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 1 year 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 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 12 months ago

Itching for a better anti-itch remedy? Your wish may soon be granted now that scientists at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis have identified the first gene for itch sensation. This could lead to new treatments providing relief for chronic and severe itching picked by 2manyusernames 1 year ago

Organic compounds contain carbon and hydrogen and form the building blocks of all life on Earth. By analyzing organic material and minerals in the Martian meteorite Allan Hills 84001, scientists have shown for the first time that building blocks of life formed on Mars early in its history. Previously, scientists have thought that organic material in ALH 84001 was brought to Mars by meteorite impac... read full post picked by AutumnLotus 8 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 8 months ago

Doesn't extinct mean they ain't coming back, who dropped the ball? And what the hell else did they miss? Am I going to have to run from a T-Rex on the way home today? picked by buddha 12 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 5 months ago

Now, a team of researchers working in New Mexico has found traces of life inside salty halite crystals. The discovery is "an invaluable resource for understanding the evolutionary record [of Earth] over a geological time frame." picked by AutumnLotus 3 weeks ago

A single gene can keep in check the tendency to pile on fat, scientists have shown. picked by maxriter 12 months ago

The goal of a new study is to bring extinct species back to life, including woolly mammoths from over 20,000 years ago. picked by mahler87 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 5 months ago

Asteroid impacts or massive volcanic flows might have occurred around the time dinosaurs became extinct, but a new book argues that the mightiest creatures the world has ever known may have been brought down by a tiny, much less dramatic force - biting, disease-carrying insects. picked by AutumnLotus 8 months ago

Earth's first animal was the ocean-drifting comb jelly, not the simple sponge, according to a new find that has shocked scientists who didn't imagine the earliest critter could be so complex. picked by AutumnLotus 4 months ago

A rare gene mutation that restricts a particular growth factor may be one of the keys to living to 100 and beyond, a new study suggests.

This mutation, which seems to decrease the activity of insulin-like growth factor (IGF-1), results in short stature but longer life. picked by AutumnLotus 6 months ago

A fossilized shark that swallowed a crocodile-like amphibian that, in turn, had gobbled up a fish has now been unearthed. This exceptional find marks the first time scientists have found direct evidence of such a complex, extinct food chain. picked by AutumnLotus 9 months ago

Tropical insects rather than polar bears could be among the first species to become extinct as a result of global warming, a study has found. picked by AutumnLotus 4 months ago

Thousands of recordings that had been largely consigned to the realm of prehistory in the digital age have gained a new life, thanks to the tireless efforts of one man. Cliff Bolling didn't realize what he was getting into when he picked up a copy of the first record he ever owned (Cliff Steward's "Aba Daba Honeymoon") and realized soon after that "there's a whole world of music t... read full post picked by generaldecay 6 days ago

For the first time, satellite imagery reveals thick Martian salt deposits scattered across the planet's southern surface, which one planetary scientist claims could be sites of ancient life. The mats of sodium chloride — the same taste-enhancing mineral found on your kitchen table — serve as more evidence of Mars' watery past, and researchers think the briney pools that made them could... read full post picked by AutumnLotus 5 months ago

Amusing article, although the page is wayyy too busy. I'm pretty sure witty Plimates could add more to the list. picked by gnikgnok 1 year ago