Plant parasitism a new way to 'trade' genes horizontally\nParasites -- those pesky free-loaders most try to destroy -- are the mechanism that makes gene transfer between different plants species even possible, according to a report published by IU biologists in Nov. 8's issue of Nature. The report complements research published this summer showing the opposite effect of genes moving from plant hosts to plant parasites. These findings ultimately establish plant parasitism as the first known medium for "horizontal gene transfer," or the exchange of genes between different species.\nIn the report, biologists Jeff Mower and Jeff Palmer, postdoctoral fellow Sasa Stefanovic and graduate student Gregory Young demonstrate two examples of horizontal transfer of the mitochondrial gene atp1 from parasitic flowering plants to weeds in the genus Plantago.
Exercise studies for diabetic condition set to begin January\nWhile regular exercise is recommended in the general treatment of diabetes to control glucose, lower insulin requirements and reduce overall body fat, IU researchers are currently gearing up to explore the benefits of exercise for more serious cases and complications of the disease.\nOne such complication, called "peripheral neuropathy," causes a loss of sensation in the feet, and individuals suffering from this condition might move awkwardly or even injure their feet without knowing it. However, an IU program offered through the School of Health, Physical Education and Recreation since 1987 has had such promising feedback from participants doing moderate walking exercises that exercise physiologist Janet Wallace and colleagues are planning a series of studies about the phenomenon. They believe the increased blood flow from exercise might contribute to revitalizing the nerves affecting the lower limbs.
Pets educational and beneficial in Hoosier classrooms\nINDIANAPOLIS -- Animals of all kinds -- from bugs to dogs -- are turning up in growing numbers in Indiana's classrooms, where their presence teaches children about responsibility and respect, educators say.\nPets live in more than a quarter of Indiana's classrooms, according to a paper published last year by two Purdue University professors. \nAlan Beck, director of the Center for the Human-Animal Bond at Purdue University's veterinary medicine school, said animals foster responsibility, respect and the kind of relaxation that helps children fare better on tests.\n"The most common perceived benefit is that the children, just like adults, have a kind of relaxation in the presence of animals, and you learn better if you feel better about the environment," he said.\nScientists have long studied the emotional and physical benefits of pets on their owners, along with patients in hospitals and nursing homes. Research about the educational value of pets, however, has been scarce.\nBeck and A.G. Rud, a Purdue education professor, noticed the gap and joined forces in the 1990s to study the phenomenon in Indiana's schools. They found that children treat animals the way they might not even treat some humans -- with respect.\nChildren are more likely, for example, to calm down if a teacher says they're scaring the classroom rabbit, Beck said.\n"I've had kids that have had to stay after school for detention, and I've told them they have to clean the fish tanks, and they're like, 'Cool -- can I do it next week, too?'" said Alan Burrell, a science teacher at Belzer Middle School in Indianapolis.
