All Stories by John Travis
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Breeds Apart: Purebred dogs defined by DNA differences
The most thorough DNA analysis yet of purebred dogs suggests that canine breeds can also be discerned genetically with great accuracy.
- Earth
Filtered air cuts down mutations
Microscopic particles in the air may mutate the DNA of sperm.
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Two egg cells make fatherless mouse
By fusing two egg cells, researchers have created a mouse with no father.
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Waste Not: Proteins suggest ways to thwart muscle loss
Researchers have now revealed details of the biochemical signals that drive muscle atrophy.
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Fat Chance: Hormone boosts metabolic rate, induces weight loss in mice
Fat cells secrete a hormone that tells the brain to boost the body's metabolic rate.
- Health & Medicine
Save the Brain: Study suggests new way to treat head trauma
A compound that stimulates nerve-cell activity may help the brain recover from serious head injuries.
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Quite a Switch
Cells use ribonucleic acids that bind to small molecules such as vitamins to control gene activity.
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Devil’s Lapdog Gets Its Due: The lab rat bares its DNA to biologists
Scientists announced that they have deciphered the full DNA sequence of the standard lab rat, setting the stage for a new flurry of biomedical research on this rodent and providing insight into mammalian evolution.
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It’s Time! Fetal lungs tell mom when to deliver baby
The maturing lungs of a fetus may signal the mother when it's time for labor.
- Health & Medicine
Bug bites suggest new stroke drug
Changing a human enzyme so that it resembles one from blood-sucking insects may lead to a new treatment for strokes.
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Fish guts reveal microbial alliance
Scientists are studying germfree zebra fish to better understand how microbes influence gut development.
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Brain Gain: Odd RNA converts stem cells into neurons
An unusual strand of RNA guides stem cells to transform into neurons.
