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Amoebae That Practice Agriculture
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| Topic: Origin & Evolution of Life |
02/08/11 |
| Summary: Scientists have discovered that one type of amoebae increases its odds of survival through a rudimentary form of agriculture. The behavior highlights a unique method by which the organisms increase their ability to survive and evolve. |
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An Alternate DNA Structure
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| Topic: Origin & Evolution of Life |
02/02/11 |
| Summary: Scientists have discovered that on rare occasions, DNA takes on a different shape than its typical helix structure. This could mean that 'multiple layers' of information are stored in the genetic code. |
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The Cold Facts of a Mass Extinction
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| Topic: Origin & Evolution of Life |
01/30/11 |
| Summary: Researchers have discovered new details surrounding the second-largest mass extinction in Earth's history. The new study shows that a loss of more than 75 percent of species in the world's oceans may have been linked to a cooling climate. |
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Evolution by Mistake
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| Topic: Origin & Evolution of Life |
01/28/11 |
| Summary: New research shows that the methods organisms use to deal with mistakes made when their genetic code is interpreted greatly influences their ability to evolve. The findings are useful for astrobiologists who are studying cellular mechanisms that control and limit the evolution of life. |
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Dating the Dawn of the Dinosaurs
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| Topic: Origin & Evolution of Life |
01/26/11 |
| Summary: Long-held theories about how dinosaurs became dominant on Earth some 230 million years ago may have to be re-written. A new study shows that when dinosaurs appeared, they may have co-existed with other animals rather than replacing them on the food chain. |
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The Smoking Gun for Earth's Biggest Extinction
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| Topic: Origin & Evolution of Life |
01/25/11 |
| Summary: New research shows that massive volcanic eruptions may have played a role in one of Earth's largest mass extinction events. Many theories have been put forth about the causes of the Permian extinction, but now scientists may have found an answer. |
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RNA, the Game
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| Topic: Origin & Evolution of Life |
01/15/11 |
| Summary: A new video game is teaching gamers the principles for designing molecules of RNA. Each week, the top designs from the game will be synthesized in a biochemistry lab for scientists to study. RNA is one of the key regulators in living cells. Studying RNA can teach astrobiologists about some of life's most basic mechanisms. |
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Mass Extinctions Linked to Loss of Diversity
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| Topic: Origin & Evolution of Life |
01/14/11 |
| Summary: Two of the greatest mass extinctions in Earth's history may have been caused by the loss of diversity in the oceans. New research shows that the die-off of species may have ultimately led to the collapse of marine ecosystems. The study could be an ominous warning for the future of life on Earth as modern ocean diversity begins to dwindle. |
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Ocean Dead Zones Challenged Life
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| Topic: Origin & Evolution of Life |
01/08/11 |
| Summary: Previously, scientists believed that the oceans became oxygen-rich about 600 million years ago. However, new research shows that the oceans experienced an 'oxygen-poor' period around 499 million years ago - soon after animals appeared. The study could provide new clues about how Earth's biosphere and climate are connected. |
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Building the Components of Life
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| Topic: Origin & Evolution of Life |
01/07/11 |
| Summary: A team of researchers has constructed artificial proteins that enable the growth of living cells. The achievement could help scientists 'build' new biological systems, and provide new information about the origin and evolution of life. |
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