In 1997, scientists made significant discoveries in cloning, with the cloning of Dolly sparking debate on ethics and potential benefits. The year also saw major breakthroughs in Mars exploration, gamma ray bursts, and advances in genetic understanding, including the identification of clock genes and microbial genomes.
Researchers found leptin in human breast milk, which correlates with the amount of body fat in lactating mothers. The hormone may play a role in infant development and potentially influence weight gain or obesity later in life.
African and Asian macaques' complicated lineages have been unraveled by genetic detective work at Columbia University. The study confirms that the genus is one of the oldest among Asian monkeys, dating to at least 7 million years ago.
Scientists have found that exposure to Pfiesteria toxin can cause significant learning deficits in rats, impairing their ability to learn new tasks but not memory recall. The study's findings suggest a growing human health concern and hazard to marine estuaries along the Atlantic coastal waters.
Researchers create first commercially available catalytic antibody, which can catalyze aldol reactions with broad substrate range. This breakthrough addresses long-standing question of protein-catalyst efficiency.
The images taken by the Near Earth Asteroid Rendezvous (NEAR) spacecraft reveal a cratered surface and porous composition of asteroid 253 Mathilde. Scientists were surprised to find large craters packed tightly on the relatively small surface, indicating that large objects can strike without destroying it.