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Science News for May 4, 2007


Climate change impacts stream life

A Cardiff University study found that climate change is causing a decline in springtime macroinvertebrate abundance by up to 21% for every 1 degree Celsius rise in temperature. The study predicts that species numbers could fall by 12-25% over the next 50 years.

SourceCardiff University·JournalGlobal Change Biology·DateMay 4, 2007

Gene mutation linked to increased athletic performance in whippets

Researchers discovered a genetic mutation that increases muscle mass and enhances racing performance in whippets, similar to humans. Whippets with one mutated copy of the myostatin gene are more muscular and fast, while those with two mutated copies have excessive muscle and poor athletic performance.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Genetics·DateMay 4, 2007

Creating corn for cars

Researchers at Michigan State University have developed a new corn variety that can break down cellulose in leaves and stalks into simple sugars for ethanol production. This innovation allows for more cost-effective and efficient production of ethanol, enabling the sale of waste products as an economically viable commodity.