Latest science news in Biology & Nature
A clamp for emerging flu viruses: Researchers unravel secret of innate immune response
When the human body becomes infected with new influenza viruses, the immune system rapidly activates an inborn protective mechanism to inhibit the intruding pathogen. A protein known as Mx plays...
New species of ancient flying reptile discovered
An ancient reptile with a 9-foot wingspan was soaring over the sea in what is now North Texas some 95 million years ago when — plop — it fell into...
Researchers COMMAND a Better Class of Liposomes
A National Institute of Standards and Technology and University of Maryland team has defined the workings of NIST technique for making liquid-filled vesicles called liposomes, "fat bubbles" that may one...
How nerve cells distinguish odours
Whether different odours can be quickly distinguished depends on certain synapses in the brain that inhibit nerve stimulation. The researchers in Professor Dr Thomas Kuner's team at the Institute of...
Scripps Research scientists solve protein structure revealing secrets of cell membranes
A team of scientists at The Scripps Research Institute and the National Institutes of Health (NIH) has discovered the structure of a protein that pinches off tiny pouches from cells'...
Synthetic enzymes could help ID proteins
Using a rare metal that's not utilised by nature, Rice University chemists have created a synthetic enzyme that could help unlock the identities of thousands of difficult-to-study proteins, including many...
Chavez takes to Twitter to fight critics online
(AP) -- President Hugo Chavez has joined the ranks of those who say, "If you can't beat 'em, tweet 'em."
CSHL scientists uncover alternative pathway of microRNA generation
MicroRNAs are small bits of RNA within cells that wield enormous power. They influence virtually every biological process by controlling the 'expression' of genes. Helping them in exerting this control...
Neural mechanisms of abstract learning
A new study provides intriguing insight into the way that humans approach novel situations. The research, published by Cell Press in the April 29 issue of the journal Neuron, reveals...
Flag has ladies all of a flutter
A new study - using high speed video and feathers bought on ebay - shows that when the male snipe sticks out his outer tail feathers, they flutter like flags...
New microscopy technique reveals mechanics of blood cell membranes
Thanks to an interdisciplinary team of researchers, scientists now have a more complete understanding of one of the human body's most vital structures: the red blood cell...
2 jail escapees are captured in Castaic
Authorities have captured two armed-robbery suspects who escaped early Wednesday from the Castaic jail where they were being held during trial.
Humans--Both Predators and Protectors--Will Decide Survival of Gray Wolves
Survival of the gray wolf in the northern Rocky Mountains of the United States depends not as much on the wolves as on people. Humans are both predators and protectors...
Natural compound speeds bone growth: report
WASHINGTON (Reuters) - A protein produced naturally by the body can speed up bone growth and may offer a route to fixing fractures more quickly, researchers reported on Wednesday.
Move aside, PCs, here come the tablets
My mom is anything but a technophile. Even though she and my dad have had a computer for more than 25 years, she's still intimidated by them, worrying she might...
Chickadees Tweet About Themselves
A short tweet from a chickadee can tell other birds their sex, species and geographic location, according to new research.
Twin study surveys genome for cause of multiple sclerosis
Mapping milestone emphasizes complexity of disease.
Extract of lethal frog could be lifesaver
Extract from the phantasmal poison frog produces a powerful painkiller which could save lives, say expertsA rare species of tiny, lethal frog normally found in South America has been bred at a British...
Oak disease 'threatens landscape'
A deadly disease that kills native species of oak trees is threatening to change the landscape, say tree groups.
U Alberta-led team studies T cell activation with nanoparticles
A University of Alberta-led research team has taken a major step forward in understanding how T cells are activated in the course of an immune response by combining nanotechnology and...
The International Society for Stem Cell Research SelectsYokohama, Japan for its 10th Annual Meeting; First in Asia
The International Society for Stem Cell Research (ISSCR) will hold its 10th annual meeting June 13-16, 2012, in Yokohama, Japan, at the PACIFICO Yokohama. The meeting is co-sponsored by Japan...
Generic beef, stroganoff mixes recalled
OAK PARK, Mich., April 28 (UPI) -- MiDAS Foods International announced the recall of its generic instant beef soup dry mix and instant beef stroganoff sauce mix due to...
Apple's chip plans stir industry speculation
One intriguing mystery surrounding Apple's iPad centers on something few consumers will ever see: the microprocessor that serves as its brain.
Cherished Parks Closing in Arizona
More than a third of Arizona's 30 state parks there have or will close in coming months.
Ash and elm join the Swedish Red List
The loss of biodiversity in Sweden continues, notwithstanding a political target to halt the loss by 2010. This may be seen from Sweden's new Red List. Meanwhile, the status of...
When it Rains, Buffalo Have More Sons
Buffalos in South Africa appear to give birth to more males during the rainy season, and scientists think certain genes are responsible
A different tune: Cellular IPOD plays role in prion biology
(PhysOrg.com) -- Cells take advantage of a biologically ancient compartment to sequester prions, an action that can initially prevent the prions` phenotypic expression, according to Whitehead Institute researchers. While in...
'Epigenetic' concepts offer new approach to degenerative disease
In studies on cancer, heart disease, neurological disorders and other degenerative conditions, some scientists are moving away from the "nature vs. nurture" debate, and are finding you're not a creature...