Latest science news in Biology & Nature
Evolutionary Fate Of 'Useless' Traits: Why Some Traits Break Down Quickly While Others Persist Over Time
What happens when traits no longer give creatures a competitive edge? In a recent review, researchers teamed up to take a closer look at the evolutionary fate of useless traits.
Dramatic Biological Responses To Global Warming In The Arctic
The Arctic as we know it may soon be a thing of the past, according to the research of a large, international team. The researchers carried out ecosystem-wide studies of...
Female insects control their sperm storage
EXETER, England, Sept. 10 (UPI) -- British scientists say they've found some female insects can control the amount of sperm they store in an effort to select the best...
Necessary Process In Forming Long-term Memory Identified
A new study has identified another component in the chain of actions that take place in the neurons in the process of forming memories. This discovery joins a line of...
Protein found to control form of diabetes
IOWA CITY, Iowa, Sept. 9 (UPI) -- University of Iowa scientists say they've discovered a molecular mechanism regulates specialized pancreatic cells and insulin secretion in a form of diabetes.
New biosensor can detect bacteria instantaneously
A research group from the Rovira i Virgili University (URV) in Tarragona has developed a biosensor that can immediately detect very low levels of Salmonella typhi, the bacteria that causes...
Cell discovery opens new chapter in drug development
British scientists have uncovered new details about how the cells in our bodies communicate with each other and their environment: findings that are of fundamental importance to human biology...
Plants on steroids: Key missing link discovered
Researchers at the Carnegie Institution's Department of Plant Biology have discovered a key missing link in the so-called signalling pathway for plant steroid hormones (brassinosteroids). Many important signalling pathways are...
Function of a neglected structure in neurons revealed after 50 years
(PhysOrg.com) -- Fifty years after it was originally discovered, scientists at the Friedrich Miescher Institute for Biomedical Research, Switzerland, have elucidated the function of a microscopic network of tubules found...
Crab Apple Trees: Long-term Apple Scab Resistance Remains Elusive, Expert Says
There are hundreds of choices when picking a crabapple tree from the nursery, but an expert says only a handful are resistant to a widespread fungus or other serious diseases.
Engineered Protein-like Molecule Protects Cells Against HIV Infection
With the help of the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and molecular engineering, researchers have designed synthetic protein-like mimics convincing enough to interrupt unwanted biological conversations between cells.
A new �bent� on fusion
Success in cellular fusion � as occurs at the moment of conception and when nerve cells exchange neurotransmitters � requires that a membrane be bent before the merging process can...
National search for proteins that cause MS
Australian researchers will aim to discover the proteins that cause multiple sclerosis (MS), thanks to a new nationwide research effort.
Why Obama's Dog Has Curly Hair; Utah Aids NIH Gene Study
University of Utah researchers used data from Portuguese water dogs � the breed of President Barack Obama�s dog Bo � to help find a gene that gives some dogs curly...
Turning back the clock: Fasting prolongs reproductive life span
Scientific dogma has long asserted that females are born with their entire lifetime�s supply of eggs, and once they�re gone, they�re gone. New findings by researchers at Fred Hutchinson Cancer...
Scientists Identify Gene for Resistance to Parasitic 'Witchweed'
Scientists at the University of Virginia have identified a gene in cowpea (black-eyed pea) that confers resistance to attack from witchweed, a parasitic plant. This discovery will help researchers better...
Diversity in Key Environmental Cleanup Microbe Found
Researchers analyzed the gene sequences, proteins expressed and physiology of 10 strains of bioremediation microbes called Shewanella. Results showed surprising diversity not seen using traditional microbiology approaches.
Anticoagulant Protein S plays unexpected role in maintaining circulatory integrity
Protein S, a well-known anticoagulant protein, keeps the blood flowing in more than one way, discovered researchers at the Salk Institute for Biological Studies. The protein contributes to the formation...
Better immune defense against anthrax
Scientists discover a gene in anthrax-causing bacteria may help defend against this form of bio-warfare. Spread of the deadly disease anthrax by spores of the bacterium Bacillus anthracis is a known...
Novel research to root out how microbes affect rice plants
Plants that live in the soil don't live alone -- a mere teaspoon of soil teems with an estimated billion microscopic organisms.
Study illuminates fMRI interpretation
HELSINKI, Finland, Sept. 8 (UPI) -- Finnish and Canadian scientists say they've found brain cells called astrocytes play a major role in generating functional magnetic resonance imaging signals.
A molecular search for happier skin
Leeds scientists are using the most sophisticated techniques to tackle a question almost as old as mankind itself - what makes skin feel good, and why?
Monolaurin May Be A Weapon Against Food Bacteria
Monolaurin, an extract from coconut oil could be used as a microbial agent in foods, according to a new study.
First DNA Barcodes Of Commonly Traded Bushmeat: New Tool For Tracking Global Trade In Wildlife
Researchers have published the DNA barcodes of commonly traded bushmeat from Central Africa and South America. DNA barcodes -- short genetic sequences that can be readily obtained and pinpoint the...
Designing probiotics that ambush gut pathogens
Researchers in Australia are developing diversionary tactics to fool disease-causing bacteria in the gut. Many bacteria, including those responsible for major gut infections, such as cholera, produce toxins that damage...
Enzyme inhibitor takes an unexpected approach toward blocking cancer-promoting protein
Scientists at Fox Chase Cancer Centre have discovered a unique method of attack that may be used to inhibit signalling enzymes called kinases, which often have a role in sustaining...
Bats Without Borders: World's Largest Bats Need International Protection
Scientists warn that the world's largest species of fruit bat, known as the "large flying fox," could be driven to extinction in Peninsular Malaysia at the current hunting rate allowed...
Fatal Fungus Killing Bats at Alarming Rate
Biologist Explains How a Dying Bat Population Results in Damage to Forests and Farms