Hidden habits and movements of insect pests revealed by DNA barcoding
04:37 10-03-2010; source: www.sciencedaily.com
Researchers have found a faster way to study the spread and diet of insect pests. Using a technique called DNA barcoding, which involves the identification of species from a short DNA sequence, they studied populations of numerous moth and butterfly species across Papua New Guinea. DNA barcodes showed that migratory patterns and caterpillar diets are very dynamic.
Papaya extract thwarts growth of cancer cells in lab tests
04:37 10-03-2010; source: www.sciencedaily.com
Papaya extract seems to have a toxic effect on cancer cells in culture, suggesting a potential treatment. Scientists documented for the first time that papaya leaf extract boosts the production of key signaling molecules called Th1-type cytokines. This regulation of the immune system, in addition to papaya's direct anti-tumor effect on various cancers, suggests possible therapeutic strategies that use the immune system to fight cancers.
Sonic hedgehog gene found in an unexpected place during limb development
04:37 10-03-2010; source: www.sciencedaily.com
Sonic hedgehog is at work in mice limb buds in what is known as the ectoderm, the cell layer that gives rise to skin, researchers discovered. Finding Sonic hedgehog here is akin to discovering that yeast has crept from the batter to the frosting, where it has the surprising effect of limiting how much the cake rises. In this case, instead of causing appendages to grow in mice, Sonic hedgehog prevents digits from developing.
Decoding the long calls of the orangutan
03:37 10-03-2010; source: www.sciencedaily.com
Research into the long calls of male orangutans in Borneo has given scientists new insight into how these solitary apes communicate through dense jungle. An acoustic analysis of the calls reveals that the calls not only serve to attract females, but also contain information on the identity and the context of the caller.
Plants discover the benefits of good neighbors in strategy against herbivores
03:37 10-03-2010; source: www.sciencedaily.com
Scandinavian scientists have discovered that a species of tree defends itself from herbivore attack by using chemicals emitted by neighboring plants. The study reveals how species of Birch tree absorb chemical compounds from neighboring Marsh tea plants, Rhondodendron tomentosum, in a unique defense by neighbor strategy.
Cotton is the fabric of your lights, your MP3 player, your cell phone
00:37 10-03-2010; source: www.sciencedaily.com
Consider this T-shirt: It can monitor your heart rate and breathing, analyze your sweat and even cool you off on a hot summer's day. Or a solar-powered dress that can charge your MP3 player? This is not science fiction -- this is cotton in 2010.
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