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Science News for October 28, 1999


The evolution of the sex chromosomes: step by step

The X and Y chromosomes are thought to have originated from a pair of identical autosomes, diverging over 300 million years through four discrete stages. This divergence led to the formation of distinct sex chromosomes, with X-Y genes serving as fossils for reconstructing their evolutionary history.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Medical Center·JournalScience·DateOct 28, 1999

Chemistry's in the forecast for National Chemistry Week

National Chemistry Week highlights the importance of polymers as natural insulators, found in products like umbrellas, sunglasses, and jackets. The week also explores fascinating chemistry facts about the weather, such as the transformation of nitrogen into a more user-friendly form by lightning.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·DateOct 28, 1999

Tracing the evolution of sex chromosomes

Researchers reconstructed the stages of sex chromosome evolution, tracing the modern X and Y chromosomes back to ordinary autosomes. The study found that these chromosomes differentiated into distinct blocks, with genes clustered together on one chromosome but scattered across the other.

SourceWhitehead Institute for Biomedical Research·JournalScience·DateOct 28, 1999
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New evidence pushes back age of sex-determining chromosomes

Researchers have found that the ancestor of human sex chromosomes arose from an identical pair of standard chromosomes approximately 240-320 million years ago. This new evidence suggests that the first events creating sex chromosomes occurred earlier than previously thought, around 100 million years sooner.

SourceHoward Hughes Medical Institute·JournalScience·DateOct 28, 1999

Researchers use 'voice recognition' program to count bats

Researchers have developed a non-invasive method to detect early signs of artery blockages using Doppler ultrasound. The technique uses voice recognition to track turbulence in blood flow, providing a safer alternative to current methods that require ionizing radiation or invasive procedures.

SourceOhio State University·DateOct 28, 1999

U.S. and German experts to speak on global climate change

Renowned researchers Dr. George H. Denton, Prof. Hartmut Graßl, and Dr. Stefan Rahmstorf will address the effects of climate change on European nations. The event aims to explore possible solutions to mitigate these changes and ensure human survival.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·DateOct 28, 1999