Latest science news in Biology & Nature
Large-scale sequencing: The future of genomic sciences?
Scientists can gain insights into new ways to use microorganisms in medicine and manufacturing through a coordinated large-scale effort to sequence the genomes of not just individual microorganisms but entire...
Researchers revise long-held theory of fruit-fly development
For decades, science texts have told a simple and straightforward story about a transcription factor that helps the embryo of the fruit fly, Drosophila melanogaster, pattern tissues in a manner...
Missing piece of DNA replication puzzle identified
DNA replication is a basic function of living organisms, allowing cells to divide and multiply, all while maintaining the genetic code and proper function of the original cell. The process,...
Gene linked to a rare form of progressive hearing loss in males identified
A gene associated with a rare form of progressive deafness in males has been identified. The gene, PRPS1, appears to be crucial in inner ear development and maintenance.
Endangered Turtle Flown Home
An endangered turtle named Anita made history on Dec. 15, when she became one of the only live marine turtles to ever fly in the passenger cabin of an airplane,...
Researchers design a tool to induce controlled suicide in human cells
When cells accumulate excessive errors in the proteins they produce, apoptosis is activated, that is to say, a cell suicide programme; however, beforehand the cells attempt to rectify the problem...
Invasion without a stir
'Based on our data, the molecular mechanism of infection employed by Salmonella has to be revised,' says Klemens Rottner, head of the HZI research group 'Cytoskeleton Dynamics.' The group's results...
Scientists use light to map neurones' effects on one another
Scientists at Harvard University have used light and genetic trickery to trace out neurones' ability to excite or inhibit one another, literally shedding new light on the question of how...
'Dinosaur tree' genome mapped
Scientists have sequenced the genome of the Wollemi Pine in the hope of explaining how it has survived 200 million years of changing climates.
UPI NewsTrack Health and Science News
NASA remembers its 2009 accomplishments … Beaches may be reservoirs of E.coli … Terrorist risks said to be underestimated … Scientists ID natural flu-fighting protein ... Health/Science news from...
Motherly Behavior Grows New Brain Cells
The act of mothering may give rise to new neurons, according to a study in rats.
Shanghai Expo to show pandas at city's zoos
Ten giant panda cubs will be on display at the Shanghai World Expo next year at the city's zoos, giving tens of millions of Chinese and foreign visitors a glimpse...
Wild chimps have near human understanding of fire, study says
(PhysOrg.com) -- The use and control of fire are behavioral characteristics that distinguish humans from other animals. Now, a new study by Iowa State University anthropologist Jill Pruetz reports that...
What happens when an H1N1 virus interacts with a human cell
Study maps parts of the exchange, reveals the body’s own flu fighters
Injured fruit fly neuron reprograms itself
STATE COLLEGE, Pa., Dec. 17 (UPI) -- U.S. scientists say they've found fruit flies with damaged nerve cells can grow structurally and functionally different components of the same nerve...
Circadian rhythms govern fruit fly feeding
PHILADELPHIA, Dec. 17 (UPI) -- A U.S. scientist says she's found appetite and food consumption in the fruit fly are governed by two sets of circadian clocks with opposing...
Shell eyes gas potential in South Africa
LONDON, Dec. 17 (UPI) -- A permit to assess South Africa's potential natural gas reserves has strengthened interest in exploring the country, supermajor Royal Dutch Shell announced.
Mosquitoes may double in Moncton after causeway opened
Greater Moncton could be invaded by plagues of mosquitoes when the gates in the Petitcodiac River causeway are opened.
Diversity lacking in some stem cell lines
ANN ARBOR, Mich., Dec. 17 (UPI) -- University of Michigan researchers say they've discovered a genetic lack of diversity in some of the most used human embryonic stem cell...
Invasion without a stir
Bacteria of the genus Salmonella cause most food-borne illnesses. The bacteria attach to cells of the intestinal wall and induce their own ingestion by cells of the intestinal epithelium. Up...
Significant advances made in molecular computing
Researchers have made significant advances in molecular computing. These include defining the fundamental limits of such 'biological computers'. Molecular computing attempts to use components of organisms (eg genes) to run...
Bees 'mummify' their enemy alive
A stingless bee in Australia mummifies its enemy by entombing alive in wax and resin.
More effort needed to crack down on 'secret remedies'
The medical establishment and politicians must do more to crack down on alternative medicine, argues a senior scientist on BMJ.com today.
Zoning the ocean may help endangered whales to recover
Scientists in Scotland, Canada and the US have proposed a new method to identify priority areas for whale conservation. The team's findings, published in Animal Conservation, suggest that even small...
Human genomics: The genome finishers
Dedicated scientists are working hard to close the gaps, fix the errors and finally complete the human genome sequence. Elie Dolgin looks at how close they are.
Mao Wuz Here: The Great Leap, Uh, Forward?
I came across a this graph from the US Census Bureau on io9. They project the linear trend after 1965 out to 2050, assuming no major changes, which is always...
Santa promotes unhealthy lifestyle, doctor argues
Santa ought to ditch his sleigh, get walking, and give up his pipe, a public health expert argues.
Hospitals' flower bans questioned
Patients would be better off if British hospitals let them have flowers, a paper published Thursday suggests.