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

You mean to tell me that we weren't all born Christian? picked by Bornbad 1 year 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

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

Men with lots of brothers are more likely to have sons than daughters, scientists claim after studying family trees dating back more than 400 years. picked by AutumnLotus 12 months 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

"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

Existing copies are to be destroyed which is causing some sites to yell out OMG! The 1st book burning of 2009! The publisher has demanded the encyclopedia to be less Christian and to show some negative items about Christianity and not use words like Antichrist, AD/BC, etc, etc . Sounds bad? Maybe not. See comments for more info. picked by 2manyusernames 10 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

There have been posts about Nanotechnology but this article talks specifically about using the technology to cure disease, personalized gene therapy, etc. 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

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

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

Scientists say they've taken a significant step toward using stem cells and gene therapy to cure a genetic disease. The team corrected a defective gene in cells taken from patients with Fanconi anemia, a disease that can lead to bone marrow failure, leukemia and other cancers. “We haven't cured a human being, but we have cured a cell,” Belmonte said. “In theory we could transpla... read full post picked by bingo 6 months 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

Scientists in New Zealand and Japan have created a "tear-free" onion using biotechnology to switch off the gene behind the enzyme that makes us cry. picked by AutumnLotus 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

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

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