Latest science news in Biology & Nature
Elephant seals take naps while diving
(PhysOrg.com) -- A new study may have solved the long-standing question of how elephants sleep during their long migrations at sea, when they can be away from land for up...
Researcher Discovers Key To Vital DNA, Protein Interaction
A plant pathology scientist was researching the molecular basis of bacterial diseases of rice when he discovered how a group of proteins from plant pathogenic bacteria interact with DNA in...
Unravelling The Pathology Of Dementia
Combination therapies to tackle multiple changes in the brain may be needed to combat the growing problem of dementia in aging societies, according to a new study.
Human movement critical in dengue spread
RIO DE JANEIRO, Nov. 11 (UPI) -- Brazilian researchers say they've determined population movement is a key factor in the spread of the dengue virus in Rio de Janeiro.
New Zealand shark bite turns into surprise octuplet Caesarean
A pregnant shark at a New Zealand aquarium was bitten by another shark, unexpectedly releasing four baby sharks as stunned visitors watched.
British Academy To Look Into Ethics of Human-Animal Genetic Hybrids
But are they locking the barn door after the horse-men have cantered out? When former President Bush mentioned human-animal hybrids during a State of the Union speech in 2006, most of the audience...
Is Genetic Dating Accurate?
Conventional types of genetic analysis may not be as accurate as believed, according to researchers writing in Trends in Genetics. Their analysis of penguins that died 44,000 years ago in Antarctica...
Engineered penis raises reproduction hopes
Complete replacement of erectile tubes makes rabbits rampant again.
Study: Genomes can vary by region
DAVIS, Calif., Nov. 10 (UPI) -- U.S. researchers say they've found variations in genomes among ethnic groups and subgroups, with clear regional differences.
Squid Fronts And Backs, Ups And Downs
One of my favorite zoologist habits is to gesture on one's own body when describing an animal's anatomy. The weirder the animal, the funnier the implicit analogy. "These worms have a...
California Decision Could Limit HDTV Choices Nationwide
New energy regulations could hurt plasma TV sales.
Study finds how to stop some cancer growth
COLD SPRING HARBOR, N.Y., Nov. 10 (UPI) -- U.S. scientists say they might have found a way to stop the growth of certain aggressive tumors for which there are...
The bizarre lives of bone-eating worms
The females of the recently discovered Osedax marine worms feast on submerged bones via a complex relationship with symbiotic bacteria, and they are turning out to be far more diverse...
Ship samples bloom creatures
Researchers have identified the species in the giant plankton bloom off New Zealand last month – but not the cause of the bloom itself.
Sea meeting boosts recycling
Researchers have found that people are more environmentally conscious months after meeting marine animals.
Single gene may cause curly hair
(PhysOrg.com) -- Scientists in Australia have identified a single gene that strongly influences whether you have curly or straight hair.
Turtles are 'right-flippered'
Leatherback turtles prefer use their right rear flipper rather than their left when laying eggs, scientists discover.
Koala bears 'could be wiped out'
Australia's koalas face extinction within 30 years unless the government takes urgent action, conservationists warn.
Should Human DNA Be Injected into Animals?
Is it ethical to stick human DNA into lab animals? Vote.
Plant experts unveil DNA barcode
Experts agree on a "DNA barcode" system that gives every plant on Earth a unique genetic fingerprint.
DNA tests in Cambodia bring hope for rare crocodile species
DNA tests show that Cambodia has found 35 pure-bred Siamese crocodiles, a species nearing extinction.
Amyloid Beta Protein Gets Bum Rap
While too much amyloid beta protein in the brain is linked to the development of Alzheimer's disease, not enough of the protein in healthy brains can cause learning problems and...
Organ Regeneration In Zebrafish: Unraveling The Mechanisms
The search for the holy grail of regenerative medicine -- the ability to "grow back" a perfect body part when one is lost to injury or disease -- has been...
New Light On The SARS Virus
Using novel techniques, a Dutch researcher has cast new light on the replication of coronaviruses, a family of viruses including the cause of SARS. He has shown, using luminescent viruses,...
A Hunt for Seeds to Save Species, Perhaps by Helping Them Move
Is it wise or foolish to assist with the migration of plants? Some experts see unintended consequences and others say it is worth the risk.
Unlocking Mysteries Of The Brain With PET
Inflammatory response of brain cells -- as indicated by a molecular imaging technique -- could tell researchers more about why certain neurologic disorders, such as migraine headaches and psychosis in...
Why Do Animals, Especially Males, Have So Many Different Colors?
Why do so many animal species -- including fish, birds and insects -- display such rich diversity in coloration and other traits? New research offers an answer.
Basics: Pigs Prove to Be Smart, if Not Vain
Recent discoveries from the nascent study of pig cognition offered evidence that pigs were quick learners, slow to forget and similar to humans in many ways.