Latest science news in Biology & Nature
Adult Gut Can Generate New Neurons
The adult lower digestive tract can be stimulated to add neurons to the intestinal system, according to new mouse research. The study shows that drugs similar to the neurotransmitter serotonin...
Abnormal brain circuits may prevent movement disorder
MANHASSET, NY -- Most people who carry a genetic mutation for a movement disorder called dystonia will never develop symptoms, a phenomenon that has puzzled scientists since the first genetic...
Silenced Genes As Warning Sign Of Blood Cancer
In the genetic material of cancer cells, important growth inhibitors are often switched off by chemical labels in the DNA. How this happens has now been investigated. Scientists discovered in...
Link Uncovered Between Viral RNA And Human Immune Response
In its fight against an intruding virus, an enzyme in our immune system may sense certain types of viral RNA pairs, according to scientists.
Neuropathic Pain: The Sea Provides A New Hope Of Relief
A compound initially isolated from a soft coral collected at Green Island off Taiwan, could lead scientists to develop a new set of treatments for neuropathic pain -- chronic pain...
First-ever 'Wanderlust Gene' Found In Tiny Bony Fish
A gene previously associated with physical traits is also dictating behavior in a tiny fish widely regarded as a living model of Darwin's natural selection theory, according to a new...
Bone's material flaws lead to disease
The weak tendons and fragile bones characteristic of osteogenesis imperfecta, or brittle bone disease, stem from a genetic mutation that causes the incorrect substitution of a single amino acid in...
New stem cell research could make lab mice redundant
Researchers from the University of Bath are embarking on a project to use stem cell technology that could reduce the number of animal experiments used to study conditions such as...
Big Cattle: The Genes That Determine Carcass Weight
An area of chromosome 6 that affects cattle carcass weight has been identified using two different Japanese breeds. Knowledge of this four-gene region should be useful in breeding beef cattle.
Study tracks lineage, origins of dogs
ITHACA, N.Y., Aug. 4 (UPI) -- African village dogs' lineage can be traced to an ancestral pool of indigenous dogs, a Cornell University-led genetic analysis suggests.
Rare Alpine Frog Bred in Australia
"We don't think they are poisonous, but they certainly taste bad," an ecologist says of Australia's corroboree frog, an endangered species that has now been successfully bred in captivity. Video.
UC Riverside releases new citrus variety
RIVERSIDE, Calif. -- Citrus researchers at the University of California, Riverside have released a new mandarin (or tangerine) for commercial production. Named 'DaisySL' for Daisy seedless, the new fruit...
Mountain Gorillas Pose No AIDS Threat, Researchers Say
(PhysOrg.com) -- Mountain gorillas do not pose an AIDS threat to humans, according to researchers at the UC Davis Mountain Gorilla One Health Program.
Genetically Engineered Corn Sends Out Chemical SOS When Attacked
What do you do when you're under attack? Call for help, naturally. Unfortunately, if you're an ear of corn, and you're being attacked by parasitic beetle larvae, you have nothing to call for...
Fingertip Force
Animation of a human finger performing a rubbing task that requires the combined control of fingertip motion and force. This task was the subject of a recent study that explored...
Stem cell hierarchy offers potential for isolating, growing cells
Researchers at the University of Toronto Institute of Biomaterials and Biomedical Engineering (IBBME) and Princess Margaret Hospital (PMH), led by U of T's Professor J.E. Davies, have made important progress...
Implanted stem cells grow teeth in mice
TOKYO, Aug. 4 (UPI) -- Japanese scientists using stem cells have grown fully functional teeth in adult mice, which may hold promise for regrowing human organs, the scientists report.
A Flight Simulator For Flies Helps Humans Build Better UAVs
Flies may not seem like nature's ace pilots when they're bumping up against a closed window or getting squashed beneath a rolled-up copy of the New York Times Magazine, but a German...
Fish mend in troubled fisheries
A study has found that fish stocks are recovering in many managed populations – a sign that the right treatment can work.
Holding breath for several minutes elevates marker for brain damage
Divers who held their breath for several minutes had elevated levels of a protein that can signal brain damage, according to a new study from the Journal of Applied Physiology....
Most Infectious Malaria Strain Came From Chimps?
New genetic analysis suggests the deadly parasite mutated from a chimpanzee strain—and hints that similarly long-lasting diseases are today making the leap from animals to people.
European bison on 'genetic brink'
Europe's largest mammal remains extremely vulnerable to extinction, despite long-standing efforts to save the species.
Missouri and Kansas are releasing alien insects to do battle with invasive plants
An alien plant species has invaded Missouri and is threatening to overrun crops and livestock pastures. To combat the scourge weed, officials are deliberately releasing two alien insect species to...
Unripe Banana Flour Could Give A Healthy Boost To Pasta
Supplementing spaghetti with unripe banana flour may be a healthy addition since banana flour contains antioxidants and fiber, according to a new study.
GM crop lures pest killers
Transgenic maize emits chemical that summons insect-killing nematodes.
Basics: Finally, the Spleen Gets Some Respect
Scientists have found that the spleen plays a more important role in the body’s defense system than anyone suspected.
Hurt Sea Turtle Gets Plastic Flippers
A loggerhead sea turtle seemingly injured by a shark was recently fitted with "trial" prosthetics as part of efforts to give the rare animal fully functioning flippers. Video.