Latest science news in Biology & Nature
Rare Borneo Sumatran Rhino May be Pregnant
Camera Catches Glimpse of Endangered Animal; Less than 30 Exist, Researchers Say
Singapore scientists make breakthrough findings on early embryonic development
Scientists in Singapore have recently generated significant single cell expression data crucial for a detailed molecular understanding of mammalian development from fertilization to embryo implantation, a process known as the...
Life found in liquid asphalt lake
Researchers have found life in a toxic lake of liquid asphalt, a discovery that challenges notions of what conditions are needed for life.
Chloride channels render nerve cells more excitable: Scientists discover how nerve cells may influence their own activity
Nerve cells communicate with each other by means of electrical impulses. To create such an impulse, the cells exchange charged ions with their environment. However, the role played by the...
Long-distance journeys out of fashion? Global warming may be causing evolutionary changes in bird migration
The results of genetic studies on migratory birds substantiate the theory that in the case of a continued global warming, and within only a few generations, migratory birds will --...
Rattlesnakes sound warning on biodiversity and habitat fragmentation
Researchers have discovered that fragmentation of natural habitats by roads -- even smaller, low-traffic highways -- has had a significant effect on genetic structure of timber rattlesnakes. The work reinforces...
Potential for new cancer detection and therapy method described
Scientists have described a potentially new early cancer detection and treatment method using nanoparticles. A new paper illustrates how engineered gold nanoparticles tied to a cancer-specific receptor could be targeted...
Breeding orchid species creates a new perfume
Some orchids mimic the scent of a female insect in order to attract males for pollination. Researchers have found that breeding two of these orchid species to generate a novel...
Smell your way to a longer life? Odors that represent food or indicate danger can alter an animal's lifespan
What does the smell of a good meal mean to you? It may mean more than you think. Specific odors that represent food or indicate danger are capable of altering...
Iceland’s Volcano Proving Tough to Predict
Eyjafjallajökull isn't behaving well, and that could be bad for the island's future
Planting depth affects popular landscape tree
Landscape trees are increasingly being produced using container nursery systems rather than traditional field production practices. In contrast to field production techniques, successful container production requires a series of transplanting...
Society and Science
When you read hundreds of letters from readers every month, as I do, common patterns of argument emerge. I can’t answer every note individually, so in this column I’d like...
Your Inner Healers
I remember my excitement one morning in the winter of 2006 when I peered through a microscope in my laboratory and saw a colony of cells that looked just like...
Mercury is higher in some tuna species, according to DNA barcoding; New research provides insight into healthier consumption of sushi
The level of mercury in your sushi can depend on the species that you are consuming. New DNA barcoding research shows that mercury levels are higher in bigeye and bluefin...
Cornell researchers reveal structure of key protein
(PhysOrg.com) -- For the first time, researchers -- all Cornell scientists -- have characterized the structure of a protein that belongs to certain enzymes that are essential for proper functioning...
DNA boost in tree killer battle
Researchers sequence the genome of a bacterium that causes a virulent disease in horse chestnut trees.
China clones woollier cashmere goats
Scientists in China have cloned a dozen goats engineered with a gene that boosts wool growth, with a view to increasing output of cashmere fibre, state-run media reported Wednesday.
'Toxic stew' of chemicals causing male fish to carry eggs in testes
Intersex fish, found across the US, result from a mix of drugs that mimic natural hormones, say scientistsMore than 80% of the male bass fish in Washington's major river are now exhibiting...
Genes key to lamb survival
Researchers have found that it is genetic predisposition, rather than external factors, which determines lamb survival.
Books of The Times: In ‘The Eerie Silence,’ Paul Davies on Aliens
Paul Davies’s new book suggests that humans are looking for alien life in all the wrong places, and in all the wrong ways.
Male spiders have safe(r) sex with siblings
In a cannibalistic species, males don't linger long with their sisters
Chemists Clarify Protein-Receptor Complex`s Role in Iron Uptake to Cells
(PhysOrg.com) -- In recent years cancer researchers, particularly brain tumor specialists, have pinned some hope for delivering anti-tumor drugs on transferrin, a protein that carries the essential element iron into...
Cow Brain Protein May Hold Alternative Energy Promise
(PhysOrg.com) -- Of all the ideas that hold promise in alternative energy, cow brains are an odd candidate. They do not fit into the list of usual plant-based subjects, such...
Transgenic mosquito ‘could fight dengue fever’
Dengue fever spread could be halted by genetically altering mosquitoes to have flightless and sterile offspring, says a study.
Animals still suffer from Exxon Valdez oil
BURNABY, British Columbia, April 20 (UPI) -- Canadian scientists say lingering oil from the 1989 Exxon Valdez spill is still inflicting suffering on wildlife more than 20 years after...
Jumping DNA: "Selfish" jumping genes most common in nature
(PhysOrg.com) -- It started out with a simple question among a group of scientists from the University of South Florida, San Diego State University and the University of Chicago: Now...
Contraband could hide in plain sight, research shows
As airport security employees scan luggage for a large variety of banned items, they may miss a deadly box cutter if they find a water bottle first.
Concern that British common frogs could croak it
(PhysOrg.com) -- Mass observations of frogs spawning have sounded a warning bell not only for the future of the common frog but also for Britain's wildlife more generally.