Latest science news in Biology & Nature
Largest liver protein database created
BEIJING, Nov. 16 (UPI) -- Chinese researchers say they have created the largest collection of data about proteins produced by genes in a single human organ -- the liver.
Weak Link In Cancer Cell Armor Identified
The seeming invincibility of cancerous tumors may be crumbling, thanks to a promising new gene therapy that eliminates the ability of certain cells to repair themselves. Researchers have discovered that...
New explanation for nature's hardiest life form
Got food poisoning? The cause might be bacterial spores, en extremely hardy survival form of bacteria, a nightmare for health care and the food industry and an enigma for scientists....
New method created for cell analyzing
WASHINGTON, Nov. 12 (UPI) -- George Washington University scientists say they've developed a new way of exploring the insides of living cells.
Bizarre Lives Of Bone-eating Worms
It sounds like a classic horror story -- eyeless, mouthless worms lurk in the dark, settling onto dead animals and sending out green "roots" to devour their bones. In fact,...
Evolution of a single gene linked to language
Mutations in the gene could help explain why humans can speak but chimps can't.
Skunk's strategy not just black and white
Predators with experience of skunks avoid them both because of their black-and-white coloration and their distinctive body shape, according to UC Davis wildlife researcher Jennifer Hunter. The study was published...
Amphibians as environmental omen disputed
Amphibians, for years considered a leading indicator of environmental degradation, are not uniquely susceptible to pollution, according to a meta-analysis to be published in Ecology Letters...
Vibrations key to efficiency of green fluorescent protein
University of California, Berkeley, chemists have discovered the secret to the success of a jellyfish protein whose green glow has made it the darling of biologists and the subject of...
Africa's rarest monkey had an intriguing sexual past, DNA study confirms
The most extensive DNA study to-date of Africa's rarest monkey reveals that the species had an intriguing sexual past. Of the last two remaining populations of the recently discovered kipunji,...
Can a plant be altruistic?
The concept of altruism has long been debated in philosophical circles, and more recently, evolutionary biologists have joined the debate. From the perspective of natural selection, altruism may have...
Gene therapy strengthens muscles in monkeys
WASHINGTON (Reuters) - A gene therapy treatment that stops the breakdown of muscle appeared safe in monkeys and may build up muscle, too, researchers reported on Wednesday.
Bug wears armor made of poo
A beetle apparently protects itself by constructing armor made from excrement, researchers now reveal. Volkswagen - Beetle - Recreation - Makes and Models - Autos
New mechanism explains how the body prevents formation of blood vessels
Researchers at Uppsala University, in collaboration with colleagues in Sweden and abroad, have identified an entirely new mechanism by which a specific protein in the body inhibits formation of new
Antarctic lake home to diverse community of viruses
(PhysOrg.com) -- A study of the genetic structure of viruses in an Antarctic lake has revealed an astonishing genetic richness in the large number of viral families discovered.
DNA repair could lessen autism
A new study will look at whether kids with autism have more DNA damage – if so, certain vitamin supplements may help.
Cornell releases predator beetle to battle hemlock pest
(PhysOrg.com) -- Cornell researchers released a well-studied beetle predator to test its ability to ward off a hemlock-killing aphid-like insect.
Robots to Swarm the Seas
Swarms of soup-can-sized robots will soon plunge into the ocean seeking data on poorly understood phenomena from currents to biology.
Six-year limit on DNA of innocent
The DNA of most innocent people arrested in England and Wales will not be held for more than six years
Marine Bill enters final stages
The Marine Bill, which will pave the way for creation of marine conservation zones, is set to become law.
Discovery in worms by Queen's researchers points to more targeted cancer treatment
Researchers at Queen's University have found a link between two genes involved in cancer formation in humans, by examining the genes in worms. The groundbreaking discovery provides a foundation for...
The deep-sea crab that eats trees
Deep under the ocean, a species of crab survives by eating wood that has sunk to the sea floor, scientists discover.
New York Times publishes 'crowd-funded' article
The science section of The New York Times contained an unusual article on Tuesday. The story about a huge floating garbage patch in the Pacific Ocean was not written...
Sanofi Taps Biotech Firm to Bolster Its Pipeline
The drugs being developed are monoclonal antibodies, which are engineered versions of proteins naturally made by the immune system.
Laboratory-Grown Replacement Of Penile Erectile Tissue In Animals Suggests Potential To Benefit Patients
In an advance that could one day enable surgeons to reconstruct and restore function to damaged or diseased penile tissue in humans, researchers at the Wake Forest Institute for Regenerative...
Deciphering The Regulatory Code: Scientists Take New Approach To Predict Gene Expression
New research by European scientists is a first step towards forecasting the expression of all genes in a given organism and demonstrates that the genetic regulation that is crucial for...
The Link Between Birdsong And Human Language
Scientists studying how Bengalese finches use sets of syllables to communicate are a step closer to understanding how humans develop and use vocabulary. After studying the neural networks in finch...
In The War Between The Sexes, The One With The Closest Fungal Relationship Wins
The war between the sexes has been fought on many fronts throughout time -- from humans to birds to insects, the animal kingdom is replete with species involved in their...