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Monthly Archives: September 2009
Whole Genome Duplications Are Potentially An Evolutionary Advantage
A study recently published in Nature suggests that whole genome duplications may have posed an evolutionary advantage in our ancient ancestors. This is a surprising discovery considering the rarity of contemporary whole genome duplications being preserved. These findings may provide insight into new “tactics” organisms use during the course of evolution. Read the original Nature [...]
Posted in Evolutionary Biology, Genomics Tagged Evolution, Evolutionary Biology, Nature, Whole Genome Duplications 2827 Comments
Cancer Motility Mechanisms Observed
A new study out of Harvard Medical suggests that cancer cells have an intrinsic ability to mechanistically move through channels such as blood vessels as they make their way through the body and leave tumors. The study, published in Integrative Biology, uses a variety of microchannels and chemicals to treat the cells to a different [...]
Posted in Cell Biology, Microbiology Tagged Cell Biology, Integrative Biology, Microbiology, Microfluidics 1674 Comments
Discoverer of Leptin Describes its Effect on Appetite Via Seratonin
Leptin nixes appetite through serotonin Read the original Cell paper
New Findings Uncover 3 Genetic Links to Alzheimer’s
A new letter in Nature Genetics has shown genetic links of 3 new genes to the onset of Alzheimer’s. The study, featured in the latest edition of the journal, involved 45 different institutions, over 16000 individuals, and is considered the most in-depth and powerful study of its kind. It is expected that these new findings [...]
Posted in Genetics, Genomics, Health & Medicine Tagged Alzheimer's, Genetics, Genomics, Nature 5837 Comments
4 Services Offering Genetic Art
Genetic analysis is becoming more widespread and less expensive every day. There are a few companies out now that are taking advantage of this and offering its customers unique, personal, and completely biologically sound art based on their genetic code. DNA 11 DNA 11 is easily the most popular and successful of the various services [...]
Posted in Genetics, Genomics, Lists, Proteomics, Web Resources Tagged Genetics, Genomics, Proteomics, Web Resources 8484 Comments
Mitochondrial gene replacement in primate offspring and embryonic stem cells
Researchers at the Oregon National Primate Research Center have successfully replaced damaged and diseased mitochondria (and, likewise, their mtDNA) with healthy mitochondria with no apparent side effects in Macaca mulatta. This has strong implications for future treatment and prevention of mitochondrial DNA associated diseases. Original Publication in Nature : Mitochondrial gene replacement in primate offspring [...]
Posted in Biology, Cell Biology, Genetics, Health & Medicine Tagged Cell Biology, Disease, Genetics, Health, Medicine, Mitochondria, Nature 4365 Comments
Monkeys Enjoy Music.. Their OWN Music.
While monkeys prefer silence in the presence of human music, they apparently enjoy the music produced by themselves and their own vocal chords. This could provide significant improvements in the lives of captive animals and offers a unique look at the dynamics of animal physiology and psychology. Read More Read the original publication
Molecular Decay Of Enamel-specific Gene In Toothless Mammals Supports Theory Of Evolution
Biologists report new evidence for evolutionary change recorded in both the fossil record and the genomes (or genetic blueprints) of living organisms, providing fresh support for Charles Darwin’s theory of evolution. The researchers were able to correlate the progressive loss of enamel in the fossil record with a simultaneous molecular decay of a gene, called [...]
Posted in Evolutionary Biology, Genomics, Zoology Tagged Evolution, Evolutionary Biology, Genetics, Genomics, Mammals, Whales 3346 Comments
Spare Gene Is Fodder For Fishes’ Evolution
Scientists have suspected that spare parts in the genome — extra copies of functional genes that arise when genes or whole genomes get duplicated — might sometimes provide the raw materials for the evolution of new traits. Now, researchers report that they have discovered a prime example of this in fish. Read More
Posted in Evolutionary Biology, Genetics, Genomics Tagged Evolution, Evolutionary Biology, Genetics, Genomics, Zebrafish 3239 Comments
36 Beautiful and Amazing Biology-themed T-Shirts