Compared to humans, bacteria have a much tidier genome. The tiny microorganisms pack their genes closely together, and don't carry around a lot of extraneous DNA, so-called junk DNA that fills in the gaps between genes. Some 90 percent of the complete genome sequence of the bacteria E. coli contains sequences of DNA that code for protein, while 90 percent of the human genome is non-coding junk DNA. Source: ScienceDaily: Latest Science News | 19 May 2008 | 6:00 pm
Having found that whether bacteria stick to surfaces depends partly on how stiff those surfaces are, MIT engineers have created ultrathin films made of polymers that could be applied to medical devices and other surfaces to control microbe accumulation. Source: ScienceDaily: Latest Science News | 19 May 2008 | 6:00 pm
Everyone who has an e-mail account has probably received a forwarded chain letter promising good luck if the message is forwarded on to others -- or terrible misfortune if it isn't. The sheer volume of forwarded messages such as chain letters, online petitions, jokes and other materials leads to a simple question -- how do these messages reach so many people so quickly? Source: ScienceDaily: Latest Science News | 19 May 2008 | 6:00 pm
The absence of two proteins in mammalian embryos prevents the development of a healthy heart, a new study has found. This is the first study that has successfully identified the factors responsible for the onset of heart formation in the mammalian embryo. Until now, no single mutation had been identified that was thought to be responsible for blocking proper development of the heart in mammalian embryos. The identification of these major developmental switches will allow researchers to unravel the fundamental mechanisms that define heart cell formation. Source: ScienceDaily: Latest Science News | 19 May 2008 | 6:00 pm
People's concern in maintaining germ-free homes has led to the widespread use of anti-bacterial soaps and cleaning agents. But the active ingredients of those products have come under scrutiny due to environmental and human health concerns. Now, researchers have shown that antimicrobial ingredients used a half a century ago persist today in estuarine sediments into which New York City and Baltimore have discharged their treated domestic wastewater. Source: ScienceDaily: Latest Science News | 19 May 2008 | 6:00 pm
Maintaining bone density could be a key to decreasing the spread of cancer in women with locally advanced breast cancer, according to new research. Bones are common sites for the spread, or metastasis, of breast cancer. Scientists have found that women treated for stage II/III breast cancer who also received a bone strengthening drug were less likely to have breast tumor cells growing in their bones after three months. Source: ScienceDaily: Latest Science News | 19 May 2008 | 6:00 pm
Microbiologists have found a way to trigger a protein combination called 9-1-1 that sends an SOS signal for cells to fight cancer-causing agents such as industrial toxins, ultraviolet radiation, and X-rays. The finding may be a breakthrough in cancer research that could lead to better cancer diagnosis through targeting defective genes. It may also pave the way for a drug that activates the SOS response in cells. Source: ScienceDaily: Latest Science News | 19 May 2008 | 3:00 pm
Engineers have improved the power output of one type of fuel cell by more than 50 percent through technology that could help these environmentally friendly energy storage devices find a much broader market, particularly in portable electronics. Source: ScienceDaily: Latest Science News | 19 May 2008 | 3:00 pm
Scientists have developed a new type of enzyme inhibitor capable of blocking a biochemical pathway that plays a key role in cancer development. Based on studies in human melanoma cells, the research paves the way for developing new ways to treat cancer by dampening overactive enzyme activity that leads to uncontrolled tumor growth. The study shows how small-molecule inhibitors can be designed to target a family of signaling proteins, called phosphatidyl-inositol-3-kinases, or PI3Ks. Source: ScienceDaily: Latest Science News | 19 May 2008 | 3:00 pm
Researchers in China have recently made a "golden crown" with a diameter of only a few nanometers, a large ring-shaped molecule containing 36 gold atoms. Source: ScienceDaily: Latest Science News | 19 May 2008 | 3:00 pm
The UK's largest power station, Drax, has launched a £50m project aimed at replacing 10% of the coal it uses with biomass Source: guardian.co.uk Science | 19 May 2008 | 2:46 pm
MPs consider reforms to the UK's embryology laws, including the creation of hybrid embryos. Source: BBC News | Science/Nature | UK Edition | 19 May 2008 | 2:34 pm
The pod is joined by two of the of RI's most distinguished members. We hear from the opponents and supports of the embryology bill. And astrobiologist David Catling tells us about life on the red planet Source: guardian.co.uk Science | 19 May 2008 | 2:21 pm
The world's most powerful laser is used to heat matter to 10 million Celsius - hotter than the surface of the Sun. Source: BBC News | Science/Nature | UK Edition | 19 May 2008 | 1:35 pm
MPs will today begin a two-day debate that will affect the future of embryo research, IVF treatment and abortion Source: guardian.co.uk Science | 19 May 2008 | 1:25 pm
All the main parties are allowing free votes on the four most controversial elements of the bill: hybrid embryos, the role of fathers, 'saviour siblings' and abortion Source: guardian.co.uk Science | 19 May 2008 | 10:05 am
Evan Harris MP explains why he opposes reducing the time limit for legal abortions to under 24 weeks, in the Commons vote Source: guardian.co.uk Science | 19 May 2008 | 6:38 am
Kira Cochrane talks to Nadine Dorries, the Tory MP spearheading the biggest challenge to women's rights in two decades Source: guardian.co.uk Science | 18 May 2008 | 11:06 pm
Jackie Ashley: The embryo bill, with its ambush on abortion attached, crystallises the crucial clash: progressive Labour v reactionary Tory Source: guardian.co.uk Science | 18 May 2008 | 11:04 pm
UK ministers are accused of making stealth cuts to a fund set up to help poorer nations deal with climate change. Source: BBC News | Science/Nature | UK Edition | 18 May 2008 | 11:03 pm
Britain told to act urgently to prevent an acute shortage of skills in strategic sectors of the economy Source: guardian.co.uk Science | 18 May 2008 | 11:02 pm
MIAMI (Reuters) - Fewer but more intense hurricanes may form in the Atlantic Ocean as the globe warms toward the end of this century, according to a new study that counters predictions of more frequent cyclones due to climate change.
Tropical storms will become less frequent as the world warms, a new US study suggests. Source: BBC News | Science/Nature | UK Edition | 18 May 2008 | 8:52 pm
WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Scientists have created monkeys genetically modified to have Huntington's disease in an effort to gain a deeper understanding of the fatal ailment and uncover clues to possible new treatments.
