ScienceDaily: Top Science News

A gene that shaped the evolution of Darwin's finches Posted: 11 Feb 2015 12:39 PM PST Researchers have identified a gene in Galápagos finches studied by English naturalist Charles Darwin that influences beak shape and that played a role in the birds' evolution from a common ancestor. The study illustrates the genetic foundation of evolution, including how genes can flow from one species to another, and how different versions of a gene within a species can contribute to the formation of new species.

In a first, astronomers catch a multiple star system in the process of forming Posted: 11 Feb 2015 11:12 AM PST This finding supports model predictions about how two- and three-star systems form. Astronomers say understanding why and how multiple star systems form is essential for grasping phenomena such as star and planet formation, planet frequency and habitability.

Apes prefer the glass half full: Nearest primate relatives also susceptible to marketing spin Posted: 11 Feb 2015 10:21 AM PST Humans aren't the only species to be influenced by spin. Our closest primate relatives are susceptible, too. For example, people rate a burger as more tasty when it is described as "75 percent lean" than when it is described as "25 percent fat," even though that's the same thing. A new study finds that positive and negative framing make a big difference for chimpanzees and bonobos too.

Breakthrough in stroke treatment: Stent thrombectomy Posted: 11 Feb 2015 10:21 AM PST A randomized clinical research study looked at the effectiveness of a new treatment for stroke. The study involved adding a minimally invasive clot removal procedure called stent thrombectomy to standard clot-dissolving therapy, known as tissue plasminogen activator. The study showed a dramatic improvement in restoring blood flow back to the brain, which is critical in the recovery of stroke.

Largest ever genome-wide study strengthens genetic link to obesity Posted: 11 Feb 2015 10:18 AM PST While diet and exercise are important, new findings sharpen the role genetics play in people’s tendency to gain weight and where the fat is stored. This work is the first step toward finding individual genes that play key roles in body shape and size.

Oldest fur seal identified, ending 5-million-year 'ghost lineage' Posted: 11 Feb 2015 09:40 AM PST The oldest known fur seal has been discovered by a Geology PhD student at New Zealand's University of Otago, providing a missing link that helps to resolve a more than 5-million-year gap in fur seal and sea lion evolutionary history.

Dynamic side of the early universe: Only 380,000 years after the Big Bang Posted: 11 Feb 2015 05:40 AM PST The Planck collaboration has released data from four years of observation by the European Space Agency's Planck spacecraft. The aim of the Planck mission is to study the Cosmic Microwave Background, the light left over from the Big Bang. The measurements, taken in nine frequency bands, were used to map not only the temperature of the radiation but also its polarization, which provides additional information about both the very early Universe (when it was 380,000 years old) and our Galaxy's magnetic field.

Unwanted impact of antibiotics broader, more complex than previously known Posted: 10 Feb 2015 06:26 PM PST Researchers have discovered that antibiotics have an unwanted impact on the microorganisms that live in an animal's gut that's more broad and complex than previously known. A study has helped to explain these processes, which are now believed to affect everything from the immune system to glucose metabolism, food absorption, obesity, stress and behavior.

Engineered insulin could offer better diabetes control Posted: 10 Feb 2015 10:05 AM PST Engineers hope to improve treatment for diabetes patients with a new type of engineered insulin. In tests in mice, the researchers showed that their modified insulin can circulate in the bloodstream for at least 10 hours, and that it responds rapidly to changes in blood-sugar levels.