Latest science news in Biology & Nature
Scientists Encouraged By New Mouse Model's Similarities To Human Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis
A new mouse model of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis closely resembles humans with the paralyzing disorder, researchers report. "As far as we know, this is the first mouse model that recapitulates...
Model points to promise of combined malaria control
Bednets and biopesticides show promise as a winning combination against malaria, according to a new research model.
Cell death the same in plants and animals
UPPSALA, Sweden, Oct. 15 (UPI) -- A Swedish-led team of European scientists says it has determined programmed cell death occurs in the same way in plants, animals and humans.
Conservation targets too small to stop extinction
Conservation biologists are setting their minimum population size targets too low to prevent extinction...
Important defense against stomach ulcer bacterium identified
A special protein in the lining of the stomach has been shown to be an important part of the body's defense against the stomach ulcer bacterium Helicobacter pylori in a...
Cellular autophagy may affect obesity
NEW YORK, Oct. 13 (UPI) -- Scientists at Albert Einstein College of Medicine say they have identified a process that regulates the formation of distinct fat cell types in...
Spider feeds mainly on plant food
PHILADELPHIA, Oct. 13 (UPI) -- U.S. and Canadian scientists say they've discovered a Central American spider species that is the first known to mainly survive on plant food.
Source of atrial fibrillation investigated
PHILADELPHIA, Oct. 13 (UPI) -- U.S. scientists say they've found a group of cells that might be part of the cause of atrial fibrillation -- the most common type...
RNA repair system discovered in bacteria
CHAMPAIGN, Ill., Oct. 13 (UPI) -- University of Illinois scientists say they have identified the first RNA repair system to be discovered in bacteria.
MYB - New Cancer Gene Discovered
Researchers from the University of Gothenburg say they have discovered a new cancer gene related to adenoid cystic carcinoma, a slow-growing but deadly form of cancer. The research group can...
Orangutans Unique In Movement Through Tree Tops
Scientists have found that orangutans move through the canopy of tropical forests in a completely different way to all other tree-dwelling primates.
Feature: Dead wood: reversing a tree regeneration crisis
Australian paddock trees are dying out, leaving grazing country under threat.
Cosmic Log: What chimps can teach us
Science editor Alan Boyle's Weblog: Some folks may think empathy is a uniquely human trait, but biology suggests that some level of fellow feeling is hard-wired into many species.
Gene affecting hemoglobin is identified
LONDON, Oct. 12 (UPI) -- British scientists say they've identified a gene that has a significant effect on regulating hemoglobin in the body.
Study focuses on how synapses form
STANFORD, Calif., Oct. 12 (UPI) -- U.S. medical researchers say they've identified a molecule that plays a key role in the formation of brain synapses.
Birds in captivity lose hippocampal mass
(PhysOrg.com) -- Being in captivity for just a few weeks can reduce the volume of the hippocampus by as much as 23 percent, according to a new Cornell study.
Feature: When physics meets biology - the Holographic Neurone Stimulator
Australian scientists have combined physics and biology in order to work out how nerves process information.
How Loud is Your iPod?
Some college students listen to their iPods at volumes that may lead to hearing damage, according to a new study
Anaemia causing gene found
Researchers have discovered a gene variant that helps to regulate iron levels, a finding which could lead to treatments for hereditary anaemia.
Juggling's 'white matter' effect boosts brain power
Oxford University scientists find that a complex skill such as juggling causes changes in the white matter of the brain.
Jaw bone created from stem cells
Scientists create a joint in the jaw from human adult stem cells, an advance which could revolutionise reconstructive surgery.
Epic cheetah hunt filmed in HD
Stunning footage has been captured of three cheetahs cooperating to hunt and bring down an adult ostrich.
Big Cats Picky About Habitat
Many species of large cats, including the leopard, are particularly fussy about where they live.
World Will Miss 2010 Target To Stem Biodiversity Loss, Experts Say
The world will miss its agreed target to stem biodiversity loss by next year, according to experts convening in Cape Town for a landmark conference devoted to biodiversity science. Growing...
Chemicals to seek out weeds
Australian researchers are developing a system that specifically detects and targets weeds, eliminating the need for blanket chemical spraying.
New fears for species extinctions
Scientists warn of an alarming increase in the extinction of animal species due to loss of biodiversity.
Scientists protest plan to loosen patent protection on genetic research
University of Wisconsin-Madison officials are lashing out at new recommendations from an influential federal panel that could dramatically weaken patent protection for the university's genetic research.
Taiwan scientists identify flood-tolerant gene in rice
A Taiwanese scientist has said her research team has found the gene that allows rice to grow under water and believes the breakthrough could help develop other flood-resistant crops.