Latest science news in Biology & Nature
New drug target found for Alzheimers
CHAMPAIGN, Ill., April 20 (UPI) -- U.S. scientists say they've identified a potential drug target for Alzheimer's disease -- a receptor embedded in the membrane of neurons and other...
Ocean salinities show an intensified water cycle
Evidence that the world's water cycle has already intensified is contained in new research to be published in the American Journal of Climate...
Sequence is scaffold to study sleeping sickness
Researchers have published the genome sequence for T. b. gambiense -- the strain of Trypanosoma brucei responsible for almost all cases of sleeping sickness in humans. A remarkable level of...
Plant pathogen genetically tailors attacks to each part of host
Corn smut, a fungus that infects maize, can target its attack by choosing which of its genes to activate in order to maximize the effectiveness of its onslaught. This is...
Variant boosts cancer survival
Researchers have found that a rare variation in a specific gene can have a big impact on breast cancer survival.
Protect us, not polar bears: Inuit officials
Nunavut Inuit who do not want polar bears listed under Canada's Species at Risk Act say they should be the ones being protected from the Arctic bears.
ScienceShot: Stripes Speed Snake Swimming
Algae burden makes solid snakes swim slower
Birds of a feather don't always respond together to infection
A Princeton University-led research team is the first to have documented that different populations of the same animal species respond differently with fever when fighting infection in the wild...
Study: Tests show illegal whale meat trade in Asia
GRANTS PASS, Ore. (AP) -- Scientists say DNA testing of whale meat from a restaurant in Seoul, South Korea, indicates that some of it came from...
Fungus strikes bat species in five states
ASHEVILLE, N.C., April 14 (UPI) -- U.S. scientists say they've identified a deadly fungus that's threatening nine bat species in Georgia, Kentucky, North Carolina, South Carolina and Tennessee.
Dual approach gives a more accurate picture of the autistic brain
A new study, the first of its kind, combines two complementary analytical brain imaging techniques, to provide a more comprehensive and accurate picture of the neuroanatomy of the autistic brain....
What causes seizure in focal epilepsy?
In focal epilepsy, seizures are generated by a localised, synchronous neuronal electrical discharge that may spread to large portions of the brain. In spite of intense research in the field...
Scientists find new genes for cancer, other diseases in plants, yeast and worms
From deep within the genomes of organisms as diverse as plants, worms and yeast, scientists have uncovered new genes responsible for causing human diseases such as cancer and deafness...
New nano-tool synthesised at Scripps Research Institute
Two chemists at The Scripps Research Institute have synthesised a new nano-scale scientific tool - a tiny molecular switch that turns itself on or off as it detects metallic ions...
Exotic flowers help bees stay busy in winter
Recent years have seen an unusual rise in the number of bees about in the cold winter months. Scientists have found that while most bees are hibernating, the buff-tailed bumblebee,...
What should goldenrod do to avoid an insect attack? Duck!
Plants and herbivores have always been involved in a sort of arms race, and plants' defensive strategies commonly involve thorns, spines, and chemical toxins. But when certain flies are out...
Notes and queries | How to spot a more advanced species; What makes a song like Ghost Town so special?
How to spot a more advanced species; What makes a song like Ghost Town so special?; Confusion in the cutlery drawerIf there were a cleverer, more advanced species than us on this...
UI researchers analyze implications of 'intelligent design' for human behavior
Although evolutionists and creationists strongly disagree about the role that intelligent design plays in the origins of bodies and brains, they curiously agree about the role that intelligent design...
'Vicious circle' offers new acute leukemia treatment target
COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Researchers have identified a self-feeding "vicious circle" of molecules that keeps acute leukemia cells alive and growing and that drives the disease forward. The findings...
DNA and its complexes
Throughout life, DNA repair mechanisms go to work during exposure (UV radiation, etc.) in order to protect the human genetic code. This role is assured by the NER complex.
Insect-feeding animals aid plant growth
IRVINE, Calif., April 13 (UPI) -- A U.S. ecologist says she's discovered birds, bats and lizards play an important role in preserving plant species in face of global climate...
Tomato gene may fend banana against formidable fungus
(PhysOrg.com) -- Proteins from the fungus Cladosporium fulvum, which causes leaf blight in tomato plants, are very similar to the proteins of the fungus Mycosphaerella fijiensis, which causes the much-feared...
TDZ: anti-ageing cream for flowers
Scientists say a new chemical can add up to a month to the life of cut flowers and potted plants. But what exactly is TDZ? And is it safe to use?In a...
Stem Cells Could Replace Rats In The Lab
New tissue engineering research could greatly reduce the number of lab animals required for FDA mandated experimental trials on new health products with medical formulations. Scientists from Tel Aviv University writing...
New understanding of protein's role in brain
Brains in mammals modify a particular protein in a unique way, which alters the protein's normal function according to new research. The modified protein plays a key role in memory...
MacBook Pro Line Updated with New Intel Chips
A new line of MacBook Pros will incorporate Intel's latest processors.
Manitobans fly to Germany for back surgery
Dozens of Manitobans are spending thousands of dollars flying to Germany for a type of back surgery unavailable in North America.
Rescue effort to save beached dolphins in Tasmania
Animal specialists were struggling on Tuesday to save 17 dolphins that became stranded on a remote beach on the Australian island of Tasmania at the weekend, after 29 already perished.