Science & Technology

"Conventional wisdom says that it should be multiple genes working together to control the whole wing pattern of a butterfly," says Marcus Kronforst. "But in this case, it’s just this one. This single gene that controls sexual differentiation has been co-opted to do a totally new job." (Credit: U. Chicago) — Top StoryUniversity of Chicago
‘Doublesex’ gene keeps butterflies in disguise

"This is an important next step in the search for exoplanets because imaging in visible light instead of infrared is what we likely have to do if we want to detect planets that might be suitable for harboring life," says Jared Maled. Above, the Magellan Telescope with the MagAO’s Adaptive Secondary Mirror mounted at the top looking down some 30 feet onto the 21-foot diameter primary mirror, which is encased inside the blue mirror cell. (Credit: Yuri Beletsky, Las Campanas Observatory)

University of Arizona, University of Michigan

Digital camera technology snaps exoplanet from Earth

Astronomers have used the same imaging technology found in a digital camera to take a picture of an exoplanet wiith an Earth-based telescope. READ MORE…

After looking at 35 strawberry varieties over two growing seasons, conducting extensive biochemical testing, and hosting consumer taste panels, the researchers identified 30 compounds directly tied to strawberry flavors that consumers prefer. They also identified six volatile compounds that add to humans' perception of sweetness. (Credit: Roger Sadler/Flickr)

University of Florida

Could strawberry essence make food taste sweeter?

The compounds that give strawberries their unique flavor might one day make processed foods taste better with less sugar and no artificial sweeteners. READ MORE…

"There is another factor involved: the conservation of natural enemies of the pest species," says Anthony Shelton. Predators like ladybird beetles can reduce the number of potentially resistant individuals in a pest population and delay evolution of resistance to Bt. (Credit: Keith Roragen/Flickr)

Cornell University, University of Melbourne

‘Natural enemies’ help modified crops control pests

The combination of natural enemies, such as ladybeetles, with modified crops delays pests’ ability to evolve resistance to insecticidal proteins. READ MORE…

"It's pretty incredible that a structure which is incredibly common could be so misunderstood," says Thomas Stewart. "Our finding, that adipose fins have evolved repeatedly, shows that this structure, long assumed to be more-or-less useless, might be very important to some fishes. It's exciting because it opens up new questions." (Credit: Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources/Flickr)

University of Chicago, University of Kansas

‘Re-run’ evolution puts fin on fish backs

Scientists are reconsidering the adipose fin on fish, once dismissed as a remnant but now seen as an important clue to how appendages evolved. READ MORE…

"In the years since the post 9/11 postal attacks, we haven't had any bona fide anthrax attacks," says George Stewart. "That doesn't mean that it's not going to happen, we just have to be prepared for when it does occur again." (Credit: University of Missouri)

University of Missouri

Glowing virus IDs anthrax in hours

A virus that glows when the anthrax bacteria is present could speed bioterror responses and save millions in decontamination costs, researchers say. READ MORE…

"Unlike humans, animals do not have the cultural, psychological, or psychosocial risk factors for binge eating, so they are simpler to study. A rat could care less what it looks like," says Kelly Klump. (Credit: Kate Sumbler/Flickr)

Michigan State University, University of Pittsburgh

Do genes make some rats binge on frosting?

Two strains of rats, vanilla frosting, and a theory get researchers one step closer to finding genetic causes, and eventually a treatment, for binge eating. READ MORE…