The Future of Agricultural Biotechnology: Creative Destruction, Adoption, or Irrelevance?

Habitat loss, habitat fragmentation and the loss of genetic diversity are the main factors driving the extinction of many wild species, and the few eastern massasauga rattlesnakes remaining in Illinois have certainly suffered two of the three. A long-term study of these snakes reveals, however, that – despite their alarming decline in numbers – they have retained a surprising amount of genetic diversity.

Researchers have discovered a navigational gene in glass catfish called the electromagnetic-perceptive gene, or EPG, that responds to certain magnetic waves. These findings have the potential to revolutionize treatments for humans and help those who suffer from tremors related to Parkinson’s and seizures associated with epilepsy.

A study of 1,000 individuals has identified three main factors that determine how our immune responses differ. The research might help identify ways to make better vaccines and improve our understanding of autoimmune disease.