Latest science news in Biology & Nature
Scientists use next-gen sequencing to discover genetic cause of devastating disorder
Two scientists from Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory (CSHL) are part of an international team that has discovered a genetic mutation that causes Joubert Syndrome. JBTS, as it is commonly called,...
For this microbe, cousins not particularly welcome
A bacterial species that depends on cooperation to survive is discriminating when it comes to the company it keeps. Scientists have learned Myxococcus xanthus cells are able to recognize genetic...
In early heart development, genes work in tandem
Studying genes that regulate early heart development in animals, scientists have solved a puzzle about one gene's role, finding that it acts in concert with a related gene. Their finding...
Software reveals the inner workings of the human genome
(PhysOrg.com) -- A biologist and computer scientist seek sites of RNA editing, a phenomenon that plays a key role in human genetic complexity.
Surprising sea slug is half-plant, half-animal
A green sea slug appears to be part animal, part plant. It's the first critter discovered to produce the plant pigment chlorophyll. Chlorophyll - Plant -...
New Spider Species Discovered
A new and previously unknown species of spider has been discovered in the dune of the Sands of Samar in the southern Arava region by a team of scientists from...
New ways to pressure HIV
Two new studies showing that protein bits produced by unusual 'reading' of the HIV genome can induce immune responses will appear online in the Journal of Experimental Medicine on Jan....
Ongoing human evolution could explain recent rise in certain disorders
The subtle but ongoing pressures of human evolution could explain the seeming rise of disorders such as autism, autoimmune diseases, and reproductive cancers, researchers write in the Proceedings of the...
Segregating out UbcH10's role in tumour formation
A ubiquitin-conjugating enzyme that regulates the cell cycle promotes chromosome missegregation and tumour formation, according to van Ree et al. in the January 11 issue of the Journal of Cell...
Can a drop of water cause sunburn or fire? Leaves of certain plants are susceptible to leaf burn from too much sun
Why do gardeners say you shouldn't water your plants in the midday sun? Does it really lead to burnt plants or worse? A team of scientists found that water droplets...
Researchers discover molecular security system that protects cells from potentially harmful DNA
Researchers at the University of Minnesota have discovered a molecular security system in human cells that deactivates and degrades foreign DNA. This discovery could open the door to major improvements...
Researchers identify microRNA targets in C. elegans
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are non-coding RNAs that impact almost every aspect of biology. In recent years, they have been strongly implicated in stem cell biology, tissue and organism development, as well...
Biologists develop efficient genetic modification of human embryonic stem cells
Biologists have developed an efficient way to genetically modify human embryonic stem cells. Their approach, which uses bacterial artificial chromosomes to swap in defective copies of genes, will make possible...
Big freeze 'good for pond life'
Contrary to received wisdom, frozen ponds will not harm most wildlife within, conservationists say.
Well-traveled Wasps Provide Hope For Vanishing Species
They may only be 1.5mm in size, but the tiny wasps that pollinate fig trees can travel over 160km in less than 48 hours, according to new research. The fig...
Sex Life May Hold Key To Honeybee Survival
The number and diversity of male partners a queen honeybee has could help to protect her children from disease, say scientists, who are investigating possible causes of the widespread increase...
UN 'wake-up call' on nature loss
The UN launches a Year of Biodiversity, warning that the on-going loss of species affects human well-being worldwide.
In praise of… Michael Pollan
Few Britons know how to cook with high-fructose corn syrup, a sweetener made by adding enzymes to corn starch. In the US, however, it is ubiquitous in processed food. Just as American farmers...
Mint robot puts shine on hardwood floors
Evolution Robotics is betting that folks with hardwood or tile floors are craving mechanical maids to keep them beautiful.
Reshuffle reveals new species
Reseachers have found what may be a new species of deep sea creature – which had already been lurking in their collection for years.
Stem cell projects under way
The California Institute for Regenerative Medicine recently awarded 14 grants to stem cell-based projects that are close to being ready for clinical trials. Here are some of the projects. * A team...
Florida cold snap culls invasive reptiles
TALLAHASSEE, Fla., Jan. 10 (UPI) -- Florida wildlife officials have urged hunters to use the unnaturally cold weather to target Burmese pythons, the giant snakes that have invaded the...
Micro RNAs can turn genes off
RNA molecules are the mobile messengers of genes. They carry information on the production of proteins from the DNA to the ribosomes. In addition to these messenger RNAs all living...
Researchers study microbes in cattle to unlock metabolic disease mysteries
Switching from warm-season grasses to cool-season forages can give livestock a belly ache, in some cases a deadly one, according to scientists. Scientists are using state-of-the-art technology -- metagenomics --...
Vitamin bombs for baby fish
Scientists have set themselves the goal of exploiting the advantages of a special type of zooplankton on a large scale called Copepods.
CES: Palm Smartphones Given Hands-on Test
CNET Gets Firm Grasp of Palm Pre Plus, Palm Pixi Plus Due Out in Late January
Accentuating the Positive: Researchers Closer to Pinpointing Beneficial Evolutionary Mutations in the Human Genome
Genetic mutations that enhance disease resistance or boost fitness in a particular climate have been positively selected over the course of human evolution. But current statistical methods to...
Laser Comb, Cloning to Re-grow Hair?
Hair Restoration Specialist Discusses Latest, and Better-Known Ways to Try to Stop Hair Loss, Spur New Growth