Protein

Scientists may have figured out how the fruit fly keeps its internal clock in sync with the 24-hour day, a finding that could eventually shed light on jet lag and sleep disorders. Researchers from Brandeis University report in Nature that a protein in the fruit fly brain called Tim disintegrates when flies are exposed to light. That could be key to resetting the fly's internal clock, they said.

The pest-repelling protein found in StarLink genetically engineered corn has been discovered in another variety of corn not sold under the StarLink name, its developer said Tuesday. The discovery suggests that the genetically modified corn, which is not approved for human consumption, may have spread farther than agriculture officials initially thought. Tests conducted by Aventis CropScience of Research Triangle Park, N.C.

Japanese scientists have found an important role played by a brain protein linked to "mad cow disease" and a related human illness. Bacteriologist Shigeru Katamine of the Nagasaki School of Medicine reported in the April 11 issue of Nature that mice genetically bred so they did not have the proteins, called prions, showed symptoms markedly similar to the deadly brain infection and the human equivalent, Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease.

A protein made in the white blood cells of AIDS patients appears to play a key role in triggering Kaposi's sarcoma, a mysterious skin tumor that afflicts many such patients with the fatal disease, National Cancer Institute researchers reported in Washington on Monday. The discovery of the growth-promoting factor may lead to new treatments for the tumor that either block the production of the protein or interfere with its actions.

British scientists have identified a protein in the brain that may be the most powerful appetite suppressor known. The substance, called glucagon-like peptide-1, or GLP-1, causes rats to eat up to 95% less food by making them feel full. Scientists might need only two years or so to develop a pill for human testing as a way to fight obesity, said Dr. Stephen Bloom of the Royal Postgraduate Medical School in London.

By now most of you probably have seen pictures of Frank and Louie, who, at age 12, is the oldest-living two-faced cat. They (he?) have two mouths, although only one is used for eating, and one brain. Although Frank and Louie have three eyes, only two are operational, and they seem to work just fine. The disorder is called diprosopus, or craniofacial duplication, a rare condition that causes duplication of the face and sometimes the cerebral frontal lobes. Felines with this condition are often called Janus cats after the Roman god who had two faces.

Every so often, we take a candid look at the private dietary lives of people whose food choices need a makeover. Up this week: the kitchen and dining habits of 22-year-old Jessica Watson and her boyfriend, 31-year-old Todd Preboski. She's a vegan; he eats fish but no other animal-based foods. Such diets may conjure up images of fresh vegetables and fruits, nuts, tofu and whole grains. But a lack of time and planning have cornered the couple into relying too often on Taco Bell burritos, protein bars and potato chips.

Forgotten how to do something you just learned yesterday? Consider the possibility that last night's sleep was punctuated by mini-awakenings, robbing you of the ability to commit that new skill to memory. You might have gotten eight hours of sleep, and may not even feel tired. But when sleep is interrupted frequently--as it is in a wide range of disorders, including sleep apnea, alcoholism and Alzheimer's disease--the ability to learn new things can be dramatically impaired, says a new study conducted on mice.

Farewell, food pyramid. Government officials are getting ready to dish out nutritional advice to the nation on a more appetizing platter. The U.S. Department of Agriculture is expected to unveil a replacement to its much-maligned food pyramid Thursday morning, scrapping the rainbow-striped triangle with a staircase edge in favor of a simple circle designed to evoke a dinner plate. "That would go a long way to producing something that is actually useful for nutritionists and dietitians in the United States," said James Painter, a food psychologist and registered dietician at Eastern Illinois University in Charleston, Ill. The key, he said, is that it would give viewers a quick idea of what their meals should look like when they sit down at the table.

Ruffles Cheddar & Sour Cream Serving size: 11 chips Sodium: 180 milligrams Fat: 10 grams Carbs: 15 g Protein: 2 g Calories: 160   Terra Thai Basil Curry Exotic Vegetable Chips Serving size: 15 chips Sodium: 100 mg Fat: 8 g Carbs: 18 g Protein: 0 g Calories: 140   Crisproot Sea Salt Casava Chips Serving size: 23 chips Sodium: 150 mg Fat: 7 g Carbs: 18 g...