Latest science news in Biology & Nature
From biological basics to diabetes discovery
In two major studies published in Nature Genetics today, researchers use biological understanding to dissect the genetics of diabetes. An international team comprising researchers from more than 100 institutions analysed...
Making microscopic worms into a more deadly insecticide
Microscopic nematode worms can be a potent organic insecticide, killing crop-raiding bugs without without environmental side effects of chemicals. But when the worms are mass-bred for agriculture, they tend to...
Walking Robot Switches Gaits Autonomously and Flexibly
Even simple insects can generate quite different movement patterns with their six legs. The animal uses various gaits depending on whether it crawls uphill or downhill, slowly or fast. Scientists...
Paradigm changing mechanism is revealed for the control of gene expression in bacteria
A new study is shedding new light on the action of Rho, a key regulatory protein in E. coli and many other bacteria. The study reveals a new paradigm to...
'Noisiest' neurons persist in the adult brain, research finds
Neuroscientists have discovered that when it comes to new neurons in the adult brain, the squeakiest wheels get the grease.
Novelties: A Clear Coating, With Green Applications
A chemical coating under development could make two groups happy: environmentalists and anyone who washes dishes.
Group wants fund to restore seagrass
MIAMI, Jan. 17 (UPI) -- A Washington, D.C., group says it wants to establish a fund to restore Florida seagrass meadows damaged by boaters and coastal construction projects.
"Cold Stunned" Turtles Get NASA Rescue
NASA and Florida conservationists joined forces to rescue endangered sea turtles "cold stunned" by record-breaking cold temperatures along the Sunshine State's coast. Video.
Wild crows reveal tool skills
A new study using motion sensitive video cameras has revealed how New Caledonian crows use tools in the wild.
New method fixes broken proteins to treat genetic diseases
Researchers have demonstrated how it could be possible to treat genetic diseases by enhancing the natural ability of cells to restore their own mutant proteins. In particular, they found that...
Green sea slugs use plant genes to live on sunlight
The creature, which makes its own chlorophyll, incorporates algae genes into its system and retains chloroplasts for photosynthesis. The finding may have uses in genetic engineering and therapies. Part animal, part plant! This...
Vampires and the search for an artificial blood substitute
Among those around the globe seeking a viable blood alternative are scientists in the UK who have just submitted a worldwide patent for their engineered hemoglobin.
Regulatory network balances stem cell maintenance, differentiation
While much of the promise of stem cells springs from their ability to develop into any cell type in the body, the biological workings that control that maturation process are...
Do fish feel pain? Norwegian research suggests they can
A Norwegian researcher studying nociception and pain in teleost fish concludes that is that it is very likely the fish can indeed feel pain.
Laser-shaven male fruit flies can't compete
Researchers have uncovered the purpose of claw-like spines seen on the penises of fruit flies by shaving the barbs off with a laser.
Angry Flies May Help Explain Human Aggression
Scientists turn to flies to study the roots of aggression
Parents say conjoined twins growing
LONDON, Jan. 15 (UPI) -- Surgeons want 6-week-old conjoined twins to grow and gain strength before deciding whether to separate them, officials in London say.
Fish have longer memories than believed
WAGGA WAGGA, Australia, Jan. 15 (UPI) -- A widely held belief that fish remember things for only three seconds is a myth, an Australian researcher said.
Iran, Iraq oil dispute lingers
BAGHDAD, Jan. 15 (UPI) -- Iraq presented a cross-sectarian pledge to find an end to border disputes with Iran stemming from the Iranian seizure of a border oil well,...
Work starts on second leg of ESPO
MOSCOW, Jan. 15 (UPI) -- Welding on the second leg of the Eastern-Siberia-Pacific Ocean pipeline from Skovorodino to the Sea of Japan has begun, Russian oil company Vostochnaya said.
Study Advances New Target for CNS Drug Development
Researchers at the University of Kentucky have discovered that the small molecule withaferin A targets intermediate filaments GFAP and vimentin in a model of retinal gliosis.
A flying boost for neuroscience
(PhysOrg.com) -- Understanding the causes of autism and schizophrenia could be a step closer for researchers from the Queensland Brain Institute at The University of Queensland after they unravelled the...
Lost worlds: New species found in Ecuador
A team of American and Ecuadorian scientists working for Reptile & Amphibian Ecology International have discovered a treasure trove of previously undiscovered biodiversity in a rare and dwindling ecosystem in...
South Africa's Cradle of Humankind
David Smith at South Africa's Sterkfontein Caves, known as the Cradle of HumankindDavid Smith
RSPB takes rare insects under its wing
Wild bird conservation charity announces scheme to breed and reintroduce four species of endangered invertebrates into UK habitatsWild bird conservation charity the RSPB is turning its attention to insects with schemes to breed...
Why mice develop 'knots' while exploring a new environment
During exploration of a new environment, mice establish "knots" - preferred places visited sporadically and marked by the performance of twists and turns, according to a new study by Israel...
New code as salmon season starts
Anglers on the River Tay are being asked to free every salmon they catch in an effort to conserve stocks.
A Frightful Genetic Twist
A common genetic variant makes a scary experience harder to shake [Read more]