Latest science news in Biology & Nature
Rare pattern observed in migrating common swifts
Compared with other migratory birds, the common swift follows a very unusual pattern when it migrates from the breeding areas in Europe to its wintering locations south of the Sahara....
Tiny protein motor fuels bacterial movement
The ability to move is key for bacteria like some strains of salmonella and E. coli to efficiently spread infections. They can propel themselves forward using threads, known as flagella,...
Chimpanzees show greater behavioral and cultural diversity in more variable environments
Scientists have investigated the influence of environmental variability on the behavioral repertoires of 144 social groups. The scientists found that chimpanzees living further away from historical forest refugia, under more...
New shark research targets a nearly endangered species
They are some of the most iconic and unique-looking creatures in our oceans. While some may think they look a bit 'odd,' one thing researchers agree on is that little...
Rare pattern observed in migrating common swifts
Compared with other migratory birds, the common swift follows a very unusual pattern when it migrates from the breeding areas in Europe to its wintering locations south of the Sahara....
New shark research targets a nearly endangered species
They are some of the most iconic and unique-looking creatures in our oceans. While some may think they look a bit odd, one thing researchers agree on is that little...
Possible genetic link found between hypothyroidism and development of canine T-zone lymphoma
A genetic mutation might be the reason dogs with hypothyroidism are less likely to develop T-zone lymphoma (TZL). That's the finding from Morris Animal Foundation-funded researchers at Colorado State University who tried...
Chimpanzees show greater behavioural and cultural diversity in more variable environments
Behavioral flexibility enables species to adapt to uncertainty and changing ecological conditions via mechanisms such as innovation and greater cognitive capacity. Indeed, large brained species of birds or nonhuman primates...
Reports: Louisville settles Breonna Taylor wrongful death suit
The city of Louisville has reached a substantial settlement with the family of Breonna Taylor, who was killed during a police raid last spring, according to reports.
Study reveals impact of centuries of human activity in American tropics
The devastating effects of human activity on wildlife in the American tropics over the last 500 years are revealed. More than half of the species in local 'assemblages' - sets...
Ocean algae get 'coup de grace' from viruses
Scientists have long believed that ocean viruses always quickly kill algae, but new research shows they live in harmony with algae and viruses provide a 'coup de grace' only when...
Two amino acids are the Marie Kondo of molecular liquid phase separation
Biologists have identified unique roles for the amino acids arginine and lysine in contributing to molecule liquid phase properties and their regulation.
The first step to conserving the Great Barrier Reef is understanding what lives there
Look at this photo of two coral skeletons below. You'd be forgiven for thinking they're the same species, or at least closely related, but looks can be deceiving. These two...
Tortoise hatchlings found to orient toward objects resembling faces
A trio of researchers, one with the University of London, the other two with the University of Trento, has found that freshly hatched tortoises tend to orient themselves toward objects...
Extinction: Urgent change needed to save species, says UN
Humanity is at a crossroads and action is needed to slow nature's accelerating decline, says the UN.
Global Biodiversity Is in Free Fall
A U.N. report reveals that countries worldwide have failed to meet key conservation targets set for 2020 -- Read more on ScientificAmerican.com
Humans have been degrading the American tropics for 500 years
New research suggests human activities have damaged ecosystems across the American tropics over the last 500 years, leading to significant declines in biodiversity.
How dividing cells avoid setting off false virus alarms
One feature of cell division has long puzzled scientists. The nucleus briefly disappears, leaving the cell's DNA exposed. Normally, bare DNA indicates a viral infection and triggers enzymatic alarms that...
A new species of milkweed subfamily found in Yunnan
Hoya is a genus in the Asclepiadoideae, the milkweed subfamily of the flowering-plant family Apocynaceae. In the past decade, 15 new Hoya were reported in China. Together with the newly...
Study reveals impact of centuries of human activity in American tropics
The devastating effects of human activity on wildlife in the American tropics over the last 500 years are revealed in a new study published today.
Ocean algae get 'coup de grace' from viruses
Scientists have long believed that ocean viruses always quickly kill algae, but Rutgers-led research shows they live in harmony with algae and viruses provide a "coup de grace" only when...
New study finds two amino acids are the Marie Kondo of molecular liquid phase separation
The last several years have brought mounting evidence that the molecules inside our cells can self-organize into liquid droplets that merge and separate like oil in water in order to...
Team offers new rules for algae species classification
FSU Assistant Professor of Biological Science Sophie McCoy and her team are proposing formal definitions for algae species and subcategories for the research community to consider: They are recommending algae...
Human activities promote disease-spreading mosquitoes; more study needed for prevention
Disease-spreading mosquitoes may be more likely to occupy areas impacted by human activities like pesticide use and habitat destruction, than they are areas less disturbed by humans, a recent study...
Wildlife trade threats: The importance of genetic data in saving an endangered species
A research team analyses the genetic diversity of the endangered four-eyed turtle, a species that has fallen victim to the growing wildlife trade in Vietnam. Having identified several distinct lineages...
New rules for algae species classification
A team of evolutionary biologists and ecologists has a new idea for how scientists should classify algae species.
911 call captures off-duty deputy spotting possible loose tiger
A 911 recording captured an off-duty deputy reporting a tiger on the loose in East Knox County, Tenn.
Gene-edited livestock 'surrogate sires' successfully made fertile
For the first time, scientists have created pigs, goats and cattle that can serve as viable 'surrogate sires,' male animals that produce sperm carrying only the genetic traits of donor...