Biology This is an OPML file. It can be used to export all the MedWorm RSS feeds on this topic into your personal RSS reader (usually you have to save this file to your own computer before clicking on an Import OPML command in your own feed reader to upload the file which will then import all the feeds) or it can be used by webmasters to integrate MedWorm feeds with their own website. This is an RSS file. You can use it to subscribe to this data in your favourite RSS reader, such as GoogleReader, or to display this data on your own website or blog. Subscribe to this data using MyMedWorm.Subscribe to this data using GoogleReader.Subscribe to this data using Bloglines.Subscribe to this data using MyYahoo.

This page shows you the most recent publications within this specialty of the MedWorm directory.

Teaching Complete Evolutionary Stories Increases Learning
Many students have difficulty understanding and explaining how evolution operates. In search of better ways to teach the subject, researchers at Michigan State University developed complete evolutionary case studies spanning the gamut from the molecular changes underlying an evolving characteristic to their genetic consequences and effects in populations. The researchers, Peter J. T. White, James J. Smith, and Merle K. Heidemann, then incorporated two of the scenarios into a cellular and molecular biology course taught to undergraduates at the university's Lyman Briggs College. When the students' understanding was tested, ...
Source: BioScience Press Releases - June 17, 2013 Category: Biology Authors: Timothy M. Beardsley Editor in Chief, BioScience American Insitute of Biological Sciences (AIBS) 1900 Campus Commons Drive, Suite 200 Reston, VA 20191 703-674-2500 x326 tbeardsley at aibs.org www.aibs.org Source Type: news

Supreme Court Says No to Patents on Human Genes
On 13 June 2013 the United States Supreme Court ruled that human genes cannot be patented. The unanimous decision stated that isolating specific genes was not worthy of a patent. The case considered by the high court dealt with patents held by Myriad Genetics, Inc. for two genes (BRCA1 and BRCA2) that have been linked to breast and ovarian cancer. The company uses the genes to test patients for their risk of developing cancer. “Myriad did not create anything,” wrote Justice Clarence Thomas on behalf of the court. “To be sure, it found an important and useful gene, but separating that gene from its surro...
Source: Public Policy Reports - June 17, 2013 Category: Biology Authors: AIBS Source Type: news

Proposed Protections for Captive Chimps Could Hamper Biomedical Research
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) has announced plans to increase protections for captive chimpanzees. The species would be listed as ‘endangered’ in both the wild and captivity, a move that would require federal oversight of any activates that would harm or kill chimpanzees, including some research. The new listing would require a federal permit before an invasive technique, like drawing blood or performing surgery, could be conducted on a chimp. Only research that “enhance[s] the propagation or survival” of the species would be approved. The proposed rule is open for public comment for 60...
Source: Public Policy Reports - June 17, 2013 Category: Biology Authors: AIBS Source Type: news

Senate Passes Agriculture Reform Bill
Efforts to reform U.S. agricultural policy advanced with Senate passage of S. 954, the “Agriculture Reform and Risk Management Act of 2013.” The ‘Farm Bill’, as it is commonly known, passed the Senate on 10 June with a bipartisan vote of 66-27. The legislation authorizes $955 billion over five years for farm subsidy, conservation, rural energy, and nutrition assistance programs. This spending level is about $18 billion less over the next decade than current policy, if sequestration is taken into account. Many of the policies outlined in S. 954 are similar to the legislation passed by the Senate las...
Source: Public Policy Reports - June 17, 2013 Category: Biology Authors: AIBS Source Type: news

Register for the Biological Sciences Congressional District Visits
The American Institute of Biological Sciences is proud to announce that it is partnering with the Entomological Society of America to present the 5th Annual Biological Sciences Congressional District Visits event. This national initiative is an opportunity for biologists across the country to meet with their federal or state elected officials to showcase the people, facilities, and equipment that are required to support and conduct scientific research. The 5th Annual Biological Sciences Congressional District Visits event will be held throughout the month of August 2013. This event is an opportunity for scientists, gradu...
Source: Public Policy Reports - June 17, 2013 Category: Biology Authors: AIBS Source Type: news

USDA To Create Regional Climate Research Hubs
The U.S. Department of Agriculture has announced plans to establish seven new regional climate hubs. The hubs will conduct research that aims to mitigate climate change’s effects on crop production, livestock, and forestland. “The hubs will enable us to carry out regionally appropriate climate change risk and vulnerability assessments, and get data out to the field more quickly,” said Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack. “Practically, the hubs will deal out advice to farmers and forest owners on ways to reduce risks and manage change.” Some of the hubs will be established at existing USDA f...
Source: Public Policy Reports - June 17, 2013 Category: Biology Authors: AIBS Source Type: news

NSF Political Science Research to Continue Despite Congressional Ban
The National Science Foundation (NSF) will continue to fund political science research despite orders from Congress to scale back investments in this arena. In a recently announced decision, NSF stated that it will continue to review proposals submitted to the Political Science Program. Review panels will be asked to provide input on whether proposals meet one or both congressionally directed criteria of “promoting national security or the economic interests of the United States.” In March, Congress approved a law that includes a provision that bars NSF from awarding any grants to political science research un...
Source: Public Policy Reports - June 17, 2013 Category: Biology Authors: AIBS Source Type: news

USAID Releases First Policy on Biodiversity Conservation
The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) has released a draft policy that “seeks to advance biodiversity conservation as an essential component of human development.” The policy outlines three outcomes: 1) conserve biodiversity in priority places, 2) improved development outcomes from integrating biodiversity conservation and development, and 3) enhance global biodiversity conservation practice through USAID leadership. Read the draft report online at http://www.usaid.gov/sites/default/files/documents/1865/USAID-Biodiversity-Policy-Draft-6-7-13.pdf. Submit comments by 24 June 2013 at https://docs...
Source: Public Policy Reports - June 17, 2013 Category: Biology Authors: AIBS Source Type: news

Call for Session Proposals: 2014 Gulf of Mexico Oil Spill and Ecosystem Science Conference
The 2014 Gulf of Mexico Oil Spill and Ecosystem Science Conference is soliciting proposals from the community for sessions to address the conference themes and integrative topics. For guidelines and submission instructions, please visit http://gulfofmexicoconference.org/program/scientific-sessions/. The deadline for submissions is 30 June 2013. (Source: Public Policy Reports)
Source: Public Policy Reports - June 17, 2013 Category: Biology Authors: AIBS Source Type: news

Short Takes
The Ocean Studies Board of the National Research Council is seeking nominations for potential committee members for a new study. "A Decadal Survey of Ocean Sciences: Guidance for NSF on National Ocean Research Priorities" was requested by the National Science Foundation. Nominations are due by 17 June 2013 and can be submitted at http://www.surveygizmo.com/s3/1260708/Nominations-for-OSB-Decadal-Survey. The National Science Foundation is accepting proposals for the Advancing Digitization of Biodiversity Collections program. This initiative seeks to enhance and expand digital data documenting existing vouchered biological an...
Source: Public Policy Reports - June 17, 2013 Category: Biology Authors: AIBS Source Type: news

Become an Advocate for Science: Join the AIBS Legislative Action Center
Quick, free, easy, effective, impactful! Join the AIBS Legislative Action Center today! (www.aibs.org/public-policy/legislativeactioncenter.html) The AIBS Legislative Action Center is an online resource that allows biologists and science educators to quickly and effectively influence policy and public opinion. Each day lawmakers must make tough decisions about science policy. For example, what investments to make in federal research programs, how to conserve biodiversity, how to mitigate climate change, or under what circumstances to permit stem cell research. Scientists now have the opportunity to help elected officials ...
Source: Public Policy Reports - June 17, 2013 Category: Biology Authors: AIBS Source Type: news

One hundred years of research at East Malling: science into practice for perennial fruit crops
(Source: Annals of Applied Biology)
Source: Annals of Applied Biology - June 17, 2013 Category: Biology Authors: P.J. Gregory, G.J. Bishop, M.T. Fountain, R.J. Harrison, R.J. Saville Tags: EDITORIAL Source Type: research

Expansion of PD-1-Positive Effector CD4 T Cells in an Experimental Model of SLE: Contribution to the Self-Organized Criticality Theory.
Abstract We have developed a systems biology concept to explain the origin of systemic autoimmunity. From our studies of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) we have concluded that this disease is the inevitable consequence of over-stimulating the host's immune system by repeated exposure to antigen to levels that surpass a critical threshold, which we term the system's "self-organized criticality". We observed that overstimulation of CD4 T cells in mice led to the development of autoantibody-inducing CD4 T cells (aiCD4 T) capable of generating various autoantibodies and pathological lesions identical to those observ...
Source: Kobe J Med Sci - June 17, 2013 Category: Journals (General) Authors: Miyazaki Y, Tsumiyama K, Yamane T, Ito M, Shiozawa S Tags: Kobe J Med Sci Source Type: research

Scaling and systems biology for integrating multiple organs-on-a-chip
Lab Chip, 2013, Accepted ManuscriptDOI: 10.1039/C3LC50243K, Critical ReviewJohn Wikswo, Erica Curtis, Zachary Eagleton, Brian Evans, Ayeeshik Kole, Lucas Hofmeister, William MatloffThis is an Accepted Manuscript, which has been through the RSC Publishing peer review process and has been accepted for publication. Accepted manuscripts are published online shortly after acceptance. This version of the article will be replaced by the fully edited, formatted and proof read Advance Article as soon as this is available.The content of this RSS Feed (c) The Royal Society of Chemistry (Source: RSC - Lab Chip latest articles)
Source: RSC - Lab Chip latest articles - June 17, 2013 Category: Chemistry Authors: John Wikswo Source Type: research

[Perspective] Cell Biology: Rapid Aging Rescue?
Reducing methylation of the protein lamin A may provide a therapeutic target for Hutchinson-Gilford progeria syndrome. [Also see Report by Ibrahim et al.]Author: Thomas E. Johnson (Source: Science: Current Issue)
Source: Science: Current Issue - June 17, 2013 Category: Science Authors: Thomas E. Johnson Source Type: research

[Business Office Feature] Business Office Feature: LIFE SCIENCE TECHNOLOGIES: Biology Watches the Cloud
Author: Alan Dove (Source: Science: Current Issue)
Source: Science: Current Issue - June 17, 2013 Category: Science Authors: Alan Dove Source Type: research

Reconstructing The Genome Of Medieval Strains Of The Leprosy Pathogen By Exhuming Centuries-Old Human Graves
Why was there a sudden drop in the incidence of leprosy at the end of the Middle Ages? To answer this question, biologists and archeologists reconstructed the genomes of medieval strains of the pathogen responsible for the disease, which they exhumed from centuries old human graves. Their results, published in the journal Science, shed light on this obscure historical period and introduce new methods for understanding epidemics. In Medieval Europe, leprosy was a common disease... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)
Source: Health News from Medical News Today - June 17, 2013 Category: Consumer Health News Tags: Infectious Diseases / Bacteria / Viruses Source Type: news

Alexandre Afranio Peixoto (1963-2013)
(Source: Genetics and Molecular Biology)
Source: Genetics and Molecular Biology - June 17, 2013 Category: Genetics & Stem Cells Source Type: research

Doralice Maria Cella (1954-2013)
(Source: Genetics and Molecular Biology)
Source: Genetics and Molecular Biology - June 17, 2013 Category: Genetics & Stem Cells Source Type: research

Genetic differences between Chibcha and Non-Chibcha speaking tribes based on mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) haplogroups from 21 Amerindian tribes from Colombia
We analyzed the frequency of four mitochondrial DNA haplogroups in 424 individuals from 21 Colombian Amerindian tribes. Our results showed a high degree of mtDNA diversity and genetic heterogeneity. Frequencies of mtDNA haplogroups A and C were high in the majority of populations studied. The distribution of these four mtDNA haplogroups from Amerindian populations was different in the northern region of the country compared to those in the south. Haplogroup A was more frequently found among Amerindian tribes in northern Colombia, while haplogroup D was more frequent among tribes in the south. Haplogroups A, C and D have cl...
Source: Genetics and Molecular Biology - June 17, 2013 Category: Genetics & Stem Cells Source Type: research

MHC Class II haplotypes of Colombian Amerindian tribes
We analyzed 1041 individuals belonging to 17 Amerindian tribes of Colombia, Chimila, Bari and Tunebo (Chibcha linguistic family), Embera, Waunana (Choco linguistic family), Puinave and Nukak (Maku-Puinave linguistic families), Cubeo, Guanano, Tucano, Desano and Piratapuyo (Tukano linguistic family), Guahibo and Guayabero (Guayabero Linguistic Family), Curripaco and Piapoco (Arawak linguistic family) and Yucpa (Karib linguistic family). for MHC class II haplotypes (HLA-DRB1, DQA1, DQB1). Approximately 90% of the MHC class II haplotypes found among these tribes are haplotypes frequently encountered in other Amerindian tribes...
Source: Genetics and Molecular Biology - June 17, 2013 Category: Genetics & Stem Cells Source Type: research

Reconstruction of major maternal and paternal lineages of the Cape Muslim population
The earliest Cape Muslims were brought to the Cape (Cape Town -South Africa) from Africa and Asia from 1652 to 1834. They were part of an involuntary migration of slaves, political prisoners and convicts, and they contributed to the ethnic diversity of the present Cape Muslim population of South Africa. The history of the Cape Muslims has been well documented and researched however no in-depth genetic studies have been undertaken. The aim of the present study was to determine the respective African, Asian and European contributions to the mtDNA (maternal) and Y-chromosomal (paternal) gene pool of the Cape Muslim population...
Source: Genetics and Molecular Biology - June 17, 2013 Category: Genetics & Stem Cells Source Type: research

Association between osteoprotegerin gene polymorphisms and cardiovascular disease in type 2 diabetic patients
This study provides evidence that the C allele of the T950C polymorphism is associated with increased risk of CVD in diabetic patients. However, well-designed prospective studies with a larger sample size are needed to validate these results. (Source: Genetics and Molecular Biology)
Source: Genetics and Molecular Biology - June 17, 2013 Category: Genetics & Stem Cells Source Type: research

Non-detection of Epstein-Barr virus and human papillomavirus in a region of high gastric cancer risk indicates a lack of a role for these viruses in gastric carcinomas
Gastric mucosa tissue was collected from patients with gastroduodenal diseases in a region of norrteastern China showing a high risk of gastric cancer incidence. The presence of EBV and HPV were assayed to investigate the relationship between gastric carcinomas and virus infection. Neither EBV nor HPV DNA was detected in tissue from the patients. The role of EBV and HPV in gastric cancer is not well understood and still needs to be clarified. (Source: Genetics and Molecular Biology)
Source: Genetics and Molecular Biology - June 17, 2013 Category: Genetics & Stem Cells Source Type: research

Comparison of the effectiveness of microsatellites and SNP panels for genetic identification, traceability and assessment of parentage in an inbred Angus herd
During the last decade, microsatellites (short tandem repeats or STRs) have been successfully used for animal genetic identification, traceability and paternity, although in recent year single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) have been increasingly used for this purpose. An efficient SNP identification system requires a marker set with enough power to identify individuals and their parents. Genetic diagnostics generally include the analysis of related animals. In this work, the degree of information provided by SNPs for a consanguineous herd of cattle was compared with that provided by STRs. Thirty-six closely related Angus...
Source: Genetics and Molecular Biology - June 17, 2013 Category: Genetics & Stem Cells Source Type: research

New molecular evidence supports the species status of Kaempfer's Woodpecker (Aves, Picidae)
Kaempfer's Woodpecker (Celeus obrieni) is the only species of the genus Celeus endemic to Brazil. The description of this taxon as a subspecies of the Rufous-headed Woodpecker (Celeus spectabilis) was based on a single specimen. While C. obrieni and C. spectabilis are now considered separate species based on morphological and limited molecular evidence, no study has critically tested the reciprocal monophyly and degree of evolutionary independence between these taxa with several specimens. Herein, fragments of the mitochondrial and nuclear DNA of three recently-collected specimens of C. obrieni were analyzed to evaluate th...
Source: Genetics and Molecular Biology - June 17, 2013 Category: Genetics & Stem Cells Source Type: research

A remarkable autosomal heteromorphism in Pseudoryzomys simplex 2n = 56; FN = 54-55 (Rodentia, Sigmodontinae)
Pseudoryzomys simplex, the false rice rat, is a monotypic genus of the Oryzomyini tribe (Sigmodontinae) distributed in part of Bolivia, Paraguay, Argentina and Brazil. Its diploid number has been described as 56 acrocentric chromosomes decreasing in size and no karyotype figure has been depicted. Herein, we present karyotypic data on P. simplex, including chromosome banding and molecular fluorescent in situ hybridization using telomeric sequences and the whole X-chromosome of its sister clade Holochilus brasiliensis (HBR) as probes. A case of remarkable autosomal heteromorphism due to the presence of a whole heterochromati...
Source: Genetics and Molecular Biology - June 17, 2013 Category: Genetics & Stem Cells Source Type: research

Genetic parameters for five traits in Africanized honeybees using Bayesian inference
Heritability and genetic correlations for honey (HP) and propolis production (PP), hygienic behavior (HB), syrupcollection rate (SCR) and percentage of mites on adult bees (PMAB) of a population of Africanized honeybees were estimated. Data from 110 queen bees over three generations were evaluated. Single and multi-trait models were analyzed by Bayesian Inference using MTGSAM. The localization of the hive was significant for SCR and HB and highly significant for PP. Season-year was highly significant only for SCR. The number of frames with bees was significant for HP and PP, including SCR. The heritability estimates were 0...
Source: Genetics and Molecular Biology - June 17, 2013 Category: Genetics & Stem Cells Source Type: research

Identification of the soybean HyPRP family and specific gene response to Asian soybean rust disease
In this study, microarray analysis and real time RT-qPCR were used to identify putative HyPRP genes in the soybean genome and to assess their expression in different plant tissues. Some of the genes were also analyzed by time-course real time RT-qPCR in response to infection by Phakopsora pachyrhizi, the causal agent of Asian soybean rust disease. Our findings indicate that the time of induction of a defense pathway is crucial in triggering the soybean resistance response to P. pachyrhizi. This is the first study to identify the soybean HyPRP group B family and to analyze disease-responsive GmHyPRP during infection by P. p...
Source: Genetics and Molecular Biology - June 17, 2013 Category: Genetics & Stem Cells Source Type: research

Modeling and analysis of soybean (Glycine max. L) Cu/Zn, Mn and Fe superoxide dismutases
In this study, we describe structural models for soybean Cu/Zn SOD, Mn SOD and Fe SOD and provide insights into the molecular function of this metal-binding enzyme in improving tolerance to oxidative stress in plants. (Source: Genetics and Molecular Biology)
Source: Genetics and Molecular Biology - June 17, 2013 Category: Genetics & Stem Cells Source Type: research

Genetic diversity in a world germplasm collection of tall fescue
In this study, we explored the genetic diversity of 161 accessions of Festuca species from 29 countries, including 28 accessions of INTA (Argentina), by analyzing 15 polymorphic SSR markers by capillary electrophoresis. These molecular markers allowed us to detect a total of 214 alleles. The number of alleles per locus varied between 5 and 24, and the values of polymorphic information content ranged from 0.627 to 0.840. In addition, the accessions analyzed by flow cytometry showed different ploidy levels (diploid, tetraploid, hexaploid and octaploid), placing in evidence that the world germplasm collection consisted of mul...
Source: Genetics and Molecular Biology - June 17, 2013 Category: Genetics & Stem Cells Source Type: research

Characterization of the omlA gene from different serotypes of Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae: a new insight into an old approach
The OmlA protein is a virulence factor of Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae, an important pathogen in pigs. The polymorphisms present in the omlA gene sequence of 15 reference serotypes of A. pleuropneumoniae and non-serotypable isolates were assessed to determine the possible evolutionary relationship among them and to validate the importance of this gene as a molecular marker for the characterization of this bacterium. Divergence among the 15 serotypes of A. pleuropneumoniae probably resulted initially from two major evolutionary events that led to subsequent differentiation into nine groups. This differentiation makes it ...
Source: Genetics and Molecular Biology - June 17, 2013 Category: Genetics & Stem Cells Source Type: research

Endophytic bacterial diversity in banana 'Prata Anã' (Musa spp.) roots
The genetic diversity of endophytic bacteria in banana 'Prata Anã' roots was characterized. Two hundred and one endophytic bacteria were isolated, 151 of which were classified as Gram-positive and 50 as Gram-negative. No hypersensitivity response was observed in any of the isolates. The rep-PCR technique generated different molecular profiles for each primer set (REP, ERIC and BOX). Fifty readable loci were obtained and all of the fragments were polymorphic. Amplified ribosomal DNA restriction analysis (ARDRA) of the isolates based on cleavage with four restriction enzymes yielded 45 polymorphic bands and no monomorphic b...
Source: Genetics and Molecular Biology - June 17, 2013 Category: Genetics & Stem Cells Source Type: research

Distribution of PLD and FagA, B, C and D genes in Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis isolates from sheep and goats with caseus lymphadenitis
Caseous lymphadenits (CL) is a chronic and subclinical disease that affects goats and sheep and, consequently, causes economic losses, especially to small producers. The purpose of this study, through use of Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR), was to verify the presence of virulence genes of phospholipase D (PLD), integral membrane protein (FagA), iron enterobactin transporter (FagB), ATP binding cytoplasmic membrane protein (FagC) and iron siderophore binding protein (FagD) in 168 isolates of C. pseudotuberculosis obtained from cases of caseous lymphadenitis in goats and sheep. FagA, FagB and PLD genes were detected in all 1...
Source: Genetics and Molecular Biology - June 17, 2013 Category: Genetics & Stem Cells Source Type: research

Genotoxicity of Nicotiana tabacum leaves on Helix aspersa
In this study, we examined the genotoxicity of tobacco leaves in the snail Helix aspersa as a measure of the risk to human health. DNA damage was evaluated using the micronucleus test and the Comet assay and the concentration of cytochrome P450 enzymes was estimated. Two groups of snails were studied: one fed on tobacco leaves and one fed on lettuce (Lactuca sativa L) leaves (control group). All of the snails received leaves (tobacco and lettuce leaves were the only food provided) and water ad libitum. Hemolymph cells were collected after 0, 24, 48 and 72 h. The Comet assay and micronucleus test showed that exposure to tob...
Source: Genetics and Molecular Biology - June 17, 2013 Category: Genetics & Stem Cells Source Type: research

Identification of alternative transcripts of rat CD9 expressed by tumorigenic neural cell lines and in normal tissues
CD9 is the best-studied member of the tetraspanin family of transmembrane proteins. It is involved in various fundamental cellular processes and its altered expression is a characteristic of malignant cells of different origins. Despite numerous investigations confirming its fundamental role, the heterogeneity of CD9 or other tetraspanin proteins was considered only to be caused by posttranslational modification, rather than alternative splicing. Here we describe the first identification of CD9 transcript variants expressed by cell lines derived from fetal rat brain cells. Variant mRNA-B lacks a potential translation initi...
Source: Genetics and Molecular Biology - June 17, 2013 Category: Genetics & Stem Cells Source Type: research

Comparison of HMOX1 expression and enzyme activity in blue-shelled chickens and brown-shelled chickens
Blue egg coloring is attributed to biliverdin derived from the oxidative degradation of heme through catalysis by heme oxygenase (HO). The pigment is secreted into the eggshell by the shell gland. There is uncertainty as to whether the pigment is synthesized in the shell gland or in other tissues. To investigate the site of pigment biosynthesis, the expression of heme oxygenase (decycling) 1 (HMOX1), a gene encoding HO, and HO activity in liver and spleen were compared between blue-shelled chickens (n=12) and brown-shelled chickens (n=12). There were no significant differences in HMOX1 expression and HO activity in these t...
Source: Genetics and Molecular Biology - June 17, 2013 Category: Genetics & Stem Cells Source Type: research

Bioinformatics analysis of the gene expression profile in Bladder carcinoma
Bladder carcinoma, which has the ninth highest incidence among malignant tumors in the world, is a complex, multifactorial disease. The malignant transformation of bladder cells results from DNA mutations and alterations in gene expression levels. In this work, we used a bioinformatics approach to investigate the molecular mechanisms of bladder carcinoma. Biochips downloaded from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) were used to analyze the gene expression profile in urinary bladder cells from individuals with carcinoma. The gene expression profile of normal genomes was used as a control. The analysis of gene expression revea...
Source: Genetics and Molecular Biology - June 17, 2013 Category: Genetics & Stem Cells Source Type: research

Insights into the Melipona scutellaris (Hymenoptera, Apidae, Meliponini) fat body transcriptome
In this study, we analyzed the transcriptome of the fat body from the stingless bee Melipona scutellaris. In silico analysis of a set of cDNA library sequences yielded 1728 expressed sequence tags (ESTs) and 997 high-quality sequences that were assembled into 29 contigs and 117 singlets. The BLAST X tool showed that 86% of the ESTs shared similarity with Apis mellifera (honeybee) genes. The M. scutellaris fat body ESTs encoded proteins with roles in numerous physiological processes, including anti-oxidation, phosphorylation, metabolism, detoxification, transmembrane transport, intracellular transport, cell proliferation, p...
Source: Genetics and Molecular Biology - June 17, 2013 Category: Genetics & Stem Cells Source Type: research

Cell’s Water Channel Gets A Close-Up
Structural Biology: High-resolution structure of aquaporin sheds light on function of water transporter (Source: Chemical and Engineering News)
Source: Chemical and Engineering News - June 17, 2013 Category: Chemistry Authors: Sarah Everts Source Type: research

Rationally Designed Sulfamides As Glutamate Carboxypeptidase II (GCPII) Inhibitors
This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved. This current study explores a new class of GCP II inhibitors, glutamyl sulfamides, which possess a neutral tetrahedral zinc‐binding motif. A small library containing 6 sulfamides was prepared and evaluated for inhibitory potency against purified GCPII. While most inhibitors have potencies in the micromolar range, one showed promising sub‐micromolar potency, with the optimal inhibitor in this series being aspartyl‐glutamyl sulfamide (Source: Chemical Biology and Drug Design)
Source: Chemical Biology and Drug Design - June 17, 2013 Category: Biology Authors: Cindy J. Choy, Melody D. Fulton, Austen L. Davis, Mark Hopkins, Joseph K. Choi, Marc O. Anderson, Clifford E. Berkman Tags: Research Article Source Type: research

Scientists turn to the streets for help in monitoring waterways
(University at Buffalo) A project that asks hikers, fishermen, birdwatchers, school kids and nature-lovers of all stripes to monitor stream levels is expanding from its home base in Western New York to three new states: Iowa, Michigan and Wisconsin. (Source: EurekAlert! - Biology)
Source: EurekAlert! - Biology - June 17, 2013 Category: Biology Source Type: news

Saint Louis University researchers discover a way to detect new viruses
(Saint Louis University) Saint Louis University researchers describe a technology that can detect new, previously unknown viruses using blood serum as a biological source. (Source: EurekAlert! - Biology)
Source: EurekAlert! - Biology - June 17, 2013 Category: Biology Source Type: news