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Science News for June 28, 2008


Drought tolerance in potatoes

Researchers have identified approximately 2000 genes that contribute to the increased drought tolerance of two Andean potato clones. The study found up-regulated genes involved in osmotic adjustment, detoxification, and cell communication and signaling, as well as increased solute concentrations to induce water uptake from drying soils.

SourceAmerican Society of Plant Biologists·DateJun 28, 2008

Homosexual behavior due to genetics and environmental factors

The study found that genetics accounted for around 35% of the differences in homosexual behavior among men, while non-shared environmental factors explained 64%. For women, genetic influences were more modest, accounting for 18%, with non-shared environment and shared family factors explaining 64% and 16% respectively.

SourceQueen Mary University of London·JournalArchives of Sexual Behavior·DateJun 28, 2008

Evolution of fruit size in tomato

Researchers have identified two key loci responsible for extreme fruit size in tomatoes, including the fas locus that controls cell division and the locule-number locus that affects carpel number. This study provides a significant breakthrough in understanding tomato domestication and opens up new avenues for crop improvement.

SourceAmerican Society of Plant Biologists·DateJun 28, 2008
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Cancer 'cure' in mice to be tested in humans

Scientists are testing a new cancer treatment that uses transfused white blood cells to combat advanced forms of cancer. The treatment, called Leukocyte InFusion Therapy (LIFT), has shown promising results in lab mice and aims to replicate those findings in human patients.

SourceAtrium Health Wake Forest Baptist·DateJun 28, 2008

Mate choice in plants

Tobacco plants have evolved a self-incompatibility system to reject unwanted pollen and maintain genetic diversity. Researchers have identified a new factor, Stigma Expressed Protein (NaStEP), which plays a crucial role in the rejection mechanism.

SourceAmerican Society of Plant Biologists·DateJun 28, 2008

The 21st century tomato

Researchers have made significant progress in understanding the complex metabolic networks involved in tomato fruit development. By analyzing over 1200 quantitative metabolic loci (QMLs), scientists identified associations between metabolites and genes that regulate fruit metabolism. This knowledge can be used to alter metabolic pathwa...

SourceAmerican Society of Plant Biologists·DateJun 28, 2008
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