A new avian DNA 'marker' technique has been successfully adapted to determine the sex of marbled murrelets from blood samples collected in the field. Results show a ratio of almost two males to one female, raising concerns about declining populations and logging practices.
Research on nematodes led to the discovery of potential anti-cancer drugs and antibiotics. The substances, called xenorxides, have proven more effective than traditional anti-cancer drugs in some test settings.
Astronomers studied comet Hale-Bopp with the Hubble Space Telescope, finding that its nucleus may be more complex than previously thought. The findings suggest that components like carbon disulfide ice are not contained within water, but rather in separate regions of the nucleus.
Researchers found cyanogen gas in Comet Hale-Bopp, suggesting the same process controls its evolution regardless of distance from the sun. The discovery supports a key theory explaining how comets release this gas.
The study identifies mutations of P-TEN in advanced brain, breast, and prostate cancers, suggesting a new potential target for cancer treatment. The discovery represents one of the first genes implicated in aggressive brain tumors.