Biology Breakthroughs 2009-2013 with Synopsis Ans Significance
Title: Inkayacu – Peru’s Giant Fossil Penguin and the Stories Its Feathers Tell
Source: BY BRIAN SWITEK (http://www.wired.com/wiredscience/2010/09/inkayacu-perus-giant-fossil-penguin-and-the-stories-its-feathers-tell/)
Date Published SEPTEMBER 30, 2010 2:00 PM
Synopsis: Inkayacu paracasensis, a previously unknown genus of prodigious penguin from the 36 million year old strata of Peru, was discovered to have its feathers still intact from the fossil. The extinct giant penguin was unique from its group because of its color. With all thanks to a technique, which has allowed paleontologists to identify the ancient vestiges of color in bird and dinosaur feathers, they have identified that Inkayacus were gray and reddish brown in color. At least some of the coloration of bird feathers comes from microscopic structures called melanosomes, and, as seen in living birds, different melanosome shapes correspond to different colors. Moreover, it has been discovered that the melanosome of the Inkaycu was different from a modern penguin because the melanosomes were also like of the dinosaurs.
Significance: The discovery of Inkayacu paracasensis solidifies possible connections of dinosaurs with other animals through evolution. With this information, the similarities of both species helped paleontologist identify certain dinosaur colors. By using the microanatomy of avian shades as a guide, paleontologists can now narrow down the probable palette of fossil feathers.
Title: Newly identified natural protein blocks HIV, other deadly viruses
Source: University of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences (http://www.biologynews.net/archives/2013/02/11/newly_identified_natural_protein_blocks_hiv_other_deadly_viruses.html)
Date Published February 11, 2013 06:40 PM
Synopsis: A team of UCLA-led researchers has identified a protein with broad virus-fighting properties that potentially could be used as a weapon against deadly human pathogenic
Source: BY BRIAN SWITEK (http://www.wired.com/wiredscience/2010/09/inkayacu-perus-giant-fossil-penguin-and-the-stories-its-feathers-tell/)
Date Published SEPTEMBER 30, 2010 2:00 PM
Synopsis: Inkayacu paracasensis, a previously unknown genus of prodigious penguin from the 36 million year old strata of Peru, was discovered to have its feathers still intact from the fossil. The extinct giant penguin was unique from its group because of its color. With all thanks to a technique, which has allowed paleontologists to identify the ancient vestiges of color in bird and dinosaur feathers, they have identified that Inkayacus were gray and reddish brown in color. At least some of the coloration of bird feathers comes from microscopic structures called melanosomes, and, as seen in living birds, different melanosome shapes correspond to different colors. Moreover, it has been discovered that the melanosome of the Inkaycu was different from a modern penguin because the melanosomes were also like of the dinosaurs.
Significance: The discovery of Inkayacu paracasensis solidifies possible connections of dinosaurs with other animals through evolution. With this information, the similarities of both species helped paleontologist identify certain dinosaur colors. By using the microanatomy of avian shades as a guide, paleontologists can now narrow down the probable palette of fossil feathers.
Title: Newly identified natural protein blocks HIV, other deadly viruses
Source: University of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences (http://www.biologynews.net/archives/2013/02/11/newly_identified_natural_protein_blocks_hiv_other_deadly_viruses.html)
Date Published February 11, 2013 06:40 PM
Synopsis: A team of UCLA-led researchers has identified a protein with broad virus-fighting properties that potentially could be used as a weapon against deadly human pathogenic