Sporadic mutations identified in children with autism spectrum disorders
Scientists at the UW Department of Genome Sciences have identified several sporadic or “de novo” genetic mutations in children with autism spectrum disorder.
Scientists design new anti-flu virus proteins using computational methods
A research article May 12 in Science demonstrates the use of computational methods to design new antiviral proteins not found in nature, but capable of targeting specific surfaces of flu virus molecules.
No safety in numbers for moths and butterflies
Scientists at the University of Leeds are to investigate how lethal viruses attack differently sized populations of moths and butterflies in research that may help develop new methods of pest control.
‘Smoke detector’ gene discovered in plants
Researchers at The University of Western Australia have discovered a gene that allows dormant seeds buried in the soil to detect germination stimulants in bushfire smoke called karrikins.
New ‘corn atlas’ shows which genes are active during each stage of plant growth
Just as a road atlas helps travelers find their way, a new corn atlas will help plant scientists navigate vast amounts of gene expression data from the corn plant, as described in the May 10 issue of The Plant Journal.
University of Alberta researchers find potential MS therapy could kill brain cells
Researchers with the Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry at the University of Alberta have discovered that some “protective” T-cells can kill neurons. This finding is significant because a specific type of T-cell therapy is being touted in the medical community as a potential treatment for multiple sclerosis and other autoimmune conditions.
Bristol scientists pave the way to tackling anxiety disorders
Anxiety disorders are severely debilitating, the commonest cause of disability in the US workplace, and a source of great anguish to individuals and their families. Although fear and anxiety are part of our natural response to stress, the causes of chronic and inappropriate levels of anxiety are complex and treatments unsatisfactory.
Reptile ‘cousins’ shed new light on end-Permian extinction
The end-Permian extinction, by far the most dramatic biological crisis to affect life on Earth, may not have been as catastrophic for some creatures as previously thought, according to a new study led by the University of Bristol.
New link in tinnitus research
Researchers at The University of Western Australia have shown changes in a part of the brain previously not known to be involved in tinnitus generation.
Turning coal into methane using nanotechnology
A University of Alberta researcher has received special funding to turn underground coal seams into methane gas, a less environmentally harmful source of energy.
