Genes & Cells

In the February 13 Issue:

::	Genes & Cells

Top Stories | February 9

Protein clumps like a prion, but proves crucial for long-term memory
Study in slugs hints that some molecular 'misbehavior' in neurons may help solidify learning.
Science & the Public: Cigarettes might be infectious
Science & Society blog: The tobacco in cigarettes hosts a bacterial bonanza — literally hundreds of different germs, including those responsible for many human illnesses, a new study finds.
Sperm's pore propulsion
Scientists identify a key proton channel that helps explain the dash to fertilization.
Skin cells transformed directly into neurons
Researchers making neurons bypass the need to revert cells to an embryonic state.
Prion protein is not all bad
The molecule’s real job may be to maintain myelin around nerves.

:: More in Genes & Cells

Prion protein is not all bad

The molecule’s real job may be to maintain myelin around nerves.

Slime mold is master network engineer

Single-cell organism develops food distribution system that is as efficient as the Tokyo rail system; inspires new math model for designing dynamic systems.

Protein may be new target for obesity, diabetes therapies

Molecule regulates flip of a metabolic switch, helps determine how the body uses glucose.

Soybean genome turns out to be soysoybeanbean

The plant's newly sequenced genetic blueprint includes a surprising number of spare copies.

Why light makes migraines worse

A new study traces brain wiring to discover why light increases migraine pain.

:: Science News
1|30 Issue Links

Fruit fly bodies bank stem cells

Stem cells carve their own niches.

Cancer plaguing Tasmanian devils began in one animal's nerve cells

Genetics provide a starting point for diagnosis and potential vaccines.

Bornavirus genes found in human DNA

Researchers have found molecular fossils of an RNA virus in human and other mammalian genomes, pushing back the emergence of RNA viruses millions of years.

:: See all Genes & Cells

Blogs:

Science & the Public EPA reviews hints of weed killer's fetal risks
By Janet Raloff Feb 4th 2010

Deleted Scenes Journal retracts flawed study linking MMR vaccine and autism
By Science News Staff Feb 3rd 2010

On the Scene How better weather models can save peanut farmers money
By Science News Staff Jan 19th 2010

Columns:

Comment Making informed decisions about mammograms
By Lisa Schwartz Jan 29th 2010

Math Trek Teaching a computer to spot a bogus Bruegel
By Julie Rehmeyer Jan 11th 2010

Not to Miss:

Astronomy meeting round-up

Complete Copenhagen coverage

2009 Science News of the Year

Black holes powering starships

SN Bookshelf:

Book Review: What On Earth Evolved? 100 Species That Changed the World by Christopher Lloyd
Review by Sid Perkins
Buy now | More Books

Book Review: The Joy of Chemistry: The Amazing Science of Familiar Things by Cathy Cobb and Monty L. Fetterolf
Review by Rachel Ehrenberg
Buy now | More Books

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