Science News for Kids » gene http://www.sciencenewsforkids.org Publication of the Society for Science & the Public Thu, 23 May 2013 17:00:53 +0000 en-US hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.5.1 Honey’s hidden helper http://www.sciencenewsforkids.org/2013/05/scientists-identify-a-substance-in-honey-that-helps-bee-bodies-fight-poisons/ http://www.sciencenewsforkids.org/2013/05/scientists-identify-a-substance-in-honey-that-helps-bee-bodies-fight-poisons/#comments Thu, 09 May 2013 17:57:31 +0000 Stephen Ornes http://www.sciencenewsforkids.org/?p=16949 A new study identified compounds in honey that help bees fight off germs. Credit: Jack Dykinga, USDA Agricultural Research Service, Bugwood.org

Scientists identify a substance in honey that helps bee bodies fight poisons]]> A new study identified compounds in honey that help bees fight off germs. Credit: Jack Dykinga, USDA Agricultural Research Service, Bugwood.org

Scientists identify a substance in honey that helps bee bodies fight poisons]]> http://www.sciencenewsforkids.org/2013/05/scientists-identify-a-substance-in-honey-that-helps-bee-bodies-fight-poisons/feed/ 0 Microscopic caffeine fiends http://www.sciencenewsforkids.org/2013/04/researchers-create-a-bacterium-that-cant-live-or-reproduce-without-caffeine/ http://www.sciencenewsforkids.org/2013/04/researchers-create-a-bacterium-that-cant-live-or-reproduce-without-caffeine/#comments Mon, 15 Apr 2013 17:44:37 +0000 Sid Perkins http://www.sciencenewsforkids.org/?p=16503 Scientists tweaked the genes of a bacterium so that it requires caffeine to live and reproduce. Now, they can use this microbe to measure concentrations of caffeine in beverages such as soda, coffee and energy drinks. When the microbes are added to a water-weakened version of one of those drinks, the bacteria grow and the liquid turns cloudy — but only if the drink contained caffeine. In caffeine-free Coke (top left), no cloudiness appears. Credit: Barrick Lab/University of Texas at Austin

Researchers create a bacterium that can’t live or reproduce without a stimulant found in soft drinks, chocolate, coffee and tea]]> Scientists tweaked the genes of a bacterium so that it requires caffeine to live and reproduce. Now, they can use this microbe to measure concentrations of caffeine in beverages such as soda, coffee and energy drinks. When the microbes are added to a water-weakened version of one of those drinks, the bacteria grow and the liquid turns cloudy — but only if the drink contained caffeine. In caffeine-free Coke (top left), no cloudiness appears. Credit: Barrick Lab/University of Texas at Austin

Researchers create a bacterium that can’t live or reproduce without a stimulant found in soft drinks, chocolate, coffee and tea]]> http://www.sciencenewsforkids.org/2013/04/researchers-create-a-bacterium-that-cant-live-or-reproduce-without-caffeine/feed/ 0 Baby brain, adult disease http://www.sciencenewsforkids.org/2013/01/scientists-find-signs-of-alzheimers-disease-in-the-brains-of-infants/ http://www.sciencenewsforkids.org/2013/01/scientists-find-signs-of-alzheimers-disease-in-the-brains-of-infants/#comments Thu, 24 Jan 2013 18:38:29 +0000 Stephen Ornes http://www.sciencenewsforkids.org/?p=15434 Newborns with a certain version of a gene are more likely to have a smaller medial temporal lobe (blue spots). This brain region is also smaller in adults with Alzheimer’s disease. People with the gene version are three times more likely to develop the disorder, which affects memory.

Scientists find signs of Alzheimer’s disease in the brains of infants]]> Newborns with a certain version of a gene are more likely to have a smaller medial temporal lobe (blue spots). This brain region is also smaller in adults with Alzheimer’s disease. People with the gene version are three times more likely to develop the disorder, which affects memory.

Scientists find signs of Alzheimer’s disease in the brains of infants]]> http://www.sciencenewsforkids.org/2013/01/scientists-find-signs-of-alzheimers-disease-in-the-brains-of-infants/feed/ 0 The rest of your DNA http://www.sciencenewsforkids.org/2012/09/the-rest-of-your-dna/ http://www.sciencenewsforkids.org/2012/09/the-rest-of-your-dna/#comments Tue, 25 Sep 2012 17:48:35 +0000 Stephen Ornes http://www.sciencenewsforkids.org/?p=14254 An international team of scientists has determined that a good chunk of our DNA may act as switches that turn genes “on” and “off.” Credit: National Human Genome Research Institute

Surprise: Scientists find most of human DNA molecule carries out important functions]]> An international team of scientists has determined that a good chunk of our DNA may act as switches that turn genes “on” and “off.” Credit: National Human Genome Research Institute

Surprise: Scientists find most of human DNA molecule carries out important functions]]> http://www.sciencenewsforkids.org/2012/09/the-rest-of-your-dna/feed/ 0