Scientists at the University of Washington and other institutions have identified 25 genes regulating lifespan in two organisms separated by about 1.5 billion years in evolutionary change. At least 15 of those genes have very similar versions in humans, suggesting that scientists may be able to target those genes to help slow down the aging process and treat age-related conditions. picked by AutumnLotus 9 months ago

Scientists in China have identified about 400 genes that appear to make some people more easily addicted to drugs picked by DemureArt 11 months ago

By altering a gene in the brain of a female worm, scientists were able to change its sexual orientation so that it was attracted to other females. picked by DemureArt 1 year ago

Jellyfish with up to a dozen heads have been created in the laboratory by carefully monkeying with a few genes. picked by AutumnLotus 1 year ago

While it is well understood that the evolution of new genes leads to adaptations that help species survive, gene loss may also afford a selective advantage. A group of scientists has investigated this less-studied idea, carrying out the first systematic computational analysis to identify long-established genes that have been lost across millions of years of evolution leading to the human species. picked by AutumnLotus 12 months ago

US scientists have demonstrated a way to stop breast cancer spreading to other parts of the body by either switching off the genes involved or blocking them with drugs. picked by AutumnLotus 2 years ago

Using supercomputers to compare portions of the human genome with those of other mammals, researchers at Cornell have discovered some 300 previously unidentified human genes, and found extensions of several hundred genes already known. The discovery is based on the idea that as organisms evolve, sections of genetic code that do something useful for the organism change in different ways. picked by AutumnLotus 1 year ago

A perfect post for today's FAF, a team of scientists in Edmonton have found a gene that blocks HIV from spreading to other cells and may prevent the onset of AIDS.
If they can find a vaccine or a cure for AIDS, they might be my favorite Canadians. picked by chinook 9 months ago

Scientists in California have uncovered the best evidence yet that cosmic dust in the early universe mostly came from the explosions of giant stars. picked by AutumnLotus 12 months ago

A person's optimism in the future seems to be controlled by a small front part of the mid-brain.

In a related story scientists give up on finding pessimism part of brain... what's the point... (sigh) picked by proverb 1 year 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 2 months ago

The challenge of finding the largest prime number ever known seems like an impossible task, however, when you put mathematicians and 100,000 computers together, you get an amazing result, which could qualify for the $100,000 prize offered by the Electronic Frontier Foundation for the first individual or group who discovers a prime number with at least 10,000,000 decimal digits. picked by AutumnLotus 2 months ago

Scientists have discovered a new Jupiter-sized planet orbiting around a distant sun-like star.

This planet takes 9.2 days to orbit its star, the longest period for any transiting exoplanet ever found. picked by AutumnLotus 4 months ago

Australian scientists have produced a map of the kangaroo genome to gain a better understanding of how mammalian DNA is ordered. Part of the research shows 20,000 genes in common with humans, inherited from a common ancestor. picked by pocksucket 2 weeks ago

Scientists believe they have found a key gene that helped the human brain evolve from our chimp-like ancestors. "What makes humans brainier than other primates?" Human brains are triple the size of chimp brains. picked by Jaxomlotus 2 years ago

The science fictional invisible man is a step closer to reality now that U.S. and European scientists have created a way to bend light around objects. picked by AutumnLotus 1 year ago

Scientists have used embryonic stem cells to generate blood -- a feat that could eventually lead to endless supplies of type O-negative blood, a rare blood type prized by doctors for its versatility picked by bernardblack 4 months ago

A team of scientists at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem has found a way to genetically enhance the scent of flowers and implant a scent in those that don't have one. picked by AutumnLotus 2 months ago

There may never be a campaign to save the Puget Sound ratfish; no one really loves the ugly fish with rodent-like front teeth. But when a rare albino ratfish was found during a marine survey this past summer, scientists decided it was time to educate the public about the most abundant fish in local waters. picked by AutumnLotus 1 year ago

Scientists from Oregon State University and the Natural History Museum in London have announced the discovery of the oldest known fossil of a gecko, with body parts that are forever preserved in life-like form after 100 million years of being entombed in amber. picked by AutumnLotus 3 months ago