Scientists discover gene controlling genetic recombination rates
Some species have evolved to display far more genetic crossover than others—and scientists have discovered a gene in fruit flies that is responsible for the evolution of these recombination rates.
Thesis competition winner describes protein translation in 3 minutes or less
Jillian Ramos showed exactly how to capture an audience’s attention – and hold it – at the third annual Three Minute Thesis Competition finals, winning both first place and the people’s choice prize.
Students compete to explain years of research in 3 minutes
The University’s annual Three Minute Thesis competition challenges graduate students and postdocs to summarize their research with just three minutes and one slide.
Why do naked mole rats live long, cancer-free lives?
Rochester biologists were surprised to see that despite its remarkable longevity, the naked mole rat still has cells that undergo senescence, like the cells in much shorter-lived mice.
Three honored with Goergen Awards for teaching excellence
Established in 1997, the award recognizes distinctive teaching accomplishments of faculty in Arts, Science, and Engineering. “The recipients embody all that we value in teaching at the University,” says Dean of the College Jeffrey Runner.
‘My goal is to always dig deep and make sure everyone understands the fundamentals’
I’m an only child, and my mother and I moved around quite a bit when I was growing up. We lived in three different countries. I was born in Lexington,…
Field guide to fruit flies documents these surprisingly close human relatives
The common fruit fly is often deemed an annoying household pest. But these tiny insects are a boon to researchers. Rochester biologist John Jaenike has co-authored the first comprehensive guide to fruit flies published in nearly a century.
Firefly researchers mapping ‘world’s second-most interesting genome’
“Fireflies only tend to be out during the summer months in Rochester,” says assistant professor of biology Amanda Larracuente. “The end of summer is when we’re frantic about getting all our work done.” Her team is now the first to successfully sequence the firefly genome.
Protein identified in post-chemo cell death puzzle
Researchers have identified a protein that is required for cell death after undergoing chemotherapy—at least, it appears, in male mice.
‘He set the course of my life’: Remembering biologist William Muchmore
Colleagues and former students remember the long-time biology professor and one of the world’s leading authorities on pseudoscorpions. Muchmore discovered and named more than 290 new species of the small arachnids in his 40-year career.