science newsletter: Science News SciGuru.com

Τετάρτη 4 Ιουλίου 2012

Science News SciGuru.com

Species lose functions when others work for them
Scientists discover bees can 'turn back time,' reverse brain aging
Epigenetics Alters Genes in Rheumatoid Arthritis

Species lose functions when others work for them

Posted: 03 Jul 2012 04:56 PM PDT

A parasitic wasp which cannot reproduce independently because a bacterium has taken over its egg production; such loss of function occurs is more widespread in nature than scientists previously assumed. This was shown in a new evolutionary theory formulated by researchers at VU University Amsterdam and the University of Wisconsin. They publish their findings today in the journal Ecology Letters.

Scientists discover bees can 'turn back time,' reverse brain aging

Posted: 03 Jul 2012 10:49 AM PDT

Scientists at Arizona State University have discovered that older honey bees effectively reverse brain aging when they take on nest responsibilities typically handled by much younger bees. While current research on human age-related dementia focuses on potential new drug treatments, researchers say these findings suggest that social interventions may be used to slow or treat age-related dementia.

Epigenetics Alters Genes in Rheumatoid Arthritis

Posted: 03 Jul 2012 10:36 AM PDT

It’s not just our DNA that makes us susceptible to disease and influences its impact and outcome. Scientists are beginning to realize more and more that important changes in genes that are unrelated to changes in the DNA sequence itself – a field of study known as epigenetics – are equally influential.