A Blog Around The Clock

First Female DNA Sequenced:

Geneticists of Leiden University Medical Centre (LUMC) are the first to determine the DNA sequence of a woman. She is also the first European whose DNA sequence has been determined. Following in-depth analysis, the sequence will be made public, except incidental privacy-sensitive findings. The results will contribute to insights into human genetic diversity.

Why Are Some People Unable To Express Their Emotions?:

Italian investigators have published a new study on the neurobiologic correlates of the inability to express emotions (alexithymia) in the third 2008 issue of Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics.

DNA Clues To Reproductive Behavior:

A species of wild yeast goes through a cycle of sexual reproduction once in every 1,000 asexual generations, according to new research by Imperial biologists published in the PNAS journal in April.

The Secret Behind Silkworm's Hardy Stomachs:

Silkworms have a unique ability to eat toxic mulberry leaves without feeling ill, and researchers have come one step closer to understanding why: silkworms contain a special digestive enzyme that is not affected by mulberry's toxic chemicals.

Scientists Announce Top 10 New Species In Last Year:

The International Institute for Species Exploration at Arizona State University and an international committee of taxonomists -- scientists responsible for species exploration and classification -- has just announced the top 10 new species described in 2007.

More here and here.

Fundamental Building Block In Flowering Plants Evolved Independently, Yet Almost Identically In Ancient Plants:

Biologists have discovered that a fundamental building block in the cells of flowering plants evolved independently, yet almost identically, on a separate branch of the evolutionary tree--in an ancient plant group called lycophytes that originated at least 420 million years ago.

New Research Forces U-turn In Population Migration Theory:

Research led by the University of Leeds has discovered genetic evidence that overturns existing theories about human migration into Island Southeast Asia (covering the Philippines, Indonesia and Malaysian Borneo) - taking the timeline back by nearly 10,000 years.

New Statistical Method Reveals Surprises About Our Ancestry:

A statistical approach to studying genetic variation promises to shed new light on the history of human migration.