Two researchers from the Spanish Centre of Astrobiology (INTA-CSIC) have developed a mathematical model which demonstrates that a mild increase in the mutation rate of some viruses can reduce their infectivity, driving them to extinction. The study, published recently in Europhysics Letters, could have clinical uses in the medium term.

"The model we present shows how simple evolutionary mechanisms can cause the extinction of populations of fast mutating pathogens, such as certain viruses", co-author of the study and Centre of Astrobiology researcher Susanna C. Manrubia explained to Servicio de Información y Noticias Científicas (SINC).

A study led by researchers from the Madrid Carlos III Institute of Health associates the increase of cholera cases in Zambia with climate factors.  They say their results confirm that the increase in environmental temperature six weeks before the rain season increases the number of people affected by this sickness by 4.9%.

DNA sequencing is the next frontier in biological research.As new sequencing technology becomes more efficient and affordable, it is increasingly available to small laboratories. Thus, sequencing data is being generated at a faster rate than ever before.

However, the computing capacity needed to analyze such vast amounts of data still has some catching up to do. Large networks of interconnected computers, called computer clusters, are required to analyze these data. Expensive to establish and maintain, these computer clusters are generally available only to labs that can afford them.

Biomedical engineers have developed a new type of probe that allows them to visualize single ribonucleic acid (RNA) molecules within live cells more easily than existing methods. The tool will help scientists learn more about how RNA operates within living cells.

Techniques scientists currently use to image these transporters of genetic information within cells have several drawbacks, including the need for synthetic RNA or a large number of fluorescent molecules. The fluorescent probes developed at the Georgia Institute of Technology circumvent these issues.

Since you are all inquisitive scientists, it is not a big surprise that sex is  a popular topic of study in the real world.  I attended a talk by Mary Roach, author of  “Bonk: The Curious Coupling Of Science And Sex” , at UC Davis on Monday.  Aside from the series of thank-yous provided by the introducer that seemed more appropriate for an Academy Award than an author of a pop science book on sex, it got right to the meat and potatoes. 

NEW YORK and BERLIN, April 24 /PRNewswire/ --

- 100 photographs by 50 artists from 1850 to the present

- Estimates from US$500 to US$50,000

- April 24-30, 2009

From April 24-30, artnet Online Auctions will feature April in Paris, a special sale of 100 photographs by 50 renowned artists including Brassai, Robert Doisneau, Andre Kertesz and Willy Ronis.

Modern Masters

On the occasion of her centennial, Rita Levi-Montalcini addressed the crowd with the gentle tone of a grandmother and the confident cadence of a statesman.  At 100 years, she has an energy that many younger people might envy.  She divides her workdays between her namesake brain research laboratory and her foundation to encourage African women with potential for scientific achievement.  These dual pursuits are fitting of a woman who fought past the setbacks of her own time and culture to become a driving force in both medical research and the politics of science.

COLUMBIA, Maryland, April 24 /PRNewswire/ --

- The results of the largest study performed to date will be presented during the International Society for Heart and Lung Transplantation Annual Meeting in Paris, France on April 24, 2009

Since it was cleared as an in vitro assessment of cell-mediated immunity in immunosuppressed patient populations, numerous clinical investigations have contributed to defining the role of the Cylex ImmuKnow assay among recipients of solid organ transplants.

(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20090424/NE99362 )

CHENNAI, India, April 24 /PRNewswire/ --

- Revenues Grow 3% Over the Previous Year; Net Loss at $16.85 Million

Sify Technologies Limited (Nasdaq National Markets: SIFY), a leader in Enterprise and Consumer Internet Services in India with global delivery capabilities, announced today its consolidated unaudited results under the International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) for the fiscal year ended 31st March 2009.

Performance Highlights FY 2008-09 (Unaudited)

MCKINNEY, Texas, April 24 /PRNewswire/ --

- Webcast Alert: 2009 Annual Meeting of Shareholders

TORCHMARK CORPORATION (NYSE: TMK) announces the following Webcast: What: 2009 Annual Meeting of Shareholders When: April 30th, 2009 @ 11:00 a.m. EDT Where: http://www.videonewswire.com/event.asp?id=56940 How: Live over the Internet -- Simply log on to the web at the address above.

Contact: Davida Walls of TORCHMARK CORPORATION, +1-972-569-3775

If you are unable to participate during the live webcast, the call will be archived on the Web site www.torchmarkcorp.com