Latest science news in Biology & Nature
Shipwrecks on coral reefs harbor unwanted species
Shipwrecks on coral reefs may increase invasion of unwanted species, according to a recent U.S. Geological Survey study. These unwanted species can completely overtake the reef and eliminate all the...
African scientists reveal origins of maize virus
Scientists from Africa have revealed the origins of the virulent maize streak virus, which causes devastating disease on the continent.
More Australians surviving cancer
More Australians are surviving cancer today than 20 years ago, although improvements have been greatest for advantaged population groups, a study has found.
Curiosity about cats with 4 ears
Science editor Alan Boyle's Weblog: Just how common are four-eared cats?
Molecular Clues To Wilson Disease: How Mutation Alters Key Protein
Using computer simulations and lab experiments, physical biochemists have discovered how a small genetic mutation that's known to cause Wilson disease subtly changes the structure of a large, complex protein...
ANIMAL PHOTOS WEEKLY: Penguin Knight, Baby Whale, More
An orphaned whale tries to suckle yachts, a penguin gets a promotion, and a tortoise gets wheels in our weekly animal-photo roundup.
New 'Catch-and-tell' Molecules Send Out Light Signals When They Catch Chemicals In Blood
Scientist have created 'intelligent' molecules. The new 'catch and tell' sensor molecules send out light signals when they catch chemicals in blood.
Protein complex in cell cilia identified
NEW YORK, Aug. 20 (UPI) -- U.S.-led scientists say they've identified a critical protein complex in the growth of cell cilia that might have a key role in...
Fruit juice 'could affect drugs'
Fruit juices may not be as healthy as thought - they could reduce the effectiveness of some medicines, it is claimed.
Researcher develops novel method to grow human embryonic stem cells
(PhysOrg.com) -- The majority of researchers working with human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) - cells which produce any type of specialized adult cells in the human body -...
Monkey business - US 'Bigfoot' turns out to be gorilla suit in ice
The claimed recent discovery of Bigfoot in the US state of Georgia has turned out to be a gorilla suit in a block of ice.
Discovery Of Plant Protein Holds Promise For Biofuel Production
Scientists have identified a new protein necessary for chloroplast development. The discovery could ultimately lead to plant varieties tailored specifically for biofuel production.
Face Recognition Varies by Culture
The way people recognize faces might say a lot about what culture they come from.
The question: Do animals feel grief?
Justine Hankins: Animals invest time, energy and genetic material into their young and they naturally want them to survive
Europe gets centre of excellence for neuroscience
University College London will play host to �140-million institute.
Stem Cells Used To Make Red Blood Cells
Scientists say they have found an efficient way to make red blood cells from human embryonic stem cells, a possible step toward making transfusion supplies in the laboratory.
Biomarkers reveal our biological age
(PhysOrg.com) -- Not a day passes when we don`t get a little bit older. However, the exact processes involved in human aging are still puzzling. Scientists working with Lenhard Rudolph...
Efficient technique enables thinking
(PhysOrg.com) -- Nerve cells constantly create new contact points to their neighbouring cells. This is how the basic structure of our brain develops. In adults, new contact makes learning and...
American Diets May Lack Vitamin D
Cases of bone-deforming rickets have increased, but nobody is sure why.
Old bacteria relied on arsenic, not water
WASHINGTON, Aug. 19 (UPI) -- U.S. scientists say they have discovered ancient bacteria that relied on arsenic, rather than water, to grow during photosynthesis.
Discovering the secrets of DNA repair
Scientists are adding lesions into DNA to probe the mechanisms that allow dormant bacteria to come ‘back to life’
Revising the route to a stealthy siderophore
Surprising result reveals details of potential enzyme target in the fight against anthrax
Biotechnology is not the only solution
Biotechnology is only one of a set of approaches needed to solve the world's problems, says an editorial in Nature Biotechnology.
Single genomes taken from sequence data
SEATTLE, Aug. 19 (UPI) -- U.S. scientists say they've created a method that can extract single genomes and discern specific microbial capabilities from sequence data.
New Thin Skin to Protect Tiny Spacecraft
Tiny spacecraft could survive harsh temperatures thanks to a new skin.
Noisy Eaters Are Cause of Mysterious Ocean Sounds
If loud chewing bothers you, never date a sea urchin. The spiny creatures are responsible for a mysterious, twice-daily uproar heard underwater.
Bugs Smell Funny
In a striking departure from the rest of the animal kingdom, insects smell things their own way.
Technion Scientist Named One of World's "Top Young Innovators"
For leading the development of an "electronic nose" able to identify different types of cancer in a person's breath, Dr. Hossam Haick of the Technion-Israel Institute of Technology has been...