Latest science news in Biology & Nature
Mapping The Crocodile Genome
The first ever genetic linkage map for a non-avian member of the Class Reptilia has been developed. Researchers have constructed a first-generation genetic linkage map for the saltwater crocodile Crocodylus...
Invigorated Muscle Structure Allows Geese To Brave The Himalayas
A higher density of blood vessels and other unique physiological features in the flight muscles of bar-headed geese allow them to do what even the most elite of human athletes...
Freshwater fish at top of food chain evolve more slowly
Since evolving to eat other fish, freshwater fish at the top of the food chain have remained relatively unchanged compared with their insect- and snail-eating cousins, according to new research....
Nanotech Particles Affect Brain Development In Mice
Maternal exposure to nanoparticles of titanium dioxide (TiO2) affects the expression of genes related to the central nervous system in developing mice. Researchers found that mice whose mothers were injected...
Male Germ Cells Can Be Directly Converted Into Other Cell Types
Researchers have found a way to directly convert spermatogonial stem cells, the precursors of sperm cells, into tissues of the prostate, skin and uterus.
'Corrective Genes' Closer Due To Enzyme Modification
Scientists have re-engineered a human enzyme, a protein that accelerates chemical reactions within the human body, to become highly resistant to harmful agents such as chemotherapy.
Mosquitoes deliver malaria 'vaccine' through bites
In a daring experiment in Europe, scientists used mosquitoes as flying needles to deliver a "vaccine" of live malaria parasites through their bites. The results were astounding: Everyone in the...
Antioxidant In Substance From Honeybees May Protect Athletes From Overheating
A compound from honeybees known as propolis, the substance bees use to seal their hives, may protect against heat stress in athletes, according to a new article.
'Microfluidic Palette' May Paint Clearer Picture Of Biological Processes
Rsearchers have created an innovative device called a "microfluidic palette" that can be used to study the complex biological mechanisms in cells responsible for cancer metastasis, wound healing, biofilm formation...
Confirmed: Tanning Beds Cause Cancer
Group raises warning of tanning beds from "probably carcinogenic to humans" to "carcinogenic to humans."
Jelly component sparks innovation for tissue repair
A food additive is finding an alternative use in hydrogels for tissue engineering
DNA to direct and switch off chemo
Researchers in the US have used DNA strands to target chemotherapy and switch it off if unwanted side effects appear
Bird Population Declines In Northern Europe Explained By Thiamine (Vitamin B1) Deficiency
Wild birds of several species are dying in large numbers from a paralytic disease with hitherto unknown cause in the Baltic Sea area. A research team has demonstrated strong relationships...
Extinction Crisis Looms In Oceania
Governments must act urgently to halt loss of habitats and invading species that are posing major threats to biodiversity and causing species extinctions across Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific...
Coral Algae Have "Eyes," Study Says
The single-celled organisms that set up house inside hard corals and give reefs their vibrant colors may be able to see, a new study says.
Maps reveal secret life of marine turtles in urgent need of protection
A series of conservation maps produced by WWF reveal for the first time the secret life of endangered turtles in the world's most diverse marine region - the Coral Triangle...
Fox Chase researchers uncover one force behind the MYC oncogene in many cancers
DLX5, a gene crucial for embryonic development, promotes cancer by activating the expression of the known oncogene, MYC, according to researchers from Fox Chase Cancer Centre. Since the DLX5 gene...
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 study in the Journal of Food Science, published by...
Creighton Gets Grant to Continue Study on Prion Diseases
Creighton gets $1.4 million NIH grant to continue study of prion diseases. In 2007, Creighton researchers were the first to report that prion disease in laboratory animals could be spread...
How pathogens have shaped genes involved in our immune system
(PhysOrg.com) -- A recent study on human genetics on various populations across the world conducted by researchers from the Institut Pasteur and the CNRS (France) has shown how pathogens can...
Black Tea May Fight Diabetes
Long known for its antioxidants, immune boosting and, most recently, antihypertensive properties, black tea could have another health benefit. Black tea may be used to control diabetes, according to...
Wild mushrooms poison Quebecer
A 65-year-old Quebec woman died Friday after eating poisonous mushrooms at the beginning of July, even though her friends say she was an expert on wild mushrooms.
Flying ants: Love is in the air
Hundreds of people have spent the last few days fending off swarms of flying ants, particularly in the south of England. Even Twitter was abuzz with messages, such as "flying ants copulating...
Brain’s Potential Explained by Big New Idea
Components in the brain's cortex may determine our ability to learn
Microbes and their hosts -- exploring the complexity of symbiosis in DNA and cell biology
New Rochelle, NY, July 28, 2009 -- The unique association between microorganisms and their hosts, whether insects, plants, or mammals, provides a fascinating view into how microbial symbionts adapt to...
Researcher Sheds Light On 'Man-eating' Squid; Finds Them Timid, Non-threatening
Recent news reports about scuba divers off San Diego being menaced by large numbers of Humboldt's or jumbo squid have raised the ire of a University of Rhode Island biologist....
Disturbed Calcium Signaling May Play Critical Role In Brain Cell Degeneration
Scientists have found strong evidence that abnormal calcium signaling in neurons may play an important role in the development of spinocerebellar ataxia type 2 (SCA2), a disorder causing progressive loss...
Good times of the animal kind
Few humans would disagree that a good chuckle every now and again feels good. Well, monkeys, dogs, fish and other animials get a kick out of life as well.