Gendered Division Of Labor Gave Modern Humans Advantage Over Neanderthals:
Diversified social roles for men, women, and children may have given Homo sapiens an advantage over Neanderthals, says a new study in the December 2006 issue of Current Anthropology. The study argues that division of economic labor by sex and age emerged relatively recently in human evolutionary history and facilitated the spread of modern humans throughout Eurasia.
Peering Into The Shadow World Of RNA: Crosstalk May Control The Genome:
The popular view is that DNA and genes control everything of importance in biology. The genome rules all of life, it is thought. Increasingly, however, scientists are realizing that among the diverse forms of RNA, a kind of mirror molecule derived from DNA, many interact with each other and with genes directly to manage the genome from behind the scenes.
New Biosensors From The Blood Of Llamas :
An unusual protein found in the blood of llamas has enabled scientists to develop a quick, simple method for making antibodies that could be used in a new generation of biosensors.
How Mammals Fuel Milk Production May Have Implications For Cancer :
A new study in the December issue of the journal Cell Metabolism, published by Cell Press, offers insight into the manner in which the mammary glands of mammals meet the incredible metabolic demands of milk production. As the normal pathways of breast development undoubtedly affect breast cancer, the findings may have therapeutic implications, the researchers said.
Newts Regrow Hearts: Scientists Reveal Molecular Details Of Regeneration In Amphibians:
When a newt loses a limb, the limb regrows. What is more, a newt can also completely repair damage to its heart.
Vanishing Beetle Horns Have Surprise Function:
The function of horned beetles' wild protrusions has been a matter of some consternation for biologists. Digging seemed plausible; combat and mate selection, more likely. But, ....
Decaffeinated Coffee Plants? New Methods Permit Functional Gene Studies In Plants:
Decaffeinated coffee plants, pest-resistant cotton, and Vitamin A-producing rice varieties have all been developed by introducing genes into plants.
Ongoing Collapse Of Coral Reef Shark Populations:
Investigators have revealed that coral reef shark populations are in the midst of rapid decline, and that "no-take zones"--reefs where fishing is prohibited--do protect sharks, but only when compliance with no-take regulations is high. The findings, reported by William Robbins and colleagues at James Cook University and its ARC Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies, appear in the December 5th issue of Current Biology.
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