Latest science news in Biology & Nature
Sudden moves spark brain battle
Neurons compete in a royal rumble for the brain's attention.<img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/news/rss/most_recent/~4/LVs4zWOAqd0" height="1" width="1"/>
Scientist builds better cancer cell imager
CLEVELAND, Sept. 29 (UPI) -- A Case Western Reserve University professor says he has developed an imager than can identify and locate individual cancer cells.
UCLA study identifies 2 chemicals that could lead to new drugs for genetic disorders
UCLA scientists have identified two chemicals that convince cells to ignore premature signals to stop producing important proteins. Published in the 28 September edition of the Journal of Experimental Medicine,...
Study finds origins of prion disease gene
TORONTO, Sept. 29 (UPI) -- A University of Toronto-led team of scientists says it has determined the evolutionary origin of the prion gene.
Gerton Lab determines the composition of centromeric chromatin
The Stowers Institute's Gerton Lab has provided new evidence to clarify the structure of nucleosomes containing Cse4, a centromere-specific histone protein required for proper kinetochore function, which plays a critical...
Researchers go underground to reveal 850 new species
Australian researchers have discovered a huge number of new species of invertebrate animals living in underground water, caves and "micro-caverns" amid the harsh conditions of the Australian outback.
Man facing tests after climbing into bear exhibit
A 21-year-old man is undergoing a mental evaluation after climbing into the San Francisco Zoo's grizzly bear enclosure while the two bears were on display.
Shovelnose sturgeon may receive protection
ALTON, Ill., Sept. 28 (UPI) -- The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service says the shovelnose sturgeon should receive protection as a threatened species in certain areas because of its...
New study resolves the mysterious origin of Merkel cells
A new study resolves a 130-year-old mystery over the developmental origin of specialized skin cells involved in touch sensation. The findings will appear in the October 5, 2009 issue of...
Canker disease in eucalyptus in the Basque Country
The first experiences with exotic species in the Basque Country, and alternative to Pinus radiata, were undertaken in 1957, concretely in Laukiz, Lezama and Alonsotegui (Muro, 1975) where the eucalyptus,...
RNA-Powered Nanomotor Leads To Artificial Pores
An RNA-powered nanomotor has become the engine for an artificial pore able to transmit nanoscale material through a membrane, the next step in research on using nanomotors to package and deliver...
How Did Evolution Begin?
(PhysOrg.com) -- Life's ability to replicate itself is essential for evolution, yet even the simplest kind of replication requires a relatively complex system. So what kind of non-replicating system might...
Nanotech 'an environment risk'
Nanoparticles are quickly building up in, and potentially harming, the environment, and no one knows how to stop them, an expert has warned.
Scientists create super pyjamas
New Zealand researchers have created a textile that is chemical-free, maintains temperature and helps wearers to sleep.
US to review endangered status of humpback whales
The population of humpback whales has been
Attenborough's classics go online
Sir David Attenborough selects 50 of his most memorable natural history moments.
India turns to cow dung power for 'eco-cremations'
The BBC's Amarnath Tewary examines a new mode of cremation in India's Bihar state.
More protection for Scottish seabirds
Seabirds are being given greater protection in Scottish waters as part of efforts to halt declining numbers.
Strategies For Improving Productivity Of Jatropha Curcas: A Bio-Diesel Plant
Jatropha curcas grows wild in Udaipur division in Rajasthan. Chattisgarh state and several other nothern states of India Under the micromission programme of Department of Biotechnology, Govt of India under...
New Method For Improving The Functional Characteristics Of Enzymes
Scientists develop a new method for improving the functional characteristics of enzymes. The method has potential for wide application in the chemical, medicinal and food industries.
Microbiology: Free-for-all On The Leaf Surface
Scientists have examined the genes and proteins of bacteria that live on leaves to clarify which unicellular organisms are found on leaf surfaces and what they are doing there.
Two Proteins Enable Skin Cells To Regenerate
Nevermind facial masks and exfoliating scrubs, skin takes care of itself. Stem cells located within the skin actively generate differentiating cells that can ultimately form either the body surface or...
Video: Future Of Growing Older
Mo Rocca takes a look at the future of human beings and the increasing longevity of human life.
What's government's role in making the Web secure?
(AP) -- There is no kill switch for the Internet, no secret on-off button in an Oval Office drawer.
Stock Robot Surprisingly Ignorant Of Squid Facts
I was going to write about this article in the Kitsap Sun, which highlighted my advisor's recent research trip off the WA coast. I thought that was pretty cool, but...
Florida fears African rock python invading Everglades
Three of the aggressive, nonnative snakes have been found near the national park, raising concern that the species is breeding in the wild. The largest snake in Africa, a powerful constrictor that consumes goats,...
How Disruption Of Spectrin-actin Network Causes Lens Cells In The Eye To Lose Shape
A network of proteins underlying the plasma membrane keeps epithelial cells in shape and maintains their orderly hexagonal packing in the mouse lens, according to new research.
Secrets Of The Sandcastle Worm Could Yield A Powerful Medical Adhesive
Scientists have copied the natural glue secreted by a tiny sea creature called the sandcastle worm in an effort to develop a long-sought medical adhesive needed to repair bones shattered...