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Gene Modification For Aflatoxin And Drought Resistance Could Increase Corn Yields

Gene Modification For Aflatoxin And Drought Resistance Could Increase Corn Yields

Gene variations that could mean yield increases, drought tolerance and aflatoxin resistance will boost productivity in the years to come.
A study included the growing years of 2011, a drought year, and 2012, on dryland and irrigated corn in College Station and in Mississippi, all with similar results, said Dr. Seth Murray, an AgriLife Research corn breeder in the soil and crop science department of Texas A&M University at College Station. 

New Clues To Origin Of Hirschsprung's Disease

New Clues To Origin Of Hirschsprung's Disease

Genetic studies in humans, zebrafish and mice have revealed that two different types of genetic variations team up to cause a rare condition called Hirschsprung's disease, flaws in early nerve development that lead to poor colon function which must often be surgically corrected.
About one in every 5,000 babies is born with Hirschsprung's disease, which causes bowel obstruction and can be fatal if not treated. The disease arises early in development when nerves that should control the colon fail to grow properly. Those nerves are part of the enteric nervous system, which is separate from the central nervous system that enables our brains to sense the world.

Low T In Females

Low T In Females

Testosterone replacement therapies are controversial in males so extending it to females will likely be even more so. But research involving mice suggests an association between low levels of androgens (which includes testosterone) and atherosclerosis and obesity in females. 

New Species Of Ancient Terror Bird, Llallawavis Scagliai, Discovered

New Species Of Ancient Terror Bird, Llallawavis Scagliai, Discovered

A new species of bird called Llallawavis scagliai (Scaglia's Magnificent Bird) is shedding light on the diversity of the group and how these giant extinct predators interacted with their environment. The new species found in South America is the most complete terror bird ever discovered, with more than 90% of the skeleton exquisitely preserved and also reveals details of anatomy that rarely preserve in the fossil record, including the auditory region of the skull, voice box, complete trachea, bones for focusing the eye, and the complete palate, allowing an unprecedented understanding of the sensory capabilities of these extinct predatory birds.

SgMaV-1: New Switchgrass Crop Virus Discovered In North America

SgMaV-1: New Switchgrass Crop Virus Discovered In North America

A new paper provides evidence of a new mastrevirus, tentatively named switchgrass mosaic-associated virus 1 (SgMaV-1). Other members of the mastrevirus genus, a group of DNA viruses, are known to be responsible for decimating yields in staple food crops (including corn, wheat and sugarcane) throughout Africa, Europe, Asia and Australia. It has never been reported in North America.
The switchgrass exhibited mosaic symptoms--splotchy, discolored leaves--characteristic of a viral infection, yet tested negative for known infections. Deep sequencing, a new technology, revealed the plants were infected with a new virus in the genus mastrevirus, the first of its kind found in North America.

Is Google Search Biased Against Female CEOs?

Is Google Search Biased Against Female CEOs?

The percentage U.S. CEOs who are women is 27 but you wouldn't know that by searching among Google images. Of the top 100 Google image search results for CEOs women are only 11 percent. Obviously Google is not in the social engineering business, they go by popularity. That is why a Huffington Post article about science will show up in Google search higher than a real science article. Female CEOs may be too busy working to be uploading their pictures to lots of places so their results are higher. 

Quantum Particles: Hot, Cold And Just Right All At The Same Time

Quantum Particles: Hot, Cold And Just Right All At The Same Time

Temperature allows us to make a simple statistical statement about the energy of particles without having to know the specific details of the system. How do quantum particles reach a state where statistical statements are possible? The result is surprising: a cloud of atoms can actually have several temperatures at once. 

Can Humans Communicate Via Pheromones?

Can Humans Communicate Via Pheromones?

Some animals communicate via pheromones and so it has often been wondered if humans might have a similar innate ability. An answer may come via cell biology rather than neuroscience. 

Camera Trap Snaps Secretive Black Tinamou

Camera Trap Snaps Secretive Black Tinamou

After decades in ornithological obscurity, one of the world's least-known birds is finally coming to light thanks to the persistence of a small group of researchers; a year-long study of the Black Tinamou (Tinamus osgoodi hershkovitzi) has captured some of the first video and sound recordings of this elusive species.
The Black Tinamou is a chicken-sized bird found in the foothills of the eastern Andes, where it lives in tall, dense primary forest. It is extremely difficult to observe due to its secretive habitats and cryptic coloration.
For their study, the researchers focused on the southern Colombia subspecies, doing daily censuses in Alto Fragua Indi Wasi National Park, recording vocalizations, and setting up camera traps to capture images and video.