Science News
Lab Rat of the Week: Brian D. Farrell
Brian D. Farrell, who is a biology professor, curator of Entomology at the Museum of Comparative Zoology, and director of the David Rockefeller Center for Latin American Studies, combines his diverse interests in science and music in his teaching.
Study Finds Strong Genetic Component to Obesity
A new finding by the Genetic Investigation of Anthropometric Traits consortium has identified 97 gene regions associated with obesity, tripling the number of such genes previously known.
Researchers Uncover Link Between Mediterranean Diet, Aging
A recent study by researchers at Harvard-affiliated Brigham and Women’s Hospital shows that telomeres, biomarkers of aging, could contribute to the benefits of this dietary pattern.
Researchers Pave Way for Anti-Obesity Drug
The discovery could help transform the body’s energy-storing white fat into energy-burning brown fat.
New Genetic Testing May Aid in Cancer Treatment
Experts say that a new gene screening called the Rapid Heme Panel may be a game-changer in cancer treatment.
Blood Mutations May Indicate Higher Cancer Likelihood, Researchers Find
Two independent research teams affiliated with Harvard have found a link between a mutation in the blood and an increase in the likelihood of developing blood cancers.
Limbs and Genetalia
A photo of a house snake embryo, in which the hemipenis bud can be seen near the tail end of the embryo. Research by Harvard scientists shows that genitalia placement is related to limb placement, demonstrated in snake embryos.
‘Breakthough Prize’ Grants $3 Million to Univ. Researchers
The awards were given to 12 recipients in in the celebrity-studded “Breakthrough Prize Ceremony” on Nov. 9.
Herbarium Celebrates 90 Years
To honor the anniversary, former interim Dean of the College Donald H. Pfister discussed a few of the collections out of the millions of specimens in the Herbarium.
Med School Study Explores Genitalia Formation
Genitalia development, according to the study, is closely linked to the growth and presence of limbs in animals such as snakes, lizards, and birds.
Study Finds Connection Between Lead Poisoning, Breast Milk
After publishing the results of his study in July, S. Allen Counter, Jr., Clinical Professor of Neurology at the Harvard Medical School, has led efforts to mitigate lead poisoning through education.
15Q: Jonathan Eig, Author of 'The Birth of the Pill'
Sex: college students are pretty much always thinking, talking about, and (sometimes) doing it. That hasn’t always been the case. Recently journalist Jonathan Eig spoke at the Francis A. Countway Library of Medicine at Harvard Medical School about his new book, “The Birth of the Pill.” The story of the birth control pill’s invention is riddled with twists, turns, dashing characters, and plenty of sexual activity. FM’s conversation with Eig was less salacious, but no less salty or stimulating.
45,000-Year-Old Bone Connects Modern Humans to Neanderthals
Through studying the specimen, evolutionary geneticists have determined that the ancestors of modern humans and present-day people of Eurasian descent have similar levels of Neanderthal DNA.
Harvard Researchers Create Prototype Test for Ebola
The test, developed by Professor James J. Collins and others at the Wyss Institute, can test for the virus in 30 minutes, with each test costing less than one dollar to produce.
Engineering Research Partnerships To Launch in Jan.
Last week, the Bertarelli Program, a collaboration involving Harvard Medical School, announced that it will award a series of grants totaling $3.6 million to launch five research projects in neuroengineering.
