Latest science news in Biology & Nature
Mirror Neurons Allow Us to Understand Each Other
Scientists have recorded the "mirror neutron" in effect for the first time, showing how our minds make us mimic others.
Rutgers' Stem Cell Research Centre derives new cell lines and trains stem cell scientists
At Rutgers' Stem Cell Research Centre scientists are exploring the mysteries of human embryonic stem cells and their potential use in treating diseases, repairing damaged organs, and drug development. Centre...
Trained quolls reject tasty toads
Ecologists have trained an endangered marsupial to avoid eating toxic cane toads, which are invading northern Australia.
Wild ferrets are spreading throughout the island of La Palma
Scientists from the Canary Islands have compiled data on wild ferrets in La Palma and the damage they cause in the ecosystem, to confirm that the island is the one...
Biotech Crops Found to Offer Substantial Benefits for Farmers
U.S. farmers have benefited from the introduction of genetically engineered crops, according to a...
Scientists find new genes for cancer, other diseases in plants, yeast and worms
AUSTIN, Texas -- 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...
CSHL scientists discover how a tumor suppressor induces senescence and staves off cancer
Cold Spring Harbor, N.Y. -- A frequently mutated gene in human cancers is the reitnoblastoma (RB) gene, which controls a potent tumor suppression pathway. Mutations in the gene disable...
Thick-shelled turtle species discovered
PANAMA CITY, Panama, April 13 (UPI) -- U.S. scientists say they've discovered a new fossil turtle species in Colombia's Cerrejon coal mine.
In pictures: Royal Mail stamps highlight threatened UK mammals
Otters, water voles, polecats bats and whales are some of the subjects of a new series of stamps from the Royal Mail that highlight 10 declining UK mammals
Why the Japanese can easily digest sushi
Porphyran, a polysaccharide present in the cell walls of a red algae that is used notably in the preparation of sushi, is broken down specifically by an enzyme called porphyranase....
Lightning really does make mushrooms multiply
(PhysOrg.com) -- Japanese farming folklore has it that lightning makes mushrooms multiply, and new research supports the idea. Mushrooms form a staple part of the diet in Japan, and the...
Frog tadpoles 'scream' underwater
Tadpoles produce a sharp distress call when attacked, the first evidence that any underwater larva uses sound to communicate.
Gene studies lead to kissing cousins
To look at the tobacco budworm moth and its close cousin, you wouldn't be able to tell the fuzzy-looking, fingertip-size moths apart. But put males of each species as far...
Researchers identify gene responsible for healthier corn in developing areas
(PhysOrg.com) -- An Iowa State University researcher was part of team that is helping fill a nutritional hole in the diets of much of the population of developing countries.
Sony Announces New Wearable, Water Resistant W250 Series Walkman MP3 Player
Ideal for fitness and exercise enthusiasts, the new Sony Walkman W Series, model NWZ-W252, features a convenient lightweight, wearable and water resistant design.
Japan annual whale catch 'halved'
Japan's whaling fleet blames "violent interference" from anti-whaling activists as it reports its lowest catch for years.
Bringing better grapes a step closer to reality
A team of agricultural researchers has found a way to speed up grape breeding by developing a way to identify genetic markers in the grapevine's genome that can be linked...
Link between acid reflux and sleep apnea challenged
New research suggests that a causal link between gastroesophageal reflux (GER) and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) may not exist.
Genes under control: Scientists develop gene switch for chloroplasts in plant cells
The organelles of photosynthesis -- the chloroplasts -- have their own DNA, messenger RNA and ribosomes for forming proteins. Scientists have now discovered how to regulate the formation of proteins...
Move over predators: Plants can control the food chain too -- from the bottom up
Most studies of food webs look at how predators at the top of the food chain control prey and plant populations below them. But a new study shows how plants...
Transgenic mosquitoes can be 'flying vaccinators'
Scientists have developed genetically-modified mosquitoes that could one day innoculate against leishmaniasis, malaria and other diseases.
Material World: Studying Sea Life for a Glue That Mends People
From worms, barnacles and mussels, scientists seek the secrets of adhesives that will work with wet objects, including bones and tissue.
Diminutive, but not Disappeared: Rare dwarf lemur rediscovered 100 years after last sighting
Last week, we told you about some of the bad news in Madagascar, a nation whose political troubles have created a thriving illegal economy for rare wildlife species. But here's...
Hudson Bay belugas focus of 2 studies
Federal scientists have been studying beluga whales in Hudson Bay, where changes to sea ice may have led to dropping mercury levels in some female whales but an emerging threat...
Best places to spot UFOs
Go beyond Area 51 and discover places from Australia to England with their own UFO-spotting hotbeds. UFO - Unidentified flying object - Paranormal - Organizations -...
The shell makes the difference
(PhysOrg.com) -- Contrast echography is a commonly used medical imaging technique that is used to show up abnormal blood circulation in organs and tumours. The method makes use of ultrasound...
Diet can sharply cut Alzheimer's risk: study
CHICAGO (Reuters) - A diet rich in olive oil, nuts, fish, poultry and certain fruits and vegetables may have a powerful effect at staving off Alzheimer's disease, researchers reported on...
Observatory: Researcher Gets First Photograph Ever of Rare Hummingbird
A researcher takes the first photograph ever of the rare Santa Marta sabrewing on Colombia’s Caribbean coast.