Climate Linked to Disease Epidemics Jun 21 2002 - NewScientist.com Global warming appears to be a major factor in the spread of diseases among marine and land animals, including humans, a study in this week's Science reports. The study found that as temperatures increase, pathogens and their carriers (e.g., mosquitoes) are able to spread into new areas where they can devastate species that have not been previously exposed. "We don't want to be alarmist, but we are alarmed," one of the researchers said. Critics, however, say there is insufficient evidence to support the climate-disease connection. Desert-Adapted Crocs Found in Africa Jun 20 2002 - National Geographic News If you were looking for a crocodile, chances are you'd focus your search on their usual stomping grounds -- lakes, rivers, swamps, and other aquatic habitats. Imagine the surprise of researchers then when several small communities of crocs were found living on the southern edge of Africa's Sahara in desert conditions. How have these water-loving reptiles managed to survive amid such inhospitable conditions? Click above to learn more... Scientist Proposes New Theory of Cell Evolution Jun 19 2002 - Scientific American A new theory by evolutionary microbiologist Carl Woese could overturn conventional cell evolution wisdom, the above article reports. The theory, which is described in the current issue of the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, challenges Darwin's notion that all organisms stem from a single primordial ancestor. Instead, Woese argues that life began with three forms of proto cells that swam together in a dense genetic soup, freely sharing their DNA until finally settling down and giving rise to the three known branches of life today (bacteria, eukaryotes, and archaea). A Genomic Treasure Hunt May Be Striking Gold Jun 18 2002 - New York Times (requires free registration) One of the most coveted prizes in science today is a catalog of the deviant genes that cause the most common human diseases, such as Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and asthma. But who will get there first? According to the above article, a front-runner is Dr. Kari Stefansson, a former Harvard neuropathologist who decided that his native Iceland -- because of its isolated population and rich genealogy -- would be the ideal place to seek the causes of multigenic diseases. So far, his hunch has been right on the money. Seahorse Fathers Take Reins in Childbirth Jun 17 2002 - National Geographic News "Male gives birth to babies." That might sound like a headline you'd find in a supermarket tabloid, but believe it or not, it's a pretty accurate (if incomplete) description of how the reproductive process works among seahorses. That's because seahorses are the only fish that experience true male pregnancy, with males carrying as many as 2,000 babies at a time in their pouches. Still, even under the best of circumstances, only a few infants per litter make it to adulthood -- and with human predation on the rise, the survival of seahorses generally could be threatened. Learn more... Secret to Longevity Lies in Genes, Study Finds Jun 12 2002 - Yahoo -- Reuters A new study confirms what common sense has long told us: Longevity runs in the family. What's interesting about the study, however, is the researchers' contention that a cluster of just a few genes may be responsible. "We think [there] may be a handful of genes that could be playing really substantial roles in the ability to get to very old age, much of it in good health," said Dr. Thomas Perls, the lead researcher. He hopes his company can now zero in on these genes, with the ultimate goal of developing drugs that can prevent the diseases of aging, such as Alzheimer’s. Sperm Whales' Big Heads May Be Weapons Jun 10 2002 - Nature News Have you ever wondered why sperm whales' heads are so large? According to a new study, the evolutionary reason may be that male whales use their heads as battering rams in clashes over mates (similar to the way deer use antlers). Other whale biologists, however, are skeptical of the idea. Find out more... Lawyer Wants to Extend Basic Rights to Some Animals Jun 5 2002 - Washington Post Over the last decade, researchers have shown that some animals, such as chimps and dolphins, seem to possess a strong "sense of self," including the ability to convey complex emotions, act intentionally, and communicate using language. But does being "almost human" mean that animals should be granted some of the same legal rights as humans? Long-time animal rights lawyer Steven Wise thinks so, and his views on the subject are gaining an audience. But what rights would apply, what animals would be covered, and what would be the implications for major medical research? The above article explores these difficult questions... Study: Therapeutic Cloning Shows Promise Jun 3 2002 - ABC News -- AP A cow implanted with cells taken from a cloned embryo did not experience immune rejection, a new study reports, an advance that moves scientists closer toward understanding an organism's response to introduced cloned tissue. "While more work needs to be done, this demonstrates the potential use of this technology," the lead author said of the possible applications to organ and tissue transplants in humans. Still, most scientists appear to agree that, because of ethical considerations, this particular cow experiment should not be recreated in humans. Find out more... Ants Pawns in Battle of Wasps, Butterflies May 31 2002 - National Geographic News The highly sophisticated chemical warfare that has evolved between wasps and butterflies in western Europe has resulted in ants being used as hapless pawns, a new study in this week's Nature reports. First, the ants are duped by chemicals into accepting, nurturing, and protecting the butterfly caterpillar as one of their own. But when a wasp detects a caterpillar hiding inside an ant colony, it then secretes its own batch of chemicals (called pheromones), inciting the ants to attack each other, and allowing the wasp to slip through the nest and prey on the unguarded caterpillar. "The fighting [among the ants] spreads like a bar-room brawl in old Westerns," one researcher noted. Now scientists are wondering whether humans can use the wasp's powerful chemical cocktail as a non-toxic form of insect control. Early Blooming Flowers Tied to Warmer Earth May 31 2002 - MSNBC -- AP British scientists report in this week's Science that the first spring flowering of many British plants has advanced by 4.5 to 15 days over the last decade, a finding that offers "the strongest biological signal yet of climatic change." Moreover, with still warmer temperatures predicted for upcoming years, the researchers warn that this trend toward changing biology is likely to continue: “Plants will respond (first) by flowering earlier. The next thing they will do will be to migrate, and I guess we will see that very soon.” Man and Mouse Genetically Similar May 31 2002 - MSNBC -- Reuters How much DNA does it take to turn a mouse into a man? Apparently not very much. A study reported in this week's Science compared chromosome 16 in the mouse to human chromosome 21, which it closely resembles. The result: Of the 731 genes found on the mouse chromosome, only 14 did not have a human counterpart. Likewise, there were only 21 genes in the human DNA that did not turn up in the mouse. What, then, explains the vast differences between mice and humans? Click above to learn more... Scientists Return to Galapagos Sea Vents May 30 2002 - National Geographic Today In 1977, the discovery of deep sea hydrothermal vents and thriving ocean floor gardens captivated the world and revolutionized how biologists viewed the requirements for life. Now, 25 years later, scientists are revisiting the site of that discovery, the Galapagos Rift, hoping to compare the current inhabitants with those documented in previous years. They are also on the look-out for so-called "high-temperature black smokers," dramatic geological forms that may have nurtured the first life on Earth. How is the expedition faring so far? Click above for the latest report... Scientists Trying to Resurrect Extinct Tiger May 29 2002 - Yahoo -- AP Australian scientists announced this week that they have taken some steps to clone the extinct Tasmanian tiger by replicating DNA from preserved specimens. The idea, ultimately, is to reconstruct the animal's entire genetic material, which would then be injected into the egg of an animal that shares similar characteristics, such as the Tasmanian devil. Still, the technology for such a feat has yet to be fully developed, and many scientists think it never will be. "No amount of wishing and really good science will ever bring the [tiger] back. It's gone," one biologist said. Find out more... Study: Chimps Use Stones as Hammers May 24 2002 - Yahoo -- AP Chimpanzees are our closest animal relatives, scientists say, and new research offers yet more proof that intelligence runs in the family. According to a study in today's Science, chimps in West Africa have been using stone tools to crack open nuts for more than a century. The research shows that the chimps carefully select their stones -- and then carry them to established nut-cracking stations centered on makeshift anvils (e.g., a nook in a tree stump). Most remarkably, it appears that this technique is a learned behavior, with mothers passing on the art to their young. "It is a very skillful behavior that takes up to seven years for them to learn," said co-author Melissa Panger. "It looks easy, but if you sit down and try, it is a very difficult task." Gene-Altered Mosquito May Aid Malaria Fight May 23 2002 - Washington Post In a genetic engineering breakthrough, scientists have created mosquitoes that have a reduced capacity to transmit malaria, a study in today's issue of the journal Nature reports. The feat points to the possibility of snuffing out wild populations of mosquitoes in malaria-prone countries and then repopulating the areas with laboratory-reared, modified ones. But in addition to the technical challenges posed by such an approach (and there are many), some scientists warn that releasing gene-altered mosquitoes into the environment could be ecologically dangerous, triggering any number of unintended effects. Study: Turning Off Office Lights Saves Birds May 17 2002 - ABC News A recent study suggests that there may be a remarkably simple way to help save the lives of migratory birds: turn off the lights in tall buildings at night. Researchers at Chicago's Field Museum found that from 2000-2001, some 1,297 birds died by plunging into lighted windows in just one building along Chicago's lakefront, compared to 192 (an 83 percent reduction) crashing into the building's unlit windows. The good news: The research has helped prompt a "Lights Out" program in Chicago, aimed at reducing unnecessary lights. Sensory Stubble Helps Alligators Hunt May 16 2002 - Scientific American According to a study published in today’s Nature, the key to an alligator’s keen sensory perception – and thus awesome hunting ability – lies in tiny nerve-packed bumps that cover the face much like a stubbly beard. These receptors are so sensitive, the study says, that they can detect ripples from a single droplet of water. Researcher Daphne Soares, who conducted the study, estimates that this extraordinary sensory ability developed some 200 million years ago, a time when enormous (now extinct) crocodiles probably made many a meal out of unsuspecting dinosaurs. Fooled Bees Feed Beetle Prisoners May 16 2002 - Nature Talk about a cushy prison sentence. Pesky small hive beetles are known to storm honeybee hives in search of pollen, honey, and developing larvae. Often, the beetles are caught and imprisoned by the bees in chambers made from tree sap. But according to a new study that placed the chambers under video surveillance, life in prison isn't always so bad. That's because the beetles use their antennae to tickle their guards, just as bees do to each other, encouraging their captors to regurgitate a drop of honey. "Eventually the bees get tricked into feeding their arch-enemies – it’s ridiculous to watch,” the lead researcher said. But what do the bees get in return? Click above to learn more… Bees Learning Smell of Bombs With Backing From Pentagon May 13 2002 - New York Times (requires free registration) Bomb-sniffing bees? At first blush, the notion may provoke a chuckle -- but not from the U.S. military. Scientists working for the Pentagon are training ordinary honeybees to home in on minute traces of explosives, a preliminary step toward creating a detection system that could be used to find truck bombs, land mines, and other hidden explosives. "It appears that bees are at least as sensitive or more sensitive to odors than dogs," one official noted. Find out more... Study: Ponds, Not Oceans, the Cradle of Life May 10 2002 - New Scientist When Charles Darwin speculated privately that life began "in some warm little pond," perhaps he was on to something. A new study challenges the cherished assumption that life emerged in the oceans, arguing instead that primitive cellular organisms first developed in freshwater ponds. "For years we have all accepted without question that life began in a marine environment. We were just the first to ask if we were really sure of that," one of the co-authors remarked. Click above to find out more... A Genetic Map to New Antibiotics May 9 2002 - Nature In what is being called an important advance for medical research, British scientists have mapped the genome of a common soil bacterium, Streptomyces coelicolor. Researchers hope the achievement will lead the way to more effective antibiotics, including compounds that can overcome the antibiotic resistance that is now prevalent in many bacteria. Scientists Complete Draft of Mouse Genome May 7 2002 - ABC News -- Reuters Marking yet another milestone in the field of genetics, scientists announced yesterday that they have drafted the genome map of the mouse, one of the most important test organisms in medical research. "This information will allow researchers to gain insights into the function of many human genes because the mouse carries virtually the same set of genes as the human," the National Human Genome Research Institute said in a statement. Find out more... Hawaii Suffers an Amphibious Invasion May 7 2002 - Washington Post "Hawaii has been invaded by a dun-colored, 2-inch-long, cute little frog native to Puerto Rico," the above article reports. Not only is the critter annoying residents and tourists with its relentless mating call (the sound has been compared to that of a car alarm), but more important, the voracious amphibian represents a major potential disruption of the islands' native ecosystems. So what should Hawaii do about its uninvited guest? Click above to learn more... Fossil Suggests Aquatic Origin for Flowering Plants May 3 2002 - Washington Post Scientists have discovered in China the fossil remains of what appears to be the oldest, most primitive flowering plant yet. Their work, published today in the journal Science, suggests that angiosperms (modern flowering plants) may have evolved from aquatic, weedy herbs. "I really think this is the most significant fossil angiosperm ever discovered," one plant biologist said of the specimen, which is thought to be at least 125 million years old. Click above to learn more... Study: Female Chickadees Moved by Song May 3 2002 - Nature If Pavarotti were a songbird, he'd probably do pretty well for himself. According to a new study, female chickadees that overhear their partner lose a singing contest are more likely to mate on the sly with another male. "Females are deciding who's going to father their children on the basis of a six-minute interaction," one zoologist noted. "That's got to worry pretty much every male on the planet." Find out more... Nonfinicky Vulture Wears Its Toxic Feast All Over Its Face Apr 30 2002 - New York Times (requires free registration) Sometimes beauty comes at a high price. The rare Egyptian vulture has long been known to partake of cow and horse feces, a habit that has puzzled scientists. But now, a new study suggests that vanity may be a primary motive for this strange diet. According to researchers, the vulture extracts carotenoid pigments from the excrement -- and by doing so, achieves a striking yellow complexion that is key, it seems, to impressing a mate. Click above to learn more... Study: Finches Capable of Rapid Change Apr 29 2002 - Yahoo -- AP How long does it take for evolution to spur observable changes within a species? Not very long at all, suggests a study on Galapagos Island finches that appeared in last week's Science. According to the study, changes in climate, weather, and food supply over the last 30 years led to the birds evolving new beaks within just a few generations. The study is "one of the true classics of evolutionary biology," one expert commented. Read more... Study Pushes Back Primates to Time of Dinosaurs Apr 18 2002 - Washington Post Primates, the order of mammals to which humans belong, emerged on Earth much earlier than previously thought, a new study in this week's Nature suggests. According to the analysis, the first primates may have dwelled among the trees some 85 million years ago, meaning they would have shared the world with dinosaurs. "I've been arguing for years that there's so many gaps in the fossil record that [primates are] probably much older than we thought," the lead researcher said. The study, however, is not without its critics. Read more... New Insect Order Found Apr 18 2002 - Nature In a finding sure to stun the world of entomology, scientists say they have discovered a new order of insects, the first to be identified in nearly a century. Creatures in the order, called Mantophasmatodea, were found living on remote mountaintops in Namibia. While the discovery of insect species is not unusual, insect orders (such as beetles, flies, and termites) are huge groups. "If [the find] was in mammals, it'd be like discovering bats," one entomologist explained. Read more... Mutated Mummichogs: Scientist Studies Tiny Fishes' Adaptation to Pollution Apr 17 2002 - ABC News.com Is pollution driving evolutionary changes among some species -- and if so, how? One scientist's study of the so-called mummichog, a tiny fish found in Virginia's notoriously foul Elizabeth River, might shed some light on those questions. "We're interested in how human disturbances affect other organisms over multiple generations," he said, including the "tradeoff between being able to adapt versus what the cost of that adaptation is." Find out more... Researchers Link Common Weed Killer to Flaws in Frogs Apr 16 2002 - MSNBC -- AP A new study suggests that male frogs exposed to even very low doses of the popular weed killer atrazine can develop multiple sex organs -- sometimes both male and female. The researchers contend that the effect on the frogs results from atrazine promoting the conversion of testosterone to estrogen, adding that the widespread presence of the chemical may be a factor in global amphibian population declines. A company that manufactures an atrazine-based herbicide, however, questions the study's results. Read more... Ant Supercolony Dominates Europe Apr 16 2002 - BBC News Europe has been conquered -- by ants, that is. A species of Argentine ant introduced (accidentally) into Europe 80 years ago has developed the largest supercolony ever recorded, scientists report. Numbering in the billions, the colony stretches 3,700 miles, from northern Italy to the Atlantic coast of Spain, with every ant in the colony treating every other as its nest mate. "It is interesting to see that introduction in a new habitat can change social organization," one of the researchers noted. "In this case, this leads to the greatest cooperative unit ever discovered." Scientists Expect to Complete Human Genome in 2003 Apr 15 2002 - Yahoo -- Reuters Scientists expect to publish the complete human genome sequence by spring of 2003, a leading genome research organization said yesterday. The work will be done by the Human Genome Project, an international consortium of scientists who last year published a draft sequence of the human genome in the journal Nature. Click above for the full Reuters story, or click here for a history of the human genome project, from 1953 to the present (prepared by Science magazine). Study Offers Insights Into Human-Chimp Differences Apr 12 2002 - ABCNews.com As scientists have long known, the genes of chimpanzees and humans are nearly 99 percent identical. What, then, makes the two species so different in body type, behavior, and cognitive ability? Using a sophisticated tool called a gene expression chip, scientists recently sought to answer that question. Their results, which are reported in this week's Science, suggest that what sets humans and chimps apart may lie largely in how our genes function, with the biggest differences found in our brains. Find out more... On the Trail of Earth's First Predator Apr 11 2002 - National Geographic News What animal was the very first hunter? According to marine paleontologist James Whitey Hagadorn, one can reasonably deduce that Earth's first predator was some sort of simple sea organism. But as for tracking down a single culprit beyond a reasonable doubt...well, that's a job for scientific sleuths. Click above to learn more about how paleontologists such as Hagadorn use fossils to piece together the distant past... New Species of Whale Discovered Apr 10 2002 - MSNBC -- AP Scientists have discovered a new whale species off the coast of California, making it the 21st species of beaked whale to be described scientifically. Even many scientists admit to being startled by the find, which was made through DNA analysis of remains that had washed ashore over the past three decades. "It's clear that even for whales, these large animals everyone loves, there's a lot we don't know," said Merel Dalebout, co-author of an upcoming report on the discovery. The Interstellar Amino Acid Test Apr 10 2002 - SPACE.com It's one of the great, unsolved mysteries: How did life get started on Earth? According to the above article, a recent experiment adds weight to the possibility "that the seeds of life may have come drizzling down from space: not as full-blown microbes, but as those infamous building blocks of biology, amino acids." If the theory is true, it might just turn out that life is "as common as planets themselves." Read more... Smaller Spiders Are Better Lovers Apr 9 2002 - Nature Because mating often involves a perilous vertical ascent to a female spider's web, smaller male spiders have a reproductive advantage by being faster and nimbler climbers, a new study suggests. "If you're small, you're going to be a better climber," said one of the researchers, who used simple physics to show that an animal's climbing speed is inversely proportional to its size. Read more... In a Plant's Plentiful Genes, a Chemistry Lesson Apr 8 2002 - Washington Post As reported in a previous story, scientists announced last week that they have detailed the genome of the rice plant. What many have found mystifying, however, is the revelation that the plant most likely contains more genes than a human being. Why in the world does a seemingly simple rice plant need so many genes? As the above article explains, the short answer is this: Plants live by chemistry, and the complicated evolutionary knowledge of how to make various chemicals is encoded in a plant's genes. In case you're worried though, there is some redeeming news for humans: Scientists stress that an organism's complexity doesn't depend strictly on how many genes it has; what's more important is how these genes are used. Read more... Breakthrough: Scientists Detail Rice Genome Apr 5 2002 - MSNBC In what is being trumpeted as one of the most important scientific breakthroughs in several years, two groups of researchers report in this week’s Science that they have detailed the genetic “life code” of rice, making it the first food crop to be sequenced. Such genetic information is significant, scientists say, because it should speed up the breeding of tougher, more nutritious, and higher-yielding rice varieties that can help feed the world’s growing population. "It's the most important crop in the world in terms of calories that people eat," the editor of Science told the press. Click above to find out more about this promising achievement... Was the Humble Sponge Earth's First Animal? Apr 2 2002 - National Geographic News For evolutionary biologists, it's the ultimate whodunnit: What life form was the common ancestor of the animal kingdom? Mitch Sogin, a scientist who has been sifting through clues in the genetic codes of simple marine organisms, thinks he has the answer. The animal "Eve" looked like a sponge, he says. Read more... Japanese Scientist Makes Frog Eyes Mar 27 2002 - Yahoo - AP Some three decades after starting research on organ regeneration, Makoto Asashima last year successfully transplanted an eye formed in a test tube, restoring the sight of a blinded tadpole. Technology that Asashima is developing could eventually help doctors use stem cells from humans to regenerate or replace damaged or destroyed human organs, eliminating the need for donor transplants. But Asashima concedes it's a big step from regenerating frog organs to doing the same for humans. Frogs produce many more embryos than humans - the number of stem cells available for research on humans would be more limited. Another factor is political opposition to research using human stem cells. Monkey Meat Riddled with SIV Mar 26 2002 - Nature Simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV) is the viral ancestor of HIV. A recent survey of bushmeat sold in Camaroon has shown that more than one fifth is tainted with SIV. "Bushmeat" includes monkey, chimpanzee, and gorilla meat. According to researchers, the level and variety of the SIV strains found highlights the risk of new HIV-like viruses entering humans via bushmeat. The Rule of the Game Mar 25 2002 - Nature Every kilogram of meat-eating mammal needs 111 kilograms of prey to sustain it, a new study says. The ratio appears to hold for all carnivores, from tiny weasels to massive polar bears. "To see this rule emerging across a wide range of carnivores was a real surprise to me, and I think it'll surprise a lot of ecologists," one of the co-authors said. The discovery could aid conservation efforts. Read more... Oral Drug is Developed to Fight Smallpox Virus Mar 20 2002 - Washington Post A researcher has developed an oral drug that appears to be active against the dreaded smallpox virus. The development raises the hope that large-scale treatment would be possible in the event smallpox, which was eradicated in 1977, reappears. "We're very excited about the findings," said a CDC official. Still, the compound must undergo additional tests before it can be approved for human use. Life is Confusing for Two-Headed Snakes Mar 20 2002 - National Geographic A two-headed snake. The image, almost mythical, is enough to send shivers down your spine. But while two-headed snakes are rare, they are not unheard of, and one recently found in Spain is giving scientists an opportunity to study how the anomaly affects their ability to hunt and mate. "These animals shouldn't be looked at as freaks," one herpetologist said. "They're organisms with motivations and individuality just like any other," and "they provide us with an opportunity to study cooperation and the processes of controlling the same body with two nervous systems." Click above to find out more... Dead Men Talking: Profile of a Forensics Expert Mar 19 2002 - CBS News (60 Minutes II) The job of a forensic anthropologist is to go at a crime scene the way a paleontologist would sift for dinosaur fossils. And Bill Bass, a distinguished professor at the University of Tennessee and an expert on human remains, happens to be one of the best in the world. In fact, he's so good at his job that prosecutors often rely on his expertise as the last best chance to solve a murder mystery. "It's true. You have a body. You're trying to figure out who that is," says Bass. "But they're all different, and it's a challenge, to see whether you can solve the puzzle." Click above to learn more about what makes Bass one of the top minds in his field. Potato Blight's Origins Could Enable Its Demise Mar 18 2002 - Washington Post For more than 150 years, the devastating Irish Potato Famine has been the source of one of the all-consuming mysteries of plant pathology, confounding scientists. And in many ways, the responsible pathogen -- potato late blight fungus -- is even more dangerous today than it was then, remaining the most pernicious and persistent plant disease on Earth. How can it be controlled? According to some scientists, finding the source of the disease might be the first step. Monkey Think, Monkey Do: Primate Moves Cursor Just by Thinking Mar 14 2002 - MSNBC -- AP A monkey with a tiny brain implant successfully moved a cursor on a computer screen just by thinking, researchers report. "We substituted thought control for hand control," one of the researchers said. "A monkey's brain -- not its hand -- moved the cursor." The achievement is the latest in a series of experiments that have raised hopes that paralyzed people might one day be able to control complex devices with their minds. Find out more... Life Springs from Ancient Lotus Seeds Mar 14 2002 - ABC News.com A plant biologist at UCLA has grown two Chinese lotus plants from seeds nearly 500-years-old, making them the oldest known seeds to ever grow into mature plants. The seeds were found in a dry lakebed in China, where they were subject to centuries of wind and sand storms, occasional flooding, and even low doses of radiation. How were the seeds (a few defects notwithstanding) able to remain viable for such a long time, and what secrets might they hold about longevity and good health? These questions have many scientists fascinated. Click above to learn more... Team Races to Catalog Every Species on Earth Mar 6 2002 - National Geographic It looks as if the Earth is not such a small world after all. To date, taxonomists have identified about two million distinct species, mostly mammals and birds. But it's estimated that the number of undiscovered species ranges from ten million to more than one hundred million -- that's somewhere between 80 and 98 percent of all the species on Earth. Will it ever be possible to identify and classify all these living creatures? Believe it or not, the All Species Foundation, a nonprofit organization, is dedicated to achieving that feat in a mere 25 years. Can they do it? Read more... Young Elephants Emit Sweet Smell Feb 28 2002 - ABC News In another example of how animals use chemicals to communicate, researchers have learned that young male Asian elephants signal their innocence through secretions that smell like honey. "The sweet smell tells females that an immature male still has some growing up to do and informs aggressive mature males that they pose no threat," one of the lead researchers said. These sweet smells don't last forever though. When a male elephant matures, his secretions turn rancid, tipping off females that he is ready to mate. Alzheimer's Gene Screened from Newborn Feb 27 2002 - Washington Post In a medical breakthrough, doctors in Chicago have helped a woman give birth to a baby who is free of her family's curse of early Alzheimer's disease. The work is one of several recent advances in a field known as pre-implantation genetic diagnosis, in which eggs or embryos are tested for disease genes and only embryos lacking such genes are transferred into a woman's womb. But the work is also raising ethical concerns, with some questioning whether the availability of such tests will induce parents to select for traits that are not strictly linked to disease but instead reflect personal preferences. DNA Tests Yield Old West "Bonanza" Feb 26 2002 - MSNBC -- AP Archaeologists in Virginia City, Nevada, are extracting DNA residue from historical artifacts (such as syringes) to help historians gain a better glimpse into daily life on the Western frontier. Significantly, experts believe the dig marks the first time human DNA has been extracted from artifacts other than human remains. And so far, what researchers have uncovered tells a far different story of frontier life than what is usually portrayed in Hollywood Westerns... Life Survives a Deep Squeeze Feb 22 2002 - MSNBC -- AP In a recent experiment, two ordinary microbes survived under almost a quarter-million pounds of pressure -- that's up to 17,000 times normal atmospheric pressure. The study has significant implications, scientists say, adding intense pressure to the list of extremes (such as heat, dryness, radiation) under which microbial life has been shown to persist. "It extends the limits of life to another zone that we hadn't thought of before," one geobiologist said. "This really expands where we think life might be able to survive in the universe." Brain Study Casts Doubt on Theory of How Human Intelligence Evolved Feb 21 2002 - Scientific American According to a popular view, humans developed superior intelligence over other primates when a part of the brain known as the frontal cortex grew disproportionately large. But a new study challenges this view, suggesting instead that the size of the human frontal cortex is, in relative terms, comparable with that of the great ape frontal cortex. The findings, however, do not necessarily imply that the frontal cortex is unimportant to human intelligence, the researchers note. It just seems that composition counts for more than size. Bacteria Might Help Fight Tooth Decay, Biologist Says Feb 20 2002 - ABC News.com Most tooth decay is caused by a particular strain of bacteria called Streptococcus mutans (S. mutans). But now, after years of research, an oral biologist from the University of Florida says he has developed a genetically altered bacterium that destroys the decay-causing strain. "You would just need to squirt it onto tooth surfaces once" for a lifetime of protection, he said. Is this too good to be true? And what are the dangers, if any, of releasing a genetically modified creature inside the human body? Click above to find out more... "Copy Cat" Takes Place as First Cloned Pet Feb 15 2002 - MSNBC Scientists in Texas have created the first cloned cat, the sixth kind of mammal to be created from a single adult cell, following sheep, mice, cattle, goats, and pigs. It is interesting, however, that while the cloned calico (named "cc" for copy cat) has been established to be a genetic duplicate of its donor mother, the two do not look exactly the same. Scientists say that's because calico markings are the result of random developmental factors, not just genotype. As expected, the achievement is also sparking a heated debate over the ethics of cloning pets for money. Read more... Newly Discovered Fossil Strengthens Dinosaur-Bird Link Feb 15 2002 - MSNBC--Reuters A 130-million-year-old fossil of a chicken-sized dinosaur adds further weight to the theory that birds evolved from dinosaurs, scientists say. Possessing a number of bird-like body traits, "the animal is not a direct ancestor to birds but it is a very close cousin," said Peter Makovicky, who reported his team's findings in the Feb. 14 issue of Nature. The fossil also "demonstrates that major structural modification toward birds occurred much earlier in the evolutionary process than previously thought," he asserted. Find out more... Valentine's Day Special: Love Not Always Supreme in Animal Kingdom Feb 14 2002 - MSNBC, National Geographic, ABC News We may think of Feb. 14 as a day of romantic candlelight dinners, but three recent news articles show that love doesn't always reign supreme in the animal kingdom: 1) An MSNBC/AP article examines the hostile mating behavior of water striders, in what researchers say is the first evidence of an anatomical arms race between the sexes; 2) A National Geographic article explains how the so-called "love darts" of snails are nothing more than tools of male manipulation, designed to maximize the number of sperm that reach a female's reproductive system; and 3) An ABC News/AP story explores whether sexual (vs. asexual) reproduction among animals is even necessary in the first place. Happy Valentine's Day! Ocean Pooper Scoopers: Scientists Study Whale Waste for Clues to Diet Feb 13 2002 - MSNBC--Reuters Yesterday's gross-out story centered on dinosaur vomit (read story). Today, the focus is whale poop. As reported in the above article, scientists have developed a way to study the eating habits of whales by scooping up their waste and analyzing the DNA of digested prey. Researchers hope the method could serve as an alternative to Japan's annual kill of minke whales to study their impact on commercial fish stocks. Cloned Mice Have Shorter Life Expectancy, Study Says Feb 12 2002 - National Geographic In a new study, Japanese scientists have found that cloned mice seem to have a shortened life span as a result of compromised immunity. The study comes on the heels of the disclosure that Dolly the sheep has arthritis (see previous story) and gives new cause for concern about attempts to clone animals or humans for reproductive purposes. Effort Aims to Catalog Every Species Feb 11 2002 - bergen.com So far, about 1.8 million of the world's species have been identified, including most mammals and birds. But the founders of the All Species Foundation aren't satisfied. Not only do they want to identify and catalog the estimated 10 million to 111 million living things still left undiscovered, they want to make it cool to work in the sometimes underappreciated field of taxonomy. Click above to read the full article, or click here to visit the foundation's website. The Bionic Human: When Mind Meets Machine Feb 8 2002 - MSNBC--Science Will bionic devices someday help the blind see, the deaf hear, and those with paralysis move freely? As reported in a special bionics issue of the journal Science, published today, the idea of engineering replacement parts for the human body is making its way toward reality. And while techniques to restore vision, hearing, and mobility are at different stages of development, the primary challenge is the same: to improve communication between mind and machine. State Bird of Hawaii Unmasked as Canadian Feb 7 2002 - National Geographic Many birds head south for the winter months. Some, it turns out, stay forever. In a surprise discovery, scientists have learned that the distinctive-looking and endangered Hawaiian goose, known as the nene, is in fact an evolutionary descendant of the Canada goose. The finding is shedding light on how quickly a population that becomes isolated can develop specialized adaptations. Read more... Rare Donkey's Even Rarer Birth Feb 6 2002 - BBC News Using a unique embryo implantation technique, scientists in Australia have coaxed a horse to give birth to a rare Poitou donkey. The experiment is significant because it offers hope that closely related species may be able to act as surrogates for the offspring of their endangered cousins. Scientists Study Effects of Artificial Light on Wildlife Feb 4 2002 - ABC News--AP It is already well documented that artificial light can disrupt the natural biological patterns that guide sleep, body temperature, and other functions in humans. But what are the effects on plants and animals? The little research that has been done on this subject suggests that the effects of artificial lights on wildlife may be dramatic, if not lethal, and some scientists want to learn more. "All of the things we do for nature preservation are necessary, but they might not be sufficient if we don't address this," one conservationist said. Seal for Hire: Scientists Use Seals To Videotape Fish at Antarctic Depths Feb 1 2002 - ABC News.com How can marine ecologists find out what it's really like to survive as a seal or fish in the dark, cold waters that lie deep beneath Antarctica's floating ice shields? A group of researchers had an idea; they recruited a bunch of Weddell seals to serve as their film crew, strapping cameras and instruments on to their assistants' pelts. Was this hard to pull off? As it turned out, catching the seals was not difficult at all. The hard part, the crew said, was making sure their collaborators came back at the end of the experiment. Read more... Dinosaurs Born To Run, Scientists Say Jan 31 2002 - MSNBC--Reuters It may not have been pretty, scientists say, but using prints from a fossilized dinosaur track, researchers in England have calculated that big, meat-eating dinosaurs could run at speeds of up to 19 mph. "Dinosaurs could run for short bursts," said Julia Day, a paleontologist at the University of Cambridge. Still, she and her colleagues aren't sure how long the lumbering beasts could have sustained the speed. Click above to read the full article, or click here for a list of dinosaur-related websites approved by NSTA's sciLINKS program. Discovery of Petrified Jellyfish Wows Paleontologists Jan 30 2002 - Nature A flotilla of "hulking huge" jellyfish marooned on a beach 500 million years ago has been unearthed in what is now central Wisconsin. The discovery surprised scientists, because jellyfish usually fossilize poorly. It also delighted them, providing a "unique window" into life on Earth before animals came to land. Click above to learn more about this spectacular find... Dino-Era Crater Probed for Clues to Mass Extinction Jan 24 2002 - National Geographic According to a widely accepted theory, a mountain-sized comet or asteroid slammed into the Earth 65 million years ago, wiping out the dinosaurs, and clearing the way for the rise of mammals. But what exactly did the giant space rock do when it penetrated Earth's crust, and how was the global environment affected? To find out, scientists have begun drilling a mile-deep hole into a huge underground crater that is believed to have been left by the ancient collision. "Since we can't go back 65 million years in a time machine, drilling down to the 65-million-year level is the best we can do," one scientist said. Mud Batteries: Power Cells of the Future? Jan 23 2002 - National Geographic Will a "mud battery" be powering your car in the near future? Probably not, but in a promising sign that the seabed might some day be exploited as a natural low-level power source, scientists have identified bacteria that produce electricity by breaking down organic material in sludge. The bacteria might also be used to degrade toxic pollutants in groundwater, scientists say. Find out more... Experts Urge Ban on Cloned Babies, But Back Embryo Research Jan 22 2002 - Washington Post In a report released last week, the influential National Academy of Sciences concluded that human reproduction by cloning should be illegal because it poses a high risk of injury or death to the clones and to the women who would bear those clones. At the same time, the group said that Congress should not interfere with the production of human embryo clones for stem cells, which many scientists hope will lead to treatments for a variety of life-threatening diseases. The full report, which looked only at scientific issues and not ethical concerns, can be read online at www.nas.edu. In Biotech Breakthrough, Scientists Create Artificial Spider Silk Jan 18 2002 - National Geographic Spider silk is nature's miracle fiber: strong, elastic, biodegradable, and a good candidate for a broad range of medical and industrial applications. Unfortunately, it has also been extremely difficult to manufacture. But now, a biotech company in Canada has developed a method for producing artificial spider silk by inserting the genes for spider silk into the cells of mammals, which in turn secrete proteins that can be mechanically “spun” into silk fibers. While these fibers are not quite as strong as the real thing, biotech scientists are already busy searching for ways to improve their technique. “Mother Nature knows what she’s doing, and our goal is to bio-mimic her creations,” one scientist said. Newly Discovered Microbes Offer Model for E.T. Life Jan 17 2002 - MSNBC--Washington Post Question: What organisms could possibly live without sunshine or organic carbon as food? The answer: Archaea, tiny hydrogen-eating microbes that were recently discovered living in the darkness of a geothermal hot spring 600 feet beneath southeastern Idaho. And what's more, experts say, the existence of such ecosystems on Earth suggests they may be present elsewhere in the solar system--for example, deep beneath the chill surface of Mars. "[It's] one of the best analogues for what might exist underground outside our own planet," one scientist said. Evolution on Fast Forward: Finches Adapt to Climates Jan 15 2002 - National Geographic Most people think of evolution as a process that takes millions of years. But in a remarkable example of real-time evolution, two different populations of finches--one in Montana, the other in Alabama--have developed characteristics to match their respective environments in less than 30 years, a new study suggests. Click above to find out more... Fluorescent Mice Herald Gene-Transfer Breakthrough Jan 14 2002 - National Geographic Scientists at the California Institute of Technology have developed a new way to create "transgenic" animals: animals that are given genes from other organisms to produce specific traits. In their experiment, researchers stripped an HIV virus of its disease-causing elements and used it to virally infect single-cell embryos of mice with a specific gene from a jellyfish. The result: mice that glow under fluorescent light. Why Forests Need Fire Jan 11 2002 - BBC News While the bush fires raging across Australia are exacting a heavy toll on the natural environment, the fires may actually offer some benefits to the forests in the longer term, the above article notes. That's because "fires are a natural way of clearing old growth, causing organic matter to decompose rapidly into mineral components which fuel rapid plant growth, and recycling essential nutrients, especially nitrogen." Still, if the forest flora stand to make some gains from the flames, the story will likely be different for much of the fauna, which tend to suffer greater devastation during large fires. Fluorescent Feathers Give Parrots Added Allure in Courtship, Study Finds Jan 8 2002 - National Geographic According to a recent study of budgerigars (a type of parrot), having a bright set of fluorescent feathers is a distinct reproductive advantage, with both males and females preferring "glowing" companions. Predictably, then, budgerigars perform courtships displays in the early morning, when the birds can catch the maximum amount of UV light and thus appear at their most radiant. Click above to learn more... An Unlikely Pair: Lioness and Baby Antelope Develop Bond in Wild Jan 7 2002 - BBC News A lioness in central Kenya recently baffled wildlife experts (and delighted tourists) by adopting and providing protection to a baby oryx, a kind of small antelope normally preyed upon by big cats. One wildlife expert believes the lioness spared the oryx "because animals have a special instinct to care for the young." Sadly, however, the rule of the wild ultimately prevailed yesterday when a male lion attacked and killed the baby oryx while the lioness was sleeping. Satellites Clear Up White Shark Mysteries Jan 4 2002 - National Geographic Despite their legendary "performances" in Hollywood movies, the truth is that scientists know very little about the behavior of white sharks. But thanks to breakthroughs in satellite technology, this is beginning to change. For example, a new study using such technology offers the most extensive record ever compiled on the ecological niche of white sharks, and the results are challenging old assumptions. Among the surprising findings: White sharks travel farther off-shore and dive deeper than previously thought, spending up to five months in deep ocean waters. Experts say such information has important implications for protecting the species. "We need to know where they go in order to consider conservation initiatives," a co-author of the study said. "This study has broadened our perspective." New Pig Clones Could Provide Organs for Human Transplants Jan 3 2002 - BBC News The biopharmaceutical company PPL Therapeutics has produced new cloned pigs, which the company says are a major step towards using animal organs for human transplants. That’s because, according to PPL, a specific gene that makes the human body reject pig organs has been knocked out. PPL says it intends to use the pigs as part of its program to seek a cure for humans suffering from diabetes. Scientists Take a Census of Life in Great Smoky Mountains Jan 2 2002 - MSNBC/Associated Press In what is being called the most ambitious plant and animal census ever attempted on the planet, nearly 2,000 volunteers--from school children to international scientists--are participating in the All-Taxa Biodiversity Inventory of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Since the project began in 1998, about 1,480 species have been discovered in the preserve, adding to an original list of 12,000. The goal is to find a total of 100,000 species in 15 years. "Some things are so small you can't even see them with your eyes," said a 16-year-old student volunteer. "But they play big roles. You just really don't know until you study them." Coaxing Rhinos to Do What Comes So Naturally Dec 27 2001 - New York Times (requires free registration) For fans of the endangered Sumatran rhinoceros, the birth a few months ago of Andalas--the first Sumatran rhino to be born and bred in captivity in more than 100 years--was a momentous event. Perhaps no person deserves more credit for this feat than Dr. Terri Roth, the vice president for animal sciences at the Cincinnati Zoo, where Andalas was born. Click above to read an interview with Dr. Roth in which she discusses Andalas's significance to science--and shares some tips for giving a 1,700-pound creature a sonogram. Building Blocks of Life Found in Two Meteorites Dec 20 2001 - National Geographic Scientists recently detected the presence of a sugar and many sugar-related compounds during an analysis of two meteorites: the Murchison meteorite that fell in Australia in 1969 and the Murray meteorite that fell in Kentucky in 1950. (Both are thought to have been formed about 4.5 billion years ago.) The finding is significant, experts say, because it lends further weight to the theory that material from meteors may have provided some starting material for early life forms, possibly even jump-starting the origin of life itself. Opinion: How Do You Miss a Whole Elephant Species? Dec 18 2001 - National Geographic As reported in a previous news item, geneticists who conducted a comprehensive DNA sampling of elephants from across Africa recently found that there are in fact two species of African elephants: the savanna (Loxodonta Africana) and the forest (Loxodonta africana cyclotis). But how did scientists overlook an entire elephant species for so long, especially when the new genetic evidence shows that the two species are more distant from each other than a tiger is from a lion? Noted paleontologist Lee R. Berger sheds some light on the mysterious ancestry of the African elephant. Controversy Over Cloning Reignites in Congress Dec 18 2001 - New York Times (requires free registration) The recent announcement by a biotechnology company that it is trying to clone human embryos for stem cells (go to previous story from the Washington Post) has reignited a controversy in Congress over the ethics of embryo experiments. As the New York Times article above notes, "At the heart of the debates over stem cells and cloning are questions that politicians cannot settle: When does life begin, and what is the moral status of the human embryo?" To Tell the Truth: Science Shows Lying is Hard Work Dec 17 2001 - ABC News.com Criminals, beware! Science may hold the key to developing a foolproof lie detector test. Recent experiments using computerized brain scans have shown that when people lie, they use more sections of the brain than when they tell the truth. "The brain works harder to lie," said Dr. Daniel Langleben, who led the research. While Langleben was never out to make a better lie detector, many are hopeful that his research, along with others', could someday lead to one. Clever Crows Lean to the Right Dec 13 2001 - BBC News The human race is predominantly right-handed, and to this day it's a mystery why. Primates share this predilection, which isn't surprising. Now it turns out that a toolmaking bird - a species of crow on New Caledonia in the southwestern Pacific Ocean - more often than not uses the right side of its beak. It seems that our preference for the right may have deeper origins than originally thought. Fungal Disease is Killing Oak Trees in Parts of U.S. Dec 11 2001 - National Geographic A fungal disease has killed tens of thousands of stately oak trees in California and southwestern Oregon, and the clock is ticking as scientists race to stop its spread. If the disease is not controlled, experts fear that oak trees could go the way of the American chestnut tree, which was wiped out by a fungus in the early part of the 20th century. Adolescence Came Late in Human Evolution, Study Shows Dec 10 2001 - National Geographic Parents of teens might have trouble believing this, but adolescence, which gives us extra time for learning, was a major step forward in human evolution. But when did our ancestors develop this prolonged pattern of growth and maturation? In a surprising find, a new study shows that adolescence is a fairly recent development in human evolution, first showing up between 800,000 and 300,000 years ago. Study Suggests Predators are Vital to Health of Ecosystems Dec 4 2001 - Scientific American Do predators at the top of the food chain or plants at the bottom exert more control over ecosystems? The question lies at the heart of a long-standing debate among ecologists, and a recent study weighs in on the side of predators as essential regulators. "If predators are gone, the number of [herbivores] explodes, leading to a "state of collapse" among all but the most toxic plant species, the lead author argues. Take NSTA's Quick Poll: What's Your Opinion on Efforts to Clone Human Beings? Nov 27 2001 - NSTA Claims by a private lab that scientists there successfully cloned a human embryo (see yesterday’s story in the Washington Post) have renewed a fierce debate over the ethics of human cloning. What’s your opinion? Do you think the federal government should continue to allow private (non-government-funded) labs to pursue human cloning efforts, either for medical (stem cell) or reproductive purposes? Click here to take NSTA’s Quick Poll, and let your voice be heard. First Human Embryos Are Cloned in U.S.; Advance Reignites Debate Over Ethics of Practice Nov 26 2001 - Washington Post Scientists at Advanced Cell Technology (ACT), a private lab in Massachusetts, said yesterday they had succeeded in creating the world's first cloned human embryos. While the lab's chief insists he has no interest in making cloned human babies--rather, he says, the lab's goal is to grow stem cells from the embryos that can be used for medical purposes--the advance has nonetheless triggered a fierce debate over the ethics of cloning. And even as the debate rages on, large technical challenges remain to successful human cloning. ACT's embryos, for example, grew for only a few hours, long enough to form microscopic balls containing just four to six cells each. Typically, an embryo must grow to a mass of a few hundred cells before it gives rise to stem cells. New Antibiotic Found in Fish Cells Nov 21 2001 - National Geographic Scientists have found that certain cells in a hybrid striped bass commonly available in the United States contain a new family of germ killers. Unlike most antibiotics, which target particular bacteria, these proteins mount a general assault: they "make a hole in the membrane, which cause the bacteria to pop open and die within minutes," said a researcher. This unspecific form of attack means that single mutations are unlikely to help bacteria evolve resistance, which is an growing problem with antibiotics. Some Snakes Find Warmth and Safety in "Cross-Dressing," Study Says Nov 19 2001 - National Geographic Nearly 20 years ago, researchers discovered that some male garter snakes mimic female behavior when they emerge from hibernation. Why do they do it? Until recently, a common assumption has been that the "she-males" are seeking a reproductive advantage or attempting to avoid aggression from larger males. But a new study suggests that the males pose as females simply to get warm and to reduce their exposure to predators. My, You Smell Diverse Nov 15 2001 - Nature When it comes to fish, body odor may not be such a bad thing after all. A new study finds that stickleback fish possess a finely tuned mechanism that allows them to sniff out the mate with the most diverse array of genes in a part of the genome dedicated to fighting disease. Might the same mechanism be at work in humans? "It's very likely that many other organisms have the same strategy," said the lead researcher. Mosquito Adapting to Global Warming, Study Finds Nov 6 2001 - National Geographic News Scientists at the University of Oregon have found a mosquito that appears to have evolved and adapted to climatic changes induced by global warming--the first documented case of a genetic change in response to the planet getting warmer. What's more, the lead scientist said, it appears that this evolutionary change can occur in as little as five years. Beetles' Water Wings Aid Desert Survival Nov 1 2001 - Nature Could the water-gathering tricks of desert beetles help humans survive harsh environments? It appears so, say British scientists, who have found that the beetle Stenocara uses its hard front wings to turn fog into drinking water. Inspired by the process, the scientists are now working to design fog-collecting materials that mimic those used by the insect. The Biology of Cheese: Ripe for Controversy Oct 22 2001 - Discover Cheese is milk that has been curdled and fermented by microbes. Today, most cheese is made from pasteurized milk, but cheese artisans, of whom there are many in France and a growing number in the United States, continue to make cheese from raw milk, arguing that its rich natural microflora adds flavor to the cheese. But that may soon change, as the FDA is considering an outright ban on raw-milk cheese. All of which, of course, raises an important question: Can cheese be both delicious and safe? Pay Gap Remains for Women in Life Sciences Oct 16 2001 - New York Times (requires free registration) The good news is that most life scientists are overwhelmingly pleased with their profession, and their salaries are on the rise. The bad news is that at least one verity refuses to die: For every dollar that a male life scientist earns, a woman earns not quite 77 cents. These findings come from a report, commissioned by the American Association for the Advancement of Sciences, that is said to be the largest salary and job satisfaction study performed of life scientists in the United States. "Magnetic Map" Found To Guide Animal Migration Oct 15 2001 - National Geographic Why is it that migrating animals never seem to meander off course and get lost? As a recent study of the tiny loggerhead turtle suggests, the answer may be that migration routes and navigation skills are hard-wired into the animals’ brains. Zero-Gravity Hurts: What Happens to the Human Body in Space Oct 11 2001 - FirstScience.com If you’ve ever carried a heavy backpack uphill, you know that gravity can hurt. But as astronauts have experienced, a lack of gravity can hurt even more, weakening muscles and bones for long periods of time. As a result, in preparation for future space missions, scientists are experimenting with devices that mimic the body-strengthening benefits of gravity. Scientists Check Coral Reef Health From Above Oct 11 2001 - National Geographic News With the aid of an aerial device called a spectrographic imager, scientists can now rapidly assess the health of the world's coral reefs without ever stepping foot in the water. Unfortunately, the data they collect are not always encouraging. According to the new World Atlas of Coral Reefs, the world's remaining coral is considerably less than was thought to exist, underscoring the need for immediate preservation efforts. Bacteria Offer Tips For Creating Clean Fuel Oct 10 2001 - Nature News Are non-polluting, hydrogen-fueled cars in our future? Based on new research, scientists at the University of Illinois believe they can steal the secrets of hydrogen-generating bacteria to make the gas cheaply and efficiently for industrial use. Meerkats Become Fat Cats in Large Cooperatives Oct 10 2001 - National Geographic News When it comes to meerkat society, scientists say a basic rule prevails: The more, the fatter. Researchers have found that the larger their social cooperatives, the more these squirrel-sized mammals are able to spread the duties of rearing their young and standing guard against predators—-giving individuals greater opportunities to look for food and increase their heft. Fear of Snakes, Spiders Rooted in Evolution, Study Finds Oct 5 2001 - National Geographic News What is it about the mere sight of a snake or spider that strikes terror in the hearts of millions? A new study suggests that such fear has been shaped by evolution, stretching back to a time when early mammals had to survive in an environment dominated by reptiles, some of which were deadly. For Caterpillars, Making a Racket Goes With the Territory Oct 2 2001 - New York Times (requires free registration) When it comes to staking out territory, it appears that trash talk is everything for the hook-tip moth larva. New research shows that the caterpillars, when nesting, make hostile noises with their tails and jaws to chase off intruders of the same species. The research provides the first evidence of intraspecies acoustic communication among caterpillars. The Microbes That "Rule the World" Oct 1 2001 - BBC News