A new database, called PhenoDB, has been developed to help track the genetic roots of every disorder that is caused by a single, rogue gene. Scientists developed the database for the Baylor-Hopkins Center for Mendelian Genomics (BHCMG) initiative. This initiative seeks to track the roughly 3,000 inherited disorders that are attributed to genetic causes. This new tool makes use of technological gains that now allow doctors to sequence about 90% of a patient’s genome at one time. Although it is still cost-prohibitive to sequence the entire genome, this form of testing provides a great ... [Read more]
Rare Rabies Death Linked To Transplanted Kidney
A strange case was reported by the Centers for Disease Control today. It seems that a man in Maryland died from a transplanted kidney that was not known to be infected with rabies. The man received the kidney more than a year ago without incident. The rare death is perplexing because rabies typically has an incubation period of only one … [ Read more ]
Alien Solar System Provides Insight Into How Ours Was Formed
The discovery of a distant star, known as HR8799, is providing important information about how our own solar system was created. The exoplanet, HR8799, hosts a system of four massive plants that orbit around a young, 30-million-year-old star, much like our solar system’s orbital pattern. These planets have 5 to 10 times more mass than Jupiter and their bright glow … [ Read more ]
Is De-Extinction A Reality?
Cloning current species has been a subject of hot debate for years. Now, scientists are attempting to clone animals that went extinct tens of thousands of years ago. While the possibility is exciting, it raises the question of what to do with the animals should they survive. Here’s a look at the progress scientists have made so far. In 2009, … [ Read more ]
Red Lipstick Makes Women Appear Younger
A new study reports that wearing red lipstick can make women look years younger. Researchers used images of Caucasian French women aged 20 to 69 years old and found that as women age, their lips, eyes and eyebrows become paler while their skin tone becomes darker. Red lipstick creates a strong contrast that makes women appear to be younger, even … [ Read more ]
Cockatoos Exhibit Amazing Self-Control
The ability to wait for delayed gratification has been seen as a human trait that is not exhibited by animals. Until now. A new study found that Goffin cockatoos will take a pecan nut, hold it for up to 80 seconds in their mouths without nibbling it and then, exchange it for a more preferable food, such as a cashew … [ Read more ]
DNA Offers Some Info Regarding Mass Whale Strandings
Researchers have often speculated that large groups of whales and dolphins that strand themselves on beaches do so to support their family members which may be ill. New research examined the mitochondrial DNA of almost 500 whales in 12 different stranding events and determined that many of the whales had different mothers, instead of being descended from one. Calves and … [ Read more ]
Acunpuncture Shown To Reduce Stress Hormones
Skeptics have questioned if acupuncture is an effective treatment for many years. The practice has been used for generations in Eastern medicine and is reported to relax and restore health in patients. It is also said to balance the flow of energy, also known as Qi, in the body. Scientists from the Georgetown University Medical Center recently performed a study … [ Read more ]
Record Temperatures Expected In Southwest
A high pressure weather system is continuing to expand, causing a surge in temperatures in the Southwest. Cities like Phoenix, Arizona and Palm Springs, California will experience temperatures in the 90s on both Thursday and Friday. Although these cities are typically hot, temperatures this high are unusual at this time of year. Record highs are also expected in cities such … [ Read more ]
More Than 25% Of South African Schoolgirls Have HIV
A new study reports that as many as 28% of schoolgirls in South Africa are HIV positive. The country’s health ministry found that only 4% of schoolboys have the virus, making it clear that these young girls are being infected by grown men. The report also revealed that 94,000 schoolgirls became pregnant in the year 2011. Some of these girls … [ Read more ]
