Scientists say they've mapped the entire genomes of 91 sperm from one man, the first time such gene mapping has been done in a human gamete (sperm or egg cell). The research gives a glimpse into recombination -- the process by which DNA mixes to create offspring that carry with them traits from parents and grandparents, the Stanford University scientists explained. "We were able to generate an individual recombination map and mutation rate for each of several sperm from one person," study co-author Barry Behr, director of Stanford's in vitro fertilization laboratory, said in a university news release. "Now we can look at a particular individual, make some calls about what they would likely contribute genetically to an embryo, and perhaps even diagnose or detect potential problems." The findings were published in the journal Cell. Until now, scientists had only been able look to population-wide studies to try and gauge how often recombination happened in sperm and eggs cells, and how … [Read more...] about For first time, scientists map genomes of human sperm
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Business briefing: Stock indexes slide for the first time this week
Stocks Indexes slide a bit for first time this week A slide in technology companies weighed on U.S. stocks Thursday, pulling the market lower for the first time this week and erasing modest gains from a day earlier. Supermarket operators, beverage companies and other consumer-focused stocks also declined. Trading was mostly subdued as investors sized up the latest company earnings and deal news. The Standard & Poor’s 500 index lost 7.64 points, or 0.3 percent, to 2,500.60. The Dow Jones industrials fell 53.36 points, or 0.2 percent, to 22,359.23. Both indexes posted record highs on Wednesday. The Nasdaq composite lost 33.35 points, or 0.5 percent, to 6,422.69. The Russell 2000 index of smaller-company stocks gave up 1.24 points, or 0.1 percent, to 1,444.18. Benchmark U.S. crude fell 14 cents, or 0.3 percent, to settle at $50.55 a barrel on the New York Mercantile Exchange. MEDIA Layoffs at Alaska’s largest newspaper Reporters, editors and other employees at … [Read more...] about Business briefing: Stock indexes slide for the first time this week
A’s A.J. Puk hit around for first time this spring
By Susan Slusser Updated 10:29 pm, Thursday, March 15, 2018 Now Playing: AJ%20Puk%20discusses%20his%20outing%20 Media: SFChronicle MESA, Ariz. - A’s super-duper prospect A.J. Puk, so good in his first three Cactus League appearances that there was increasing talk of him making the Opening-Day roster, was hit around Thursday night in Oakland’s only locally televised game of the spring. The 6-foot-7 left-hander threw 38 pitches in the third inning and, after allowing the Mariners one run on a wild pitch, left with the bases loaded; reliever Eric Jokisch walked in another run and then gave up a grand slam, pinning four earned runs on Puk. “The third inning, I was a little erratic with my pitches,” Puk said. “I wasn’t as aggressive with my fastball as I’d like to be. I threw a lot of offspeed. .... I just wasn’t able to get it done.” Photo: Justin … [Read more...] about A’s A.J. Puk hit around for first time this spring
For the first time, there are more single American adults than married ones, and here’s where they live
(via CityLab/the Martin Prosperity Institute) More than half of people in the United States are single for the first time since the government began tracking data in 1976, led by states as diverse as Mississippi, New York and New Mexico. There are 27 states where single adults make up more than half the population, according to data assembled by CityLab and the Martin Prosperity Institute. Louisiana and Rhode Island lead with 55.7 percent, followed by New York at 55.4 percent, Mississippi at 54.9 percent, New Mexico at 53.6 percent, and California at 53.5 percent. The states with the lowest percentages of single adults are mostly clumped together around the Mountain West and Midwest. Utah has the lowest percentage at 43.7 percent, followed by Idaho at 44.4 percent, Wyoming at 46.4 percent, Iowa at 46.7 percent, and Nebraska at 46.9 percent. When broken by metro area, college towns are the most single. (via CityLab/the Martin Prosperity Institute) … [Read more...] about For the first time, there are more single American adults than married ones, and here’s where they live
Minnesota state parks fees rise for first time in a decade
Sunday liquor sales stole the spotlight, but vacationers celebrating a long Independence Day weekend at one of Minnesota’s 75 state parks have probably already encountered another notable change brought to you by the state Legislature. Starting July 1, state park fees went up for the first time in a decade: from $5 to $7 for one-day permits and from $25 to $35 for year-round vehicle permits. Snowmobilers, ATV riders and motorcyclists now pay more to enter the parks, and drivers buying special parks and trails license plates for their cars can also expect a fee increase. All together, the Department of Natural Resources will use money from the higher fees to help offset years of inflation and stagnant funding. Trails will be groomed, park bathrooms will stay clean and park workers will be able to keep up with the crush of visitors on busy holidays like the Fourth of July. DNR spokesman Chris Niskanen said lawmakers approved the increases because preserving state parks is a … [Read more...] about Minnesota state parks fees rise for first time in a decade