US scientists have pinpointed a type of nerve cell in mice which appears to generate the itch sensation.

The finding suggests itching is not simply a low-level variation of pain - but a distinct sensation. picked by AutumnLotus 4 months ago

"French biotech sleuths believe they have identified a gene that helps determine whether your steak will be tough or tender." (damn, i thought Gene Simmons had found a new gig) picked by mitzuzake 2 years ago

Michigan State University plant scientists have discovered another piece of the genetic puzzle that controls how plants respond to high temperatures. That may allow plant breeders to create new varieties of crops that flourish in warmer, drier climates. picked by AutumnLotus 1 year ago

In a world first, scientists have extracted a gene from the extinct Tasmanian tiger and successfully inserted it into a mouse embryo.

It is the first time a gene from any extinct animal has been brought back to life inside another living creature. picked by AutumnLotus 2 years ago

There has always been an air of mystery surrounding Margaret Thatcher's famous boast that she only needed four hours sleep a night.

But now scientists have discovered a gene that determines the amount of sleep we need - and which allows some people to survive on fewer hours. picked by AutumnLotus 4 months ago

A gene that contributes to obesity has been identified for the first time, promising to explain why some people easily put on weight while others with similar lifestyles stay slim. picked by AutumnLotus 2 years ago

One of the mechanisms governing how our physical features and behavioural traits have evolved over centuries has been discovered by researchers at the University of Leeds.

In research published this week, the Leeds team reports that a protein known as REST plays a central role in switching specific genes on and off, thereby determining how specific traits develop in offspring. picked by AutumnLotus 5 months ago

Experiments on mice have revealed a gene that is linked to early hair loss, a Japanese researcher said today, sparking hopes for a treatment to prevent thinning and baldness in humans. picked by AutumnLotus 6 months ago

If life looks joyful in spite of recession, job insecurity and expanding waistline, then you should consider thanking your "brightside" gene.

A gene that affects if we're cheery or gloomy has been tracked down by British researchers. picked by AutumnLotus 9 months ago

A group of homosexual scientists, working for years to determine what it is that makes people Christian, have isolated the gene which causes the ailment. They hope to use this finding to cure people of their Christianity. picked by 2manyusernames 2 years ago

Scientists have discovered a gene that determines when a girl will turn into a woman and start menstruating.

Now single daddies can be more prepared... picked by Ankabout 7 months ago

Birds of a feather flock together, according to the old adage, and adolescent males who possess a certain type of variation in a specific gene are more likely to flock to delinquent peers, according to a landmark study led by Florida State University criminologist Kevin M. Beaver. picked by AutumnLotus 1 year ago

Scientists have identified a gene that allows breast cancer genes to enter the brain, sortof giving it a 'free pass'. picked by Ankabout 7 months ago

Geneticists have identified a super gene which causes breast cancer to metastasise, the deadly process by which the disease spreads to other organs. picked by AutumnLotus 2 years ago

A second gene responsible for the most common form of Alzheimer's disease has been identified by U.S. and Canadian researchers. picked by teaya21 3 years ago

A newly identified gene called happyhour makes fruit flies sensitive to booze. Drugs that mimic the effects of the gene may offer a new treatment against alcohol abuse, researchers say. picked by AutumnLotus 6 months ago

The elixir of youth may ultimately be hidden in a poorly-understood gene that not only fosters longevity but enhances quality of life, according to a landmark study released Wednesday. picked by AutumnLotus 3 years ago

A breakthrough by scientists could see dentures bite the dust.

Researchers have pinpointed the gene that governs the production of tooth enamel, raising the tantalising possibility of people one day growing extra teeth when needed. picked by AutumnLotus 9 months ago

The Scrooges of this world now have an excuse for holding on to their money. Generosity is determined by our genes, according to scientists. Research suggests that those with a variant of a certain gene are significantly more likely to give their money away. picked by AutumnLotus 2 years ago

A single gene can keep in check the tendency to pile on fat, scientists have shown. picked by maxriter 2 years ago