Most Dangerous Science Jobs

Including a mushroom named for SpongeBob

(NEWSER) - Roughly 18,000 new species were discovered last year, and scientists at Arizona State University have compiled a list of their 10 favorites. A sample, from the Arizona Republic : More»

(NEWSER) - The parasite that causes malaria almost certainly jumped from chimpanzees to humans much like the AIDS virus did, National Geographic reports. Scientists initially believed that the malaria parasite that kills over a million people annually was older than humanity. But new research has found that it is a mutant version of one of many strains that affect chimpanzees. They believe it may have jumped between species as recently as 10,000 years ago. More»

SIV-infected chimps have high death rate, low T-cell counts

(NEWSER) - Scientists have found evidence that chimpanzees can be sickened by SIV, the non-human version of HIV, adding to the understanding of how HIV/AIDS developed, the AP reports. Scientists have long believed that while other primates can contract simian immunodeficiency virus, they are not affected by it. A 9-year study of Tanzanian chimps overturns that view and could shed new light on the human form. More»

Genetic breakthrough will aid disease study, but troubles some

(NEWSER) - Japanese scientists have produced the first genetically modified monkeys that can pass on their new traits to offspring, a research breakthrough mired in ethical quandaries. The technique is meant to be used to infect monkeys with diseases like Parkinson’s and then test treatments on them, but could eventually be employed to modify humans, the Washington Post reports. More»

Compound vital to Alzheimer's research

(NEWSER) - The Nobel Prize in chemistry was awarded today to three scientists who discovered green fluorescent protein, a compound that allows biochemists to study cellular processes. The glowing protein, first found in jellyfish more than 40 years ago, can be attached to other structures and has been critical in research on diseases such as Alzheimer's, writes the Guardian. More»