 |
|
What determines body size?
August 02, 2006How does a growing organism determine what its final body size will be? In the moth Manduca sexta, also known as the tobacco hornworm and recognisable by its distinctive blue-green caterpillar, adult body size is largely determined at the end of larval life, when the caterpillar has reached it final weight and is about to metamorphose into a moth. In a study published today in the open access journal Journal of Biology, Frederik Nijhout, from Duke University in Durham, USA and colleagues built a new mathematical model that allows them to predict the size of an adult moth, on the basis of three parameters: the initial weight of the juvenile caterpillar, its growth rate and the rate at which the effect of a developmental hormone decays. These three factors are independent of each other and each of them is determined by many genes. The regulation of body size is therefore the result of the interactions among many genes involved in many different processes. These processes are themselves strongly influenced by external factors such as temperature and nutrition and Nijhout et al.'s study therefore sheds light on how environmental and genetic factors can interact to determine final adult body size. Their new model is likely to have broad applicability and could explain size variations in flies and other insects as well as in moths.
BioMed Central
Body Size Current Events and Body Size News RSSBigger not necessarily better, when it comes to brains
Tiny insects could be as intelligent as much bigger animals, despite only having a brain the size of a pinhead, say scientists at Queen Mary, University of London.
Playing sport up to the end of pregnancy is healthy for the baby and the mother
Contrary to more conservative customs, exercising up to the end of pregnancy has no harmful effect on the weight or size of the foetus.
Climate variability impacts the deep sea
Deep-sea ecosystems occupying 60% of the Earth's surface could be vulnerable to the effects of global warming warn scientists writing in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.
Pitt study shows linkage between teen girls' weight and sexual behavior
A University of Pittsburgh study sheds new light on the relationship between race, body weight and sexual behavior among adolescent girls.
Phytochemicals in plant-based foods could help battle obesity, disease
The cheeseburger and French fries might look tempting, but eating a serving of broccoli or leafy greens first could help people battle metabolic processes that lead to obesity and heart disease, a new University of Florida study shows.
Scientists discover largest orb-weaving spider
Researchers from the United States and Slovenia have discovered a new, giant Nephila species (golden orb weaver spider) from Africa and Madagascar and have published their findings in the Oct. 21 issue of the journal PLoS ONE.
UF study: Exercise improves body image for fit and unfit alike
Attention weekend warriors: the simple act of exercise and not fitness itself can convince you that you look better, a new University of Florida study finds.
Climate change triggered dwarfism in soil-dwelling creatures of the past
Ancient soil-inhabiting creatures decreased in body size by nearly half in response to a period of boosted carbon dioxide levels and higher temperatures, scientists have discovered.
High mortality rates may explain small body size
A new study suggests that high mortality rates in small-bodied people, commonly known as pygmies, may be part of the reason for their small stature.
Despite size, NFL players not more likely to develop heart disease, even after retirement
Former professional football players with large bodies don't appear to have the same risk factors for heart disease as their non-athletic counterparts, UT Southwestern Medical Center researchers have found in studying a group of National Football League (NFL) alumni.
More Body Size Current Events and Body Size News Articles
 |
LeSportsac Ellie Cross-Body,Viva,one size by LeSportsac |
 |
Body Size: The Structure and Function of Aquatic Ecosystems (Ecological Reviews) by Alan G. Hildrew (Editor), David G. Raffaelli (Editor), Ronni Edmonds-Brown (Editor) Ecologists have long struggled to predict features of ecological systems, such as the numbers and diversity of organisms. The wide range of body sizes in ecological communities, from tiny microbes to large animals and plants, is emerging as the key to prediction. Based on the relationship between body size and features such as biological rates, the physics of water and the amount of habitat available, we may be able to understand patterns of abundance and diversity, biogeography, interactions in food webs and the impact of fishing, adding up to a potential 'periodic table' for ecology. Remarkable progress on the unravelling, describing and modelling of aquatic food webs, revealing the fundamental role of body size, makes a book emphasising marine and freshwater ecosystems particularly... |
 |
Super Size Proactiv Solution Deep Cleansing Wash 16 Oz by Proactiv Solution What is it: An advanced wash for the face and body, designed to attack existing acne blemishes and help prevent new blemishes from forming. Who is it for: Teens to adults, men and women with mild to moderate acne prone skin on both the face and body. Why is it different: The creamy, foaming wash for the face and body is formulated with salicylic acid, a proven treatment for acne blemishes, as well as a light menthol scent. Mild exfoliating beads in a luxurious creamy base help to buff away dead skin cells, leaving the skin soft, smooth, and invigorated. How do I use it: Apply a small amount to damp skin on your face or body and work into a lather. Rinse thoroughly. Can be used in place of renewing cleanser in the three-step regimen. If going outside, use a sunscreen. |
 |
Earth Mama-Angel Baby Organic Angel Baby Shampoo & Body Wash, Refill Size, 34-Ounce Bottle by Earth Mama Angel Baby Pure organic baby wash for your pure organic baby. Angel Baby Shampoo & Body Wash is a gentle castile soap, pure and mild enough to cleanse delicate baby skin and hair. We added just a touch of ultra-safe lavender to help calm your fussy angel baby. And like everything in our baby line, the organic baby shampoo & body wash is made with only organic and natural ingredients. No SLS, parabens or other chemical preservatives, artificial dyes or fragrances. This is not a no-tear formula because it has no anesthetizing ingredients. (Yuck!) Just good clean botanicals to cleanse you good clean baby. Certified Vegan. Cruelty free. Toxin free skin care. Made with 86.4% organic ingredients. (These statements have not been approved by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to... |
 |
MENS YELLOW CONTRAST STITCH HOT BODY BIKINI SWIMSUIT GARY MAJDELL SPORT SIZE MEDIUM by Gary Majdell Sport MENS CONTRAST STITCH HOT BODY BIKINI GARY MAJDELL SPORT. Solid body with contrast 2 needle stitching around the legs and waist band. 80% Nylon / 20% spandex knit tricot. Interior drawstring for extra comfort and support. Direct from manufacturer Gary Majdell Sport. 100% CUSTOMER SATISFACTION GURANTEE. |
 |
Dean Baby ML 7/8 Size Solid Body Electric Guitar Metallic Silver by Dean Guitars Dean Baby Series 3/4 size solid body electric guitars are trimmed-down, lightweight bodies for rapid motion that are married to screamin' Dean hi-output pickups and a lightning-fast, full-scale neck to create a lean and mean sound machine. Radical body style and black hardware give it looks to kill for. Babys come in ML, Z and V shapes and a variety of colors. Baby ML Metallic Silver ~Contoured Top ~Basswood Body ~Maple Neck ~Rosewoood Fingerboard ~24 3/4 " scale ~Black Hardware ~Abalone DOT Inlays ~Tune O Matic Bridge ~Dean High Output Pickups ~3/4 Size Body |
 |
Darco Night Splint Body Armor One Size Fits All by Darco One Size Fits All * Toe Strap dorsiflexes the 1st MPJ to provide a specific and sustained stretch to the Plantar Fascia and a sustained, low load stretch to the flexor tendons, Achilles tendon and calf muscles * Loading the Windlass Mechanism naturally brings the foot/ankle to a near 90 degree angle thus eliminating the "lever effect" and the resulting pressure on the apex of the ankle * Elastic Connector Ring allows for natural flexion of the foot and toes during sleep, returning to the dorsiflexed position when muscles relax * Low Profile Design * |
 |
HARAJUKU LOVERS Fan Cross-Body,Keyes Girls,one size by HARAJUKU LOVERS |
 |
Solar TB1B Group Standard Size Steel -inchTuff Body-inch Rural Mailbox, Black by Solar Group * Vandal proof mailbox * 20 lbs of heavy steel plate * Stainless steel piano hinged door * Heavy steel flag with steel fasteners * 9.75"H x 7.75"W x 20.5"L |
 |
Avon SKIN SO SOFT Soft & Sensual Replenishing Body Lotion Bonus Size by Avon While Suuplies Last. 24-hour moisturization. Dermatologically tested. 33.8 fl. oz. with easy-to-use dispenser.... Please note that in your shipping confirmation you will be asked to let us know if you are currently receiving service from an Avon Representative. If you are, please follow the link provided in the confirmation so that s/he can receive proper credit for your Avon order placed through Amazon.com. |
| © 2009 BrightSurf.com |