One in 10 kids found with a taste disorder

Summary:
People all over the world are doing research on children between the ages 8 and 10 and found out that 1 in 10 kids have a taste disorder. To do this research, scientists made 40 random drinks with different stuff in them and had the kids point out what it was. The disorder may partly explain the rise of childhood obesity. The South Korean study found that children with taste disorders were heavier than those without. This could explain some of the obesity problem because losing the ability to taste, could make children want to taste sweeter foods, or some food that has a stronger taste.

Opinion:
I chose this article because in class we are learning about genetic disorders, and this is a disorder that is growing, and i thought people should know that 1 in 10 kids only between the ages 8 and 10 have a taste disorder, and this could be a problem scientists might want to find a cure for if they figure out a taste disorder really does have something to do with obesity.

i found this article at:
http://www.newscientist.com/article/dn20408-one-in-10-kids-found-with-a-taste-disorder.html



-candace duvall

http://www.biologynews.net/archives/2011/04/29/through_unique_eyes_box_jellyfish_look_out_to_the_world_above_the_water.html

Scientists have recently discovered that box jellyfish have eyes on top of their heads. Out of their 24 types of eyes, box jellyfish have 4 always on top of their heads. Currently little is known about their visual system. Although they do know that there are 24 types of eyes, 2 pairs in each. This could open up a whole new world for the study of jellyfish.




I find this quite interesting. I would not have known that jellyfish even had eyes without this article. That did not occur to me. Surprisingly, they have almost 100 eyes. No wonder they seem so alert and focused! I hope they learn more about them in general, not just their visual system.

New Compounds for the Hepatitis C Infection

http://www.biologynews.net/archives/2011/04/12/new_compounds_show_promise_against

_hepatitis_c_infection.html

This article talks about new compounds for the Hepatitis C medication. The old medication has a 50/50% chance of treating the symptoms and disease and doctors hope that this new compound will help cure and treat symptoms better. The compounds are catechin and naringenin and they are nontoxic so they won't cause any other problems during treatment.

I didn't even know they had a medication for Hepatitis C. Well I guess you learn something new everyday. By the way researchers have talked about this compound, it sounds pretty affective. It would help millions of people recover in a less risky way. I mean you could get better or you could get worse with the old drug. It basically all comes down to luck with the medication before; but now that they are adding in this new compound, they say it is more likely for the patient to recover.

Through Unique Eyes, Box Jellyfish Look Out to the World Above the Water

Box jellyfish are usually stereotyped as quite simple organisms; however, a new report featured in Current Biology on April 28 suggests a new theory. Researchers have evidence revealing that their visual system is far more complex than what was previously thought of by marine biologists. They have at least 24 eyes with four different types. The evidence presents the idea that four of the eyes are able to look out above the surface of the water. The unique attribute allows them to navigate their way through their habitat.

Ever since a field trip in the seventh grade to the Florida Keys, marine biology has really interested me. I remember proceeding with a lab where we worked with Cassiopea jellyfish (as well as others) and thinking about the simplicity of their anatomy. When I read this article, I was totally shocked to read about the box jellyfish's amazing visual system. It seems to be something that shouldn't have been overlooked, but it's cool to know the discovery has been made. I think this discovery will lead to further studies in why Box jellyfish act as they do and could even possibly lead to discoveries in other sea creatures. It proves that even the so called "simplest" creatures possess complex aspects in some way.

http://www.biologynews.net/archives/2011/04/29/through_unique_eyes_box_jellyfish_look_out_to_the_world_above_the_water.html

Air pollution

http://www.macroevolution.net/air_pollution-graphs.html

Scientist have been able to graph the average amount of air pollution from 2001 to 2006 worldwide. Although the lack of technology in still developing countries and particles in the air satellites have been able to graph an accurate tracing of air pollution. The areas with the least amount of pollution is southern Australia and Eastern South America. The place with the most air pollution is Eastern China. Due to the Sahara and Arabian deserts the pollution is also rather large in those areas.

Air pollution has been a issue for a long time and research will keep up with rises. The United States is suprisingly to me not that bad. The only terribly bad places is around the New York, Michigan area. It is possible however for it to come down and affect us. Air pollution also leads to lung issues which will bite those people up there

2 Unexpected Proteins May Hold the Key to Creating Artificial Chromosomes

Kendall Roberson

http://www.biologynews.net/archives/2011/04/29/2_unsuspected_proteins_may_hold_the_key_to_creating_artificial_chromosomes.html

Scientists from the Whitehead Institute have discovered that two proteins that used to be thought as only supporting roles, are the leaders of the kinetochore assembly process in human cells. According to some of the scientists from the Whitehead Institute, the kinetochore is a key to the appropriate DNA allotment during mitosis. This new discovery will hopefully help lead to the creation of artifical human chromosomes. Also, this discovery shows to scientists that they may be able to rouse kinetochore assembly in a procedure that could possibly guide to new genetic research tools. The two proteins involved in kinetochore are CENP-C and CENP-T are the major proteins that are associated to creating new artifical chromosomes. This new discovery can help lead to the end of insertions of genes, which can hurt the genes and could even kill cells.

I believe the idea of creating artificial chromosomes is a good idea, but it could have some negative effects also. The idea of creating artificail chromosomes is a great idea because it leads to the end of inserting genes into the cells. If the Whitehead Institute scientists had not discovered this, we could still be killing cells in our body for no reason at all. Also, the dicovery that we only need two out of the three major proteins in kinetochore to produce artifical chromosomes, makes it seem easier to create artificial chromosomes in the long run. This idea is wonderful, let's just hope it can improve without any major flaws!

Video captures Actin Filaments in Action

Scientists at Yale University and at Grenoble in France have created a video that shows the breakup of actin threads. Actin filaments are as strong as plastic, and give a cell support and movement. The filaments function by continuously splitting, reforming, and splitting again to exert pressure on the cellular membrane and keep cell organs in place. How and where this splitting occurred was previously unknown to scientists, until Enrique De La Cruz and his French associates used a fluorescent version of the protein that disassembles the filaments. He used a technique called "total internal reflection fluorescence microscopy" to record the process in action.

Hey, for once I'm not talking about cancer treatments. I think that this is one of those discoveries that has little practical application in the science world other than being another thing college students have to study, but it was the way that they did this that intrigued me. They made fluorescent proteins to view the actin threads splitting, much like radioactive dye in cancer patients, and then used TIRFM to videotape the action.
http://www.biologynews.net/archives/2011/04/29/video_captures_cellular_workhorses_in_action_.html

Fish!! (:

link: www.macroevolution.net/fish-oil-health-benifits.html

Summary: Scientists encourage eating fish, because of the health benifits from the oil. Even thought multiple tests have been done and the result is no different; majority of the tests came back with positive results.

Opinion: Im a peskiterian, which means I eat fish. I think its pretty cool that they figured out itll be healthier. It only means Ill be healthier cause thats all I eat. Maybe theyll eventually be able to

Infants With Persistent Crying Problems More Likely to Have Behavior Problems in Childhood, Study Finds

Researchers from the University of Basel in Switzerland have found that infants that have problems with persistent crying, sleeping and/or feeding are more likely to become children with behavior problems when the child gets older. Around 20% of all infants show signs of persistent crying, sleeping problems, and/or feeding problems in their first year of life. These problems could lead to distractions for families and high health care costs. The research from the University of Basel has discovered that the problems infants undergo can have an affect on them as teens and later on adults. They have preformed studies and there hypothesis was shown correctly.

In my opinion, I believe this study is very insightful. It shows that as infants children might not know what there doing but if you don't reprimand them from whatever they do that's wrong they may grow up having the same mindset. I think this study is not for all children though. Some kids grow into maturity, yet some never grow out of immaturity. I think that even though researchers have done studies and what they have said has been shown, you cannot base every child off this information. Every child is different.

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/04/110420184435.htm

-Holley Hurst

...And this is how I became the common household's nuisance

The article used for this current event can be found here.

Cramped, also known as 'crm', is a single gene in the fruit fly that supposedly helped it survived colder environments in the northern hemisphere when it migrated from Africa. Of course, it took thousands of years worth of evolution for the fruit fly to get as common as it is now. It was figured that the alleles of the crm protein in fruit fly from Europe would function differently from that of a fruit fly from Africa, if the protein was important to the fly's response to temperature. After experimentation, it was discovered that different protein alleles were associated with differences in how temperature influenced actions were affected.

It's very interesting to me that the common fruit fly has a single protein that allowed it to evolve to adapt to various temperatures and environments. As stupid as it may sound, I didn't know that fruit flies originated from the sub-Sahara. This article makes me wonder if there are anymore species that have protein like this that allows them to adapt to many different environments. I'm hoping more research will come from this, such as the evolution of out creatures.

--Brittany Graham

Monkey Recall Memory Mirrors That of Humans

Monkeys are now considered to have the memory to be able to recall simple figures. By knowing this, scientist can see how our minds changed over the evolutionary track. They also believe that knowing more about the monkeys' memory can help us diagnose our own memory problems. This also proved that things can be well remember without the use of a language. Because these tests work on monkeys, scientist believe they can get them to work on other species.

This was interesting to see what scientist do to learn things about their subject. Using monkeys to help us with our memory problems would never have crossed my mind. It was a good idea to test this on monkeys because many people believe that we evolved from monkeys, and it would open up ideas on what we came from. Creative tests like these can help greatly and solve many problems. Scientists just need to do more of these tests to discover things that would be unknown to us without them.

David Watts

http://www.biologynews.net/archives/2011/04/29/monkey_recall_memory_mirrors_that_of_humans.html

Hey Get Off My Back

"Explosive Evolution In Pupfish"

Scientist have discovered that two species of pupfish fish have evolved to a point where their jaws have changed. What for? Their new diet, a diet consisting of fish scales. They eat the scales of other fish. They are the only known species of fish to actually consume scales. Although these two are only found in aquariums and special locations. Scientist have called them "explosive" in the way the evolve. According to researches they evolve 130 times faster then any other species.

This is certainty and interesting find. I've never heard of a fish eating scales. It's not cannibalism, it's not mutalisum, it seems to be some sort of parasitism. When I saw the article I was instantly intrigued at the evolution tag line. Although these are just pupfish fish, understanding they way they evolve and change to their environment, might help us as humans to do the same with our selves. I strongly hope that they will continue their research!

- Lauren (Ren) Stogner

Ends of Chromosomes Protected by Stacked Coiled DNA Caps

Ends of Chromosomes Protected

Agustin Gonzalez

Summary:

This weeks blog is about the telomeres at the end of chromosomes being stopped from falling off after everytime they divide or reproduce. Researchers at the Universiry of Pennsylvania School of Medicine have been researching the ends of the strands of chromosomes. They are seeing how they can put these "caps" made from specialized proteins and satcks of DNA on the tips of the strands. The caps are called G-quadruplexes, also caled G-4 DNA. So right now they testing it to see if it can extend life or something along that.

Opinion:

Well I think that its very interesting that science is investigating these kinds of things and pushing the science bounderies to the limits. However, I think that they should leave this research alone and to not mess with it. So I'm kind of playing the devil's advocate here in seeing the scientific side and the humane side of the whole investigation. yes it is very cool to see that people could actually live longer, but we also have to see the negative outcomes in continuing this research. So I'm really not sure on what to think about this.

http://biologynews.net/archives/2011/4/20/ends_of_chromosomes_protected_by_stacked_coiled_DNA_caps.html

Can Traumatic Memories Be earased?

UCLA life scientists have discovered a possible way to reduce traumatic memories. David Glanzman, a UCLA professor, says he thinks its possible to do this. Glanzman and his team reported that they strongly reduced the memory of a marine snail known as an Aplysia. They learned that the sensitive long-term memory can be erased be putting in the activity of a certain protein kinase. The research can have give way into treatment for post-stress disorder, drug-addiction, and even Alzheimers.


Scientists always are messing with ways to change humans and prevent all sorts of things. I dont think that this research should go to far past the snails because memories get us to where we are in our lives. I can see if someone is suffering from severe traumatic depression or Alzheimers, but i also see it as just a way to runaway from whats happened. I also don't believe that this will be successful because they are trying to play God and it could hurt in the long run.


http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/04/110427154315.htm

New Super-efficient power system

Summary !

A new energy source is being created in UK that is supposed to be high in power and very efficient . Its powered by vegetable oil which is then transfered to a generator to produce enrgy . The waste from the process is also use to give give heat in a persons homes as well as their water . The plants that are used for this energy are very low in emmsions and good for the enviroment . This is a big new step for Leeds University .

Opinion !

Everyday something new is created and used for good things . This new system is great for the people who have high energyu bills . Not only will it decrease your bills it is also good for the enviroment . Enviromently caution people will not have to worry anymore about emmsions diffusing into the air . This is the next step to saving money !

Super Fruit?!

Scientists have found a neotropical fruit. It grows in Mexico and Central America. We grow blueberries here which are almost equivalent to the "super fruit". But, the super fruit is said to have more antioxidants than the blueberries grown in America; which we were famous for. The super fruit. Is said to help us more greatly then blueberries already do.


This is a great find because a lot of people would do anything to live a healthier life. And what better way to get healthy then be EATING. With more antioxidants which help fight everything in the body, why not eat these "super fruits". I hope I can somehow try this amazing fruit. Thanks for reading :)


http://www.biologynews.net/archives/2011/04/27/tropical_blueberries_are_extreme_super_fruits.html

Researchers Use Virus to Improve Solar-Cell Efficiency

Scientists have always tried to improve solar enery by continuasly searching for ways to make it easier and of couse, more economical. In this area, scientists have always came to the conclusion that carbon nanotubes can increase the ammount of electrons collected on a solar cell's surface. But, they've run into these two annoying little problems: That sometimes, when making nanotubes, they produce metals instead of semiconducters and they produce the oppisite effect of colleting electrons; hat's when the viruses come into play. Theuy found out that the virus can control the arrangment of the nanotubes on the surface, keeping the tubes separate so that they won't short ouot or clump together. By doing this, the ammount of solar energy collected improved by one-third. Scientists believe that this method can be improved by using different material.

Opinion

Now that scientists have made solar power energy easier to do, it could be more economical in the near future. Hopefully, with more research, scientists will be able to discover more ways to increase energy gained with little cost and effort made. This discovery has opened new doors , now I guess, since more people are looking into solar energy, new, better discoveries will be made and it won't cost so much to depend on the Sun for energy. Solar energy is alot better for the environment than others ways that we have today like coal powered energy and petroleum, since we have an almost unlimited supply line. This will open new doors and we can all contribute to finding better ways to help the environment.

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/04/110425153609.htm

By: Daniel Pena

Broccoli helps clear damaged lungs

Summary:
This month, scientist from Hopkins University in Baltimore, Maryland, have been working on a new way, they found, that can clean harmful bacteria out of your lungs. Broccoli also helps prevent cancer, so even though not many people like broccoli, they should consider eating their vegetables especially if they smoke, because there is a compound in broccoli and cauliflower that can clear the passage way to lungs, that was blocked by smoking. Broccoli can also help people diagnosed with emphysema and bronchitis, and clean their lungs.

Opinion:
I picked this article because i never knew that broccoli could help cure a disease, and prevent smokers from getting lung cancer. I just thought broccoli was good for your health. This article was just posted April 13th, so not many people know about this discovery. I would want people who smoke and wont quit, to see this article, so they can eat their greens to prevent lung cancer, or help.

-candace duvall


http://www.newscientist.com/article/dn20378-broccoli-helps-clear-damaged-lungs.html

How TRIM5 fights HIV

Summary: A certain protein known as TRIM5 prevents the HI virus from multiplying once it enters the body. This opens new possibilities of a cure for the virus. Unlike humans, night monkeys are resistant to HIV thanks to a special protein called TRIM5. This defense mechanism was established by Swiss teams in collaboration with teams from the U.S. and France. Humans also have this protein but it is less effective in fighting HIV. Currently two million die of HIV each year and 2.7 million are still infected.


Opinion: I find the talk of any type of working on a cure for HIV fascinating. I think its kind of weird that the rhesus monkey are resistant to HIV since humans and monkeys are so similar. Especially since that's where the virus originally came from. I think its really sad that many people are still dying from this virus. I hope that soon enough no one will have to suffer with this virus anymore. This was a very important current event in my opinion.

http://www.biologynews.net/archives/2011/04/20/how_trim5_fights_hiv.html
                                                            
                                                                                                                      Bianca Brailey

Evolution can cause major genome differences in similar species

http://www.biologynews.net/archives/2011/04/22/evolution_can_cause_a_rapid_reduction_in_genome_size.html

A study has shown that two very similar plants are actually very different when it comes to their genomes. The two plants in question, the Thale cress and the Lyre-leaved rock cress, are known to have a shared ancestor, but around the million years ago their evolution changed. The Thale cress has roughly 125 million base pairs, while the Lyre-leaved rock cress has 207 million. Although there is this much difference in number of genetic code, the rock cress only has about 5000 more genes than the Thale cress. With that much genetic code variation, you would expect the difference in the plants to be major, but this study showed that isn't necessarily true.

I liked this article because it was interesting. A group of people felt that it was necessary to delve deeper than the surface to find something out that most would not assume to be true. I don't know that this study will cause any large impact on our future knowledge or information, but it was interesting to read about. I would not have expected that two very similar plants would be so different, or that it would even matter that they evolve so differently in their environments. We obviously need to continue research in the study of genetics to find out as much as we can about the world we live in.

~Will Hart

Antimalarial trees in East Africa threatened with extinctio

Trees in East Africa that help with the treatment of malaria are now on the verge of extinction. Deforestation and over-exploitation of the environment in Africa are causing the total trees' population to decrease. Scientists fear that the trees will be lost forever. Without the trees, the hopes of treating malaria now get smaller and smaller. Other things can be used to help treat malaria, but these trees are a major source and need to be preserved.

I think it is really important to keep these trees from becoming extinct. Since malaria is one of the leading causes of deaths in Africa, it is very important that they be saved. More research should be done on finding other materials in case of extinction. Even if they don't become extinct, treating malaria will become easier. These trees also need to be studied more thoroughly to see if cures for any other things may be in them.

David Watts

http://www.biologynews.net/archives/2011/04/22/antimalarial_trees_in_east_africa_threatened_with_extinction.html

Through Evolution, Cavefish Have Lost Sleep

Researchers reported online from Current Biology the variety of traits cave life tend to experience through evolution. The list included blindness, loss of eyes, loss of pigmentation, and changes to feeding behaviors as well as metabolism. They recently confirmed sleeplessness as an addition to the list. Richard Borowsky of New York University noticed that "In some ways, their sleep phenotypes are similar to those of humans with sleep disorders." They apparently partake in an interesting sleeping cycle that includes sleeping for "relatively short periods" and then "they remain active for a relatively long time." The study could offer leads to understand variations in sleep of other species and even humans.

I found the discovery interesting because it makes me wonder about the pros and cons of human evolution. What are the variations that have occurred for us over time and could they lead to understanding other species? The connection between sleeping patterns of cave fish and human sleeping disorders is quite an intriguing discussion. This follows similarly to the concept previously stated. What patterns of other species could lead to realizing advancements in the patterns of humans? My hope is that more research will be conducted to further answer my questions.

http://www.biologynews.net/archives/2011/04/07/through_evolution_cavefish_have_lost_sleep.html

Could Black Trees Blossom in a World With Two Suns?

In most science fiction films the sky is normally presented with two suns. But how would a planet survive with that much sun light without effecting it in a way? Jack O'Malley-James of the University of St. Andrews has studied what plants might look like on a Earth-like planet with two or three suns. He found the plants would have a black or dark grey color. He also found that the temperature of the star would determine the color of the plants as well, such as, the color used for photosynthesis.

At first when I read this article I wasn't sure what to think. I thought it seemed kind of silly to start a research based of what you saw in movies. But then as I thought more about it the research found about photosynthesis gives us some insight. It keeps us reminded of why we only have one sun. It's at least good to have a answer now, rather than hearing "just because" all the time. This research is very insightful and I think it is a good addition to the science world.

-Holley Hurst

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/04/110418201811.htm

Scientists Discover Structure of DNA Repair Enzyme

A enzyme whose structure has been previously unknown to scientists has now been mapped by scientists at Duke University Medical center using a process called X-Ray Crystallography. Scientists have known for years that cells can remove and fix DNA errors, but how the process worked has until now eluded the scientists. The crystallography revealed an enzyme whose structure allowed it to recognize damaged DNA strands and repair them. This is just one of the multiple proteins that make up the DNA repair pathway, and scientists have yet to study the reactions of this particular protein with other proteins in the pathway. This opens up yet another way to combat cancer, with drugs repairing the repair pathway.

As you've probably noticed, many of my posts here are about cancer research, prevention, etc. I think it's amazing that it's possible to repair the DNA editing process, and the fact we have come so far in such a short time frame is stunning. The article states that 15-25% of sporadic tumors are caused when this pathway is malfunctioning, so if a drug were invented to fix this pathway it would stop the spread of cancer. If this discovery is matched with every other cancer-fighting discovery, we may have the cure to cancer in the next few years.
http://www.biologynews.net/archives/2011/04/20/natures_elegant_solution_to_repairing_dna_in_cancer_other_conditions.html

Muscle Repair?

I read about a gene that may hold the key to muscle repair after injury. Someone with a muscle deficiency is good through childhood because of the mass production of muscle cell. When elderly the use for muscles is lessened and therefore less muscle cells are made. So, after bed rest from a health problem most elderly people find it very difficult to regain strength. In some elders cases muscle cell production becomes inactive.


I think this is a great discovery. If this is the gene that helps produce muscle cells elders will be more...'mobile' if u will. On the other hand maybe old people should have less muscle to give them that wise and respectful look, I don't know. And possibly this gene might not even be the right one. This concludes my article. Thanks for reading :)



http://www.biologynews.net/archives/2011/04/18/nih_scientists_identify_gene_that_could_hold_the_key_to_muscle_repair.html

New approach to Cancer

http://www.biologynews.net/archives/2011/04/15/nih_researchers_complete_wholeexome_sequencing_of_skin_cancer_.html

Very recently at the National Institutes of Health, they have been able to fully examine the melanoma genome. That is the DNA code to one of the most deadliest types of skin cancer that is caused by overexposure to ultraviolet radiation. they are now able to examine points of mutation in the genomeand breaks in the code. This was achieved by taking 14 melanoma tumor samples with matching blood samples and taking them down to the intramural sequencing center in NIH. they ruled out passenger mutations and inherited mutations. The most affected gene is the ionotrophic glutamate receptor gene at 33% mutated. Hotspot Mutations occur in 7 of 9 genes found in the BRAF gene. A mutation of TRRAP was found in 6 tumors in the exact location. TRRAP has been labeled a cancer causing oncogene because it is clearly dependent and rapidly increasing.

First of wow. Help for cancer, one of the most common yet catastrophic diseases out there. When they found this it showed that it is ready to be cured. It also shows that are technology is highly advanced and we'll be able to solve higher more complicated diseases out there. The genome scanning will not only help cancer but also alot more mutations. This is why science is important, to help us learn and live

Alzheimer's Disease

http://www.biologynews.net/archives/2011/04/04/4_new_genes_for_alzheimers_disease_risk_identified_by_alzheimers_disease_consortium.html

This article talks about universities and research institutions in the U.S. that have found four new genes capable of contributing to the Alzheimer's disease. As we all know, AD is a genetic disorder that affects your brain functions and cause lesions in your brain, called amyloid plaques or tangles, that accumulate and cause brain cells to die. The four genes are MS4A, CD2AP, CD33, and EPHA1. They also confirm two other genes that play a part in AD. Those two genes are, BIN1, and ABCA7.

This is great! Now we might be actually getting somewhere for a cure for AD! Those last to genes are essential for producing new medications for patients with Alzheimer's. Hopefully a cure will come out in a couple of years and grandparents will be able to be with their families a little longer.

Hunger Hormone Enhances Sense of Smell

Summary: An appetite-stimulating hormone called Ghrelin causes humans and animals to sniff odors with with greater sensitivity. Ghrelin, made mainly in the stomach, binds to molecules in the brain's olfactory is directly involved in odor processing. This new type of hormone was unknown before Dr. Jenny Tong's discovery. Tong and her colleagues tested how rats and humans reacted to different odors. Overall this is an important modifier of appetite and eating behavior.

Opinion: I think the hormone Ghrelin is a very cool one. There doesn't seem to be any negative side-effects when the participants were given this and it only made them inhale more deeply. I think the idea of enhanced senses is really cool. I'd love to participate with this and like see what its like to be able to smell like really intensely. I found this current event to be very interesting and eye catching.
                                                                           
http://www.biologynews.net/archives/2011/04/12/hunger_hormone_enhances_sense_of_smell.html

                                                                                                                      Bianca Brailey

Whale Songs Spread Eastward Like the Latest Pop Tune

A report conducted by Current Biology on April 14 discussed whales having their own hit tune. Male Humpback whales all sing the same mating song at any time within a population. However, just like with the music on the radio, the "hit single" changes over time. It was said that many of the songs were moving like "cultural ripples from one population to another, causing all whales to change their song to a new version" by a graduate student at the University of Queensland. This occurrence was documented as one of the first of its kind. Researchers were able to discover the patterns by assessing whales across the globe and found the interesting discovery.

I've always thought communication between animals is such an intriguing topic. It seems such a mystery, and this discovery truly amazes me. The fact that this happens in oceans all over the world is incredible and such a neat concept to be introduced to. It's funny how researchers have compared the songs of whales to the style of the radio, but it makes sense! I guess the whales get tired of hearing the same old tunes like we do (how many times has that "Grenade" song been played again?!) That, to me, is such a crazy connection with the sea mammals. Hopefully this discovery can be featured in another documentary; the world should know that whales have more to what they're communicating than the impressions Dory gives in Finding Nemo.

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/04/110414131444.htm

It's Time We Learn From Sea Squirts

Go here for more information.

Approximately 40,000 babies are born in the unitedstates with a heart defect. Doctors still don't know much about what causes these promblems in the children. Some of these babies don't even get to see the candles on a brithday cake. Doctor Ricardo Samson believes that it is difficult to properly diagnose and baby with a heart condition due to the fact that they don't show the "typical signs". He states that the way a fetus is develop poses a problem for many doctors to detect heart problems with could be very severe. Their quest to help these kids has lead them to sea squirts. Sea squirts do not have heads, arms, legs, or eyes. They are about 6 inch long sack-like animals that live in the ocean. A sea squirts biological blueprint is extremely similar to that of a vertabrate. Therefore knowing this doctors will be able to study them so they can develop better ways to help the dying babies.

I believe this is a fantastic discovery. It will really help in saving thousands of childrens lives. I do hope they find a way to prevent babies from falling victim to heart defects. After all we already have the ability to create the "perfect child".

Tanning Bed Exposure Can Be Deadly When Complicated By Medication Reactions

The Medicine Department of Dermatology at the University Conducted a new research. The research shows that the exposure of a tanning bed can produce more conditions and can be very dangerous for your skin. Especially when self-diagnosed. Tanning beds are really bad for your skin, though sometimes some people use tanning beds to treat any skin eruptions like a skin rash for example. Jeffrey B. Travers said- "If the skin eruption is eczema or even psoriasis, a thanning bed might help. However, if the eruption is caused by a drug reaction then it can be very dangerous." The researchers found that a study of 1,200 individuals indictated 10 percent of those who tanned on regularly did so in response to treatment of a skin disease. Only 5 percent were doing so on advice to a physician. This artice did not really surprise me that much. I know of people who use the tanning bed because it helps certain types of skin diseases. As this does work quiet well, tanning beds are still very dangerous. This is the most popular time to tan, but most people don't tan because they have a trype of skin rash. Most people tan because they want the look of a "tan" body. Most people like there skin bronzed. I do think that people who have any type of a skin rash should go to the tanning bed though. Maybe not all the time, and most days a week, but a few days a week at most. The UV rays do help anything that deals with the skin. I know that it can help certain types of skin rashes too. I wouldnt go that often though because you skin will probably get irritated. http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/03/110301151207.htm

13 Year Cicadas are coming!

http://www.digtriad.com/news/article/171285/1/13-Year-Cicadas-Are-Coming There are two types of cicadas- the 13 year and the 17 year. They only emerge once every 13 or 17 years, and they stay for about six to ten weeks. They are found in late April to early June. They are only found in the Midwest and in the South. They do not bite, sting, or carry diseases, yet the only downfall is they buzz. In fact, you will hear them buzzing before you EVER see them. They are extremely loud "buzzers". However, it is only the male cicada that buzzes. Your trees could possibly break, due to their eggs being laid on top of them. I think this is very cool. Animals that only come out every "X" number of years are always high on scientists study list. I'm surprised that we know so much about them. Although, I wonder why they stay so long underground. Perhaps, there could be a study done to try and figure this out. Regardless, I find this quite neat! I dislike bugs, but I have to give the 13 and 17 year Cicadas props. They are very cool bugs.

Brain Nerve Stimulation Could Speed Up Learning

Biologists have recently discovered that it is no possible to stimulate nerve cells so that learning rate can increase. This breakthrough can be used to treat, learning impairments, stroke and chronic pain. Scientists experimented things on rats, teaching them new tricks and tasks while hey were under treated. Eventually, the effects subsided but the rats perform the tasked that they learned while they were being treated. Researchers can now better understand how the brain better learns and encodes new skills.

Opinion

Now that scientists have now discovered how the mind works, hopefully, they can now adapt certain teaching habits to people with leaning disabilities. Now it will be easier for people to prevent diseases involved with the nerve cells, especially the ones in the brain. It is also possible for people to be able to perform tasks that healthy humans can't perform, with faster brain response.Now, it will be a lot easier to teach things to people that have difficulty some things. I am definitely open to it, since it would be a lot easier to pass math class and for some people, biology(Robert K.).

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/04/110413171327.htm Written by Daniel Pena

Pig Stem Cell Transplants

Kendall Roberson http://www.biologynews.net/archives/2011/04/14/pig_stem_cell_transplants_the_key_to_future_research_into_retina_treatment_.html The study of the role of stem cells in fixing torn or messed up retina tissue, the light sensitive tissue surrounding the inner surface of the eye, in stem cells, has helped scientists of stem cell research break down a huge barrier. The study of this has been demonstrated and tested on pigs and how the stem cells can be isolated and transplanted between pigs. The retina tissue has a loss of a regenerative pathway which has led medical scientists to focus on cell transplantation. Finding treatments and cures for the lack of retina tissue has caused a huge problem for medical scientists. Douglas Dean a leader from the University of Louisville is one of the scientists trying to help solve how to transplant retina stem cells. He was the one who had the idea to test the transplant on pigs. I believe that Douglas Dean had a brilliant idea of testing the retina stem cell transplants on pigs before humans. If he would have tried it on humans and it would not have worked, then it would have been his fault for hurting the person instead of a pig. I believe the discovery of how to transplant retina stem cells will help us so much more in the future than in present day life today because we will be able to perfect it more in the future instead of it having flaws like it does today. Also, if the scientists can discover treatments for the retina stem cells, it will help medical science take one step closer to solving the stem cell research issues. I love the idea of testing retina stem cell transplants on pigs and not on humans, until the transplant is perfected.

Savanna Elephants

Savanna elephants are at risk in Chad's Zakouma National Park. Ivory poachers are rapidly declining the elephant population. Since 2006, about 2,000 elephants have been killed when herds leave outside of the park during the season changes. Park guards are also at risk, several have been shot and killed. WCS(world conservation society) says "The situation in Zakouma is dire, but there is still time to save the park's remanining elephants provided we can marshal the forces we need to stop poaching". Funds have been put in place to help save these elephants, various levels of government have invested more than $18 million. This situation is difficult to get under control. Ivory is a top selling item and elephants unforuntanly pay a high price for human greed. Poachers have gone great lenghts to obtain guns and amiunition to hunt and kill savanna elephants. Many ideas have probably been thought over serval times, and mine is to ban all guns within a certain amount of miles near a national park with elephants or near large groups of them. To stop selling guns with in the area's elephant population is high. This could possibly reduce the poaching, or have no effect at all. Either way it has to stop soon. Losing African savanna elephants would be a great loss to the world. http://www.macroevolution.net/savanna-elephants.html

Pig stem cell transplants

A group of students are studying the stem cells part in fixing damaged retina tissue . They are using pigs to help research treatments for humans . All though they have found some similarities between the two repairing human retinas is still a challenge . Only a small part of the retina has been transplated . They are continuing to research this . I think this opens new opportunities for science . The people that has problems in the eye should have a little bit of hope . Now that they have opened a small door in this retina transplant now it will open hundreds of more . With research today they will be able to transplant it in no time . It will be fixed

Food Detector

Article

This article explains the newly found study on a hormone believed to enhance the sense of smell. The hormone is made in the stomach and causes the body to detect food easier in their environment. The study also shows that not eating for a while enhances the production of this hormone (Ghrelin). They believe it's one of our many built in survival tactics, designed to help us locate food, the theory is that it even helps a person determine the nutritional benefits as well.

I think this is amazing. It comes as no surprise to me that our bodies have this ability. In times when food was scarce this would have been a very vital process. It's amazing that we do this all without knowing it. It's interesting because this might some day be able to aid in weight lost techniques if used correctly.

- Lauren (Ren) Stogner

Calcium Carbonate Crystal Eyes

The article referenced can be found here. Chitons, a species of mollusk, have evolved to have calcium carbonate crystal eyes. There are hundreds of these eyes on the three inch long mollusk, and these eyes have lenses of argonite. At first, when these eye-like structures were discovered, it was unknown whether these were eyes that could see things, or mere sensors that would detect the changes in light. When an experiment was preformed, it was discovered that human vision is roughly 1000 times sharper than the vision of your average chiton; however, it remains unknown if the chitons respond to the addition or removal of light. I find the eyes of the chiton rather interesting. The fact that they are the only animal that has been discovered to make lenses out of argonite is unbelievable. You'd think that with hundreds of eyes, that the chiton would have better vision than what it does. I'm hoping more research can come out of interesting discoveries such as this one.

Brittany Graham 5th/6th Period

What's in your belly button?

Even though it might seem gross or maybe a little disturbing, scientists at North Carolina State University have started a research called the Belly Button Biodiversity project. The meaning of the project is to track many microorganisms inside a human navel. To get the samples needed, subjects receive a clean cotton swab. Then the subject turns the cotton swab around in there belly button three times and then places the swab in a vial. The researchers then grew the bacteria in a culture and once the bacteria has grown it is photographed(see the photos at http://www.wildlifeofyourbody.org/?page_id=201) then showed to the subject. In the end, the researchers found Staphylococcus epidermidis(the most prevalent skin bacteria), as well as other bacteria's, molds, fungi, and yeast.

My opinion on this study is that it is interesting, but disgusting. The study is very creative and a good idea because it shows the bacteria. But may be weird, unnecessary, or a waste of time to others. It may cause some people to be more worried about personal hygiene.. which is not necessarily a bad thing. So all in all, clean your belly buttons people.

http://well.blogs.nytimes.com/2011/04/14/whats-in-your-belly-button/?ref=health

-Holley Hurst

Study: Algae could replace 17 percent of US oil imports

Algae, as scientists find out, can be used to replace much of the oil imported into the U.S. Since creating biofuels requires much water, this technique hasn't been widely used so far. New discoveries have found that biofuels can be created from algae, while using less water. The biofuel is obtained from the lipids in the algae and is extracted and refined. By using this biofuel, less greenhouse gases would be released into the atmosphere, causing better conditions for the ozone.

Gas and fossil fuels, as they are, seem like a big problem to our atmosphere. The more we can make this number dwindle, the safer the atmosphere, environment, and wildlife would be. Also, since a lot of our oil is imported, it would give our economy a small boost if it becomes popular. The means of obtaining the oil, too, isn't a great thing for the environment. It can harm living plants and animals living near the machines. Using biofuels from algae is a beneficial way of powering the machines of our day.

David Watts

http://www.biologynews.net/archives/2011/04/14/study_algae_could_replace_17_percent_of_us_oil_imports.html

Dust Bunnies

Summary:
In this article it talks about how the Arizona State environmental scientists have studied what exactly dust bunnies are and how they form. During their research, they did a test on just normal houses that are clean, and they found out that over 60% of the dust found in dust bunnies are from the outdoors, particles come in through the air,dead flakes of skin from humans and pets, fibers from carpets and furniture, tracked-in soil all gather together and that makes a dust Bunnie. So there is no solution to fix the dust bunnies, but to keep all doors and windows shut as much as you can.

Opinion:
I like how the scientists did research on dust bunnies because I've always wondered what was in dust bunnies, and how they got together to form a big dust bunnie. They are very unhealthy to humans and alot of families are concerned about this problem, especially if they have small children, because if a small child was to eat a dust bunnie or put one in their mouth, it is very toxic and could make them sick. I chose to write about this because, most people think dust bunnies are just a bunch of dust all together and are in dirty houses, but they can form anywhere that there's humans and a house or building.


http://www.macroevolution.net/dust-bunnies.html

Study: Algae could replace than 17 percent of US oil imports

Honey can cure infections

Manuka honey is now know to help clear infections. It is also believed to help anti biotic to work better. This was tested by Professor Rose Cooper from University of Wales Institute. She has found out that honey can stop the growth of those bacterias that is commonly infect wounds. She also says that this honey is an alternative way to help on infection that resist drugs.

Like always, new things are found and help the world. Honey that cures infection? That seems amazing. I always heard honey was good for you, but who would have thought it help wounds? Not only that, it might actually be better than some medication being it that honey stop the bacteria's resistance to medication. I hope this is an efficient way to cure infections and maybe even replace those medications.

Birds; Dinosaurs; Smelling?!

Link: www.biologynews.net/archives/2011/04/14/birds_inherited_sense_of_smell_from_dinosaurs_and_improved_it.htm Summary: According to recent studies, scientists discovered that birds have inherited their sense of smell from dinosaurs, and indeed improved it. The discovery was made after studying the skulls of dinosaurs and completing CT scans on them. The CT scan allows them to view the cavity that once held the brain of a dinosaur then look at brain parts. Then they compare the information to the information found from birds. Opinion: I think this is really cool. There could be a way to bring dinosaurs back with all the knowledge scientists have comparing the two. Maybe one day they will use a bird and bring back flying dinosaurs.. though that might be scary... haha (:

Scientists Identify Compunds that block cancer growth

Researchers from the Cancer Institute at NYU Langone Medical Center have identified three compounds that combat cancer in an innovative way. The compounds block the Wnt communication in cells, which was a previously unheard of approach in cancer research. The Wnt Signaling pathway has been shown to play a role in cell growth, and if it were blocked cells would not reproduce. These compounds have shown that they can suppress cancer cells from reproducing without harming other normal cells. These compounds will be able to inhibit growth in colon cancer, breast cancer, and other cancers that have been previously incureable. I believe that this is a novel step in the direction of curing cancer. There might be side affects to these compounds (they go unnamed in the article) in humans, but they are promising. Even though I'm not an expert on cancer research, I think that the best way to fight or kill cancer is to keep the individual cells from communicating with each other. These suppressants of the Wnt signaling pathway may stop some cancers, but they are only effective against cancers that use this as a way to communicate. Other treatments will have to be developed for cancers that use other forms of communication. http://www.biologynews.net/archives/2011/04/14/small_molecules_inhibit_growth_of_human_tumor_cells.html

Birds have better sense of smell than previously thought

http://www.biologynews.net/archives/2011/04/14/birds_inherited_sense_of_smell_from_dinosaurs_and_improved_it.html

Recent studies have shown that birds have better senses of smell than humans had beleived. Our knowledge of birds was limited to to their ability to fly and their amazing sight. We thought that when they evolved from dinosaurs, they lost one of their smelling ability, and it went to improved sight. CT scans were performed on birds to get a visual of their brain activity and learn about their senses. It was learned that birds' senses of smell haven't gotten any worse since the dinosaurs.

This new information may open new doors in our knowledge about animals. This study changed our belief system behind evolution, showing that we really don't know everything. This study may cause us to put more thought into learning about evolution. That would be good because any information about the past may help us understand the big picture better. Birds were not known to have a sense of smell before, but now we have learned that they do.

Chimp Cantagious Yawning

Chimp yawning may be a way to socialize. Studies show that empathy causes yawning. Chimps only yawn when they see another familiar chimp yawn. Same for humans; they only yawn when members of the same social class yawn. Same concept applys with pain.


This article may not mean much but it was interesting. At least they're advancing in the study of monkeys. Yawning is contagious but why did they discover this?? This concludes my article. Thanks for reading :)


http://www.biologynews.net/archives/2011/04/06/chimpanzees_contagious_yawning_evidence_of_empathy_not_just_sleepiness_study_shows.html

Brain Activity

Mathematical step to solve how brain functions? Professors says the say math is used in which to break into your car. The sequence is called a de Bruijn. Which a set of 'things' (if you will) which eventually tells what the brain is thinking. Mathematicians call de Bruijn a " pseudo-random" because it just looks like a bunch of jumbled numbers.


My opinion of this is that the discovery will lead to us being able to use more of our brain. More of our brain will lead to even greater things. On the flip side this may have only told us how to find out what and how the brain things. This concludes my opinion and event. Thanks for reading :)


http://www.biologynews.net/archives/2011/03/29/deciphering_hidden_code_reveals_brain_activity.html

dinosaurs have feathers?!

link: www.macroevolution.net/iridescent.html summary: Scientists discovered colored feathers, a while back but the color had not been determined until recently. Now that the colors have been discovered scientists are hopeing to find certain simliar colorings in birds today, and hopefully discover more information on dinosaurs. The investigation could lead to internal organs, furred bodies and a lot of physical informationa bout dinosaurs. opinion: i think it is really cool that dinosaurs are still under research and scientists havent given up on them yet. if they keep persuing the research who knows that could become of the mysterious dinosaurs. i am anxiously waiting the discovery of their outside skin, whether it was scaly, furry or feathered. i am imagining there are some of all, but i am curious as to what the majority looked like, and what my favorite dinosaur looks like.

Researchers make computer model of cell

A collaborative study between experimental scientists at the Max Planck Institute of Biology in Germany and theoretical scientists at the University of Illinois has accurately modeled a bacterial cell. What sets this apart from other cell models is the fact that it includes all contents of the cellular cytoplasm, while previous computer models focused on one part. One of the surprising results of this study is the realization of how crowded the cell actually is. Luthey-Schulten, a chemistry professor at the University of Illinois, remarked, "...My perception of the cell... had always been that it's a pretty big sack of water where a lot of chemical reactions occur." The cell that has been modeled in this study is E. Coli, and the observation of these computer models will bring light to cell processes previously unnoticed. I think that this study will be groundbreaking in the study of microscopic organisms. Not only will researchers be able to view a cell, but they will be able to predict its behavior in different enviroments. While its usefulness in disease control is untested for now, i believe scientists will be able to predict and "forcast" outbreaks. They will also be able to test possible cures on the disease at lightning-fast speed, something only a computer processor can do. www.biologynews.net/archives/2011/03/30/researchers_make_the_leap_to_wholecell_simulations.html