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Science News for May 14, 2000


Sequencers take a bird in hand

Researchers sequenced a region of the house finch genome, showing similarities to mammalian genomes in structure. The study found that birds' compact genomes favor metabolic demands related to flight, supporting shared basic genome structure with mammals.

SourceCold Spring Harbor Laboratory·JournalGenome Research·DateMay 14, 2000

Recreational use of cocaine promotes blood clots

A recent study published in Heart journal has found that recreational cocaine use promotes the formation of blood clots, leading to an increased risk of heart attacks. The research, which monitored 14 young adults after they received a dose of cocaine, showed that even occasional use can have significant effects on cardiovascular health.

SourceBMJ Specialty Journals·JournalHeart·DateMay 14, 2000

Scientists find evidence for black hole in nearby galaxy

Astronomers have found evidence of a supermassive black hole similar to the one in our Milky Way in a nearby galaxy. The discovery was made using spectra from the Hubble Space Telescope and reveals details about the object's mass that could help scientists understand how these celestial phenomena are formed.

SourceOhio University·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·DateMay 14, 2000

Mutations identified in gene causing blindness, early heart attacks

Molecular geneticists have characterized gene mutations in families with pseudoxanthoma elasticum (PXE), a rare inherited disorder that can lead to blindness, early heart attacks, and cardiovascular disease. The study provides the basis for DNA-based carrier detection, prenatal testing, and improved diagnosis of the condition.

SourceThomas Jefferson University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 14, 2000

Chemical discovered that causes plant tumors

Researchers at Oregon State University have discovered a new class of chemicals called 'bruchins' that signal a plant to form a benign tumor, helping prevent insect infestation. The unusual chemical can induce tumor formation even at low levels, with precise effects on the plant.

SourceOregon State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 14, 2000

Safety education program seems to have little effect

A recent study found that a half-day safety program for kindergarten students showed minimal improvement in basic safety skills. The research compared two groups of children, one that participated in the program and another that did not, but found no significant difference in their scores. This suggests that many safety programs, like ...

SourceOhio State University·JournalArchives of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine·DateMay 14, 2000

Images of evolution

Researchers have used new methods to track the evolution of human chromosomes over a 130 million-year period, finding that one chromosome is shared only with chimpanzees. By examining analogous chromosomes in other mammals, scientists can reconstruct how human chromosomes evolved from ancient origins.

SourceCold Spring Harbor Laboratory·JournalGenome Research·DateMay 14, 2000