Menopause for thought

Article Abstract:

Menopause seems to go against the first rule of evolution by decreasing the opportunity to produce off-spring. Evolutionary models studying menopause offer insights to the issue but can reach no definitive conclusions because it is impossible to predict how evolution would change if menopause never existed. One factor not yet considered is the care-giving ability of older women. The human female's costly care of dependants may not be possible for older women. Menopause would therefore limit childbirth to a woman's healthiest years and provide the best chance of survival for her offspring.

Menopause, Human evolution, Origin

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Benchmarks for ageing studies

Article Abstract:

The lifespan study model of organisms such as yeast, worm and fruitfly is used to help understand mammalian ageing and common risk factor for multiple diseases. It is suggested that the robustness and repeatability of findings need to be investigated to better control experimental variables and establish some benchmarks for experimental work on lifespan.

Science & research, Human genetics, Mammals, Longevity, Divergent evolution

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Evolving evolvability

Article Abstract:

New research into the mechanism of natural selection may have discovered a self-propagating yeast prion that is maintained by natural selection because it promotes adaptability in yeast cells, allowing them to survive environmental changes.

Genetic aspects, Natural selection, Prions, Yeast, Prions (Proteins), Yeast (Food product)

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