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Science News for March 19, 2004


Evolution's twist

A USC study found that human ancestors developed meat-tolerant genes to resist diseases associated with a meat-rich diet, leading to slower aging and longer lifespan. However, the researchers argue that modern-day humans' sedentary lifestyle and lack of moderation may be contributing factors to high cholesterol and vascular disease.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalThe Quarterly Review of Biology·DateMar 19, 2004

St. Jude shows how disorderliness in some proteins lets them interact with a diversity of molecules

The study found that protein p27 uses flexible arms to bind to the Cdk2-cyclin A complex, which is crucial for regulating cell division and preventing cancer. The researchers discovered how proteins like p27 can identify and bind to different types of complexes, allowing them to regulate various cellular processes.

SourceSt. Jude Children's Research Hospital·JournalNature Structural & Molecular Biology·DateMar 19, 2004