Thirty years ago this month, researchers published a discovery that challenged basic assumptions about the broadest classifications of life. Their discovery -- which was based on an analysis of ribosomal RNA, an ancient molecule essential to the replication of all cells -- opened up a new field of study, and established a first draft of the evolutionary 'tree of life.'

  A new system under development will help children better cope with pain during difficult medical procedures. The system works by using a Web-based software to advise nurses on the best way to distract children from the procedures that cause the pain. The distractions could be anything from having a book read to them, watching a video, talking, or playing a game.

  An important part of the answer to the country's energy woes could be blowing in the prairie wind, according to one plant geneticist. He has spent the past 10 years breeding switchgrass, an eight-foot-plus native plant that was an integral part of the tall grass prairies that once dominated America's Midwest. As a breeder, he is mostly concerned with the plant's bioenergy-friendly attributes, including its ability to accumulate large amounts of biomass and tolerate environmental stress. Recently, he began looking at switchgrass from another standpoint --- as a restorer of once-pristine prairies.

  Patients with obstructive sleep apnea who also suffer from depression often find that continued use of continuous positive airway pressure relieves them of symptoms of depression. Subjects were evaluated for symptoms of depression, were assessed again after four to six weeks of treatment with CPAP and then reassessed approximately one year later.

  Scientists have found that the f and m type plant thioredoxins previously thought to be localized only in chloroplasts are found in other, nonphotosynthetic, tissues, where they may have multiple functions. They have now established the presence of these redox proteins in tissues other than the chloroplast.

  Scientists have identified the transcription factor DMP1 as a pivotal tumor suppressor for both human and mouse lung cancers, especially in carcinomas that exhibit intact Arf-p53 pathways. The research may lead to development of new drug therapies for lung cancer.

  Older drivers who couple classroom courses with behind-the-wheel training can significantly improve their driving performance, according to a new report. Participants were assessed on skills such as scanning side and rear views; backing up, making left turns, and changing lanes; speed regulation; and seat belt, mirror, and turn signal use.

  Amid growing concerns about sports "doping,"researchers report development of a faster and more efficient method for detecting the presence of illegal anabolic steroids in urine. The new method takes only a few seconds and involves no time-consuming sample preparation. The study notes that use of banned substances by professional athletes to build muscle and gain a competitive advantage is a growing problem in sports such as track and field, baseball, football and cycling.

  Scientists have developed a new, amazingly sensitive method for identifying the earliest stages of infection with human papilloma virus (HPV), a common virus that can increase the risk of cervical cancer in women. The test also has the potential for early identification of infection with other so-called DNA viruses, which cause a range of diseases that includes genital herpes and hepatitis.

  Many of the colors we see in fall are always present, but normally they're hidden from view. The leaves of trees and other plants contain three main pigments: carotene, anthocyanin, and the photosynthetic pigment, chlorophyll, which captures the sun's energy to make food for plants. As the most abundant pigment, chlorophyll is what gives leaves their green hue in spring and summer.

  Modafinil is well-tolerated in the treatment of excessive sleepiness associated with disorders of sleep and wakefulness such as shift work sleep disorder, obstructive sleep apnea and narcolepsy, and does not affect cardiovascular or sleep parameters.

  A new DNA sequencing process is simpler, more accurate and efficient than the multiplex PCR that was previously used to sequence portions of the genome. Microarrays are used to enrich or increase the volume of specific genomic sequences. Then high throughput DNA sequencing machines quickly determine the exact genetic code of the material.

  Contrary to popular opinion, feminism and romance are not incompatible and feminism may actually improve the quality of heterosexual relationships. The new study also shows that unflattering feminist stereotypes, that tend to stigmatize feminists as unattractive and sexually unappealing, are unsupported.

  Scientists have hooked a fish that suffers from insomnia in their quest to understand the genetics behind sleep disorders. Even zebrafish - a common aquarium pet - can have a genetic mutation linked to sleep problems. Because most fish lack eyelids, many people have wondered whether fish can even nod off.