Latest science news in Biology & Nature
Biologists discover an extra layer of protection for bacterial spores
Bacterial spores, the most resistant organisms on earth, carry an extra coating of protection previously undetected, a team of microbiologists reports. Their findings offer additional insight into why spores of...
First-ever landscape-wide study of elephants and great apes
The Wildlife Conservation Society announced the results of the first-ever evaluation of a large, "landscape-wide" conservation approach to protect globally important populations of elephants and great apes.
Glowing Sea Beasts: Photos Shed Light on Bioluminescence
A new report reviews why, for sea species, bioluminescence can be a very healthy glow—and how so many creatures evolved it in so many ways.
New potato varieties store longer
FARGO, N.D., May 7 (UPI) -- Isolating genes that control dormancy is key to developing potato varieties that keep longer and are more environmentally friendly, U.S. researchers said.
Bacteria in mud could power fuel cell
ARLINGTON, Va., May 7 (UPI) -- U.S. naval scientists say they're experimenting with electricity generated from bacteria found in mud and wastewater.
Same disease, different stem cell models
In the last three years, a new technique for reprogramming adult cells has given scientists an easier and less controversial way to harness the power of embryonic-like stem cells to...
New nerve cells - even in old age
After birth the brain looses many nerve cells and this continues throughout life - most neurones are formed before birth, after which many excess neurones degenerate. However, there are some...
Sequencing of first frog genome sheds light on treating disease
A pair of University of Houston researchers contributed to the assembly of the first comprehensive DNA sequence of an amphibian genome, which will shed light on the study of embryonic...
Stem cells: In search of a master controller
With thousands of scientists across the globe searching for ways to use adult stem cells to fight disease, there's a growing emphasis on finding the 'master regulators' that guide the...
New genes involved in human eye colour identified
Three new genetic loci have been identified with involvement in subtle and quantitative variation of human eye colour. The study, led by Manfred Kayser of the Erasmus University Medical Centre...
Peptides may hold 'missing link' to life
Emory University scientists have discovered that simple peptides can organise into bi-layer membranes. The finding suggests a 'missing link' between the pre-biotic Earth's chemical inventory and the organisational scaffolding essential...
Genome breakthrough allows scientists to identify and profile tumour cells from very small samples
Researchers from Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory in the USA have developed a powerful new technique for analysing the genome of single tumour cells. The breakthrough allows them to study in...
If only a robot could be more like a cockroach
Studies have indicated that insects rely on their brains to respond to what they feel and see. But for the first time, researchers have shown a direct link between neurones...
Chromosome 'glue' surprises scientists
Proteins called cohesins ensure that newly copied chromosomes bind together, separate correctly during cell division, and are repaired efficiently after DNA damage. Scientists at the Carnegie Institution have found for...
Caught on tape: Muscle stem cells captured on video by MU researcher
When muscle tissue experiences trauma or disease, such as muscular dystrophy, stem cells in the muscle known as 'satellite cells' respond to repair and regenerate the muscle. These cells are...
Endometrial stem cells restore brain dopamine levels
Endometrial stem cells injected into the brains of mice with a laboratory-induced form of Parkinson's disease appeared to take over the functioning of brain cells eradicated by the disease...
Neandertal genome sequence published in Science
An international research team has sequenced the Neandertal genome, using pill-sized samples of bone powder from three Neandertal bones found in a cave in Croatia. The results appear in the...
Video: Polarbears: The View from Below
The Columbus Zoo's Jack Hanna discussed the new polar bear exhibit that lets visitors view the bears while swimming.
Complete Neanderthal genome sequenced
Researchers have produced the first whole genome sequence of the 3 billion letters in the Neanderthal genome, and the initial analysis suggests that up to 2 percent of the DNA...
Four Ways the Gulf Oil Disaster Was Really Bad Timing
Breeding Season: Invertebrates, sea turtles, and birds will be facing the brunt of the...
Clues to neuronal health found in tree-like nerve cell structures
Using the small, round worm C. elegans, researchers have discovered how elaborate dendritic trees (tree-like nerve structures) are formed and maintained. Possible applications include treatments for neurodegenerative diseases and repair...
A 'fat forward' research tool: Microscope-based cell scanner speeds research into fat-busting drugs
Anglers rely on fish finders to help them locate the big catch. Now Tel Aviv University researchers in tissue engineering have developed a "fat finder" that can help scientists accelerate...
Nanotube chip creates bioelectronic link
Wrapping a carbon nanotube in a lipid bilayer containing ‘biological machines’ integrates active proteins into a transistor for the first time
The Clock Is Off: Bipolar Disorder and Circadian Rhythm
An off-kilter body clock can throw off our sleep-wake cycle, eating habits, body temperature and hormones--and mounting evidence suggests a malfunctioning clock may also underlie the mood cycles in...
Hepcidin-25 in human saliva, bile, ascitic and pleural fluid
A research team from United Kingdom described the use of radioimmunoassay to demonstrate and measure hepcidin-25 in various biological fluids. They provided evidence for the first time of the presence...
Vent creatures beat the heat
Creatures living around undersea hydrothermal vents adapt their behaviour to avoid sudden temperature surges.
CIA drones have broader list of targets
The agency since 2008 has been secretly allowed to kill unnamed suspects in Pakistan. ...
No need to fertilize newly placed St. Augustinegrass sod, UF study shows
(PhysOrg.com) -- Florida homeowners and contractors laying St. Augustinegrass sod this spring can save money and help the environment if they wait at least one month before fertilizing, University of...