Latest science news in Biology & Nature
Marine microbes wired up
Bacterial ‘nanowires’ could allow marine microbes to cooperate through electric circuits that power metabolism
Math models used to study cell processes
BLACKSBURG, Va., Feb. 23 (UPI) -- A Virginia Tech professor of biology says he is using math-based computer models to discover how cells process information and make decisions.
Gene variant linked to atrial fibrillation
BOSTON, Feb. 23 (UPI) -- A U.S.-led international team of scientists says a gene variant linked with atrial fibrillation has been found.
Podcast: Size Matters in Marine Reserves
reporter Erik Stokstad chats with coral reef biologist, Terry Hughes [Read more]
Idea of restoring 'natural systems' misses mark as response to climate change challenges
The adage says that to discover the right solutions to a problem you first have to ask the right questions...
Damage to threatened Gulf of California habitats can be reversed
Once described by Jacques Cousteau as the "world's aquarium," the marine ecosystems of the Gulf of California are under threat. Destructive new fishing methods are depleting the sea's habitats, creating...
Retin-A researcher Kligman dies in Pa. at 93
(AP) -- Dermatologist Albert M. Kligman, whose research led to discoveries including the acne and wrinkle drug Retin-A but whose pioneering work was overshadowed by his experiments involving prisoners,...
Lost ants search cleverly
A recent study has found that lost ants use a search pattern to find their nest, adapting the search based on how far the nest is.
Pact protects stressed sharks
To counteract falling shark populations, Australia has signed an agreement to protect several major species.
The impact of genomics
Working with worms may not be your average person`s idea of a good time, but for University of Toronto researcher Dr. Andrew Fraser, they are fascinating.
Cell-cell interactions adapt to the stiffness of the environment
The ability of tissue cells to stick to one another is critical for many physiological and pathological processes. Now, a new study provides intriguing insight into how mechanical interaction with...
Cellular mechanism that protects against disease discovered
Researchers have discovered a new mechanism within human cells that constantly protects us against disease.
Human genetic vulnerabilities may underlie infectious diseases, scientist argues
Infectious diseases in the general population depend to a large extent on underlying genetic vulnerabilities, an expert in innate immunity says. While microbes are required for infection, he says, one's...
Nanotechnology could help Arab region
February 20. "Nanotechnology could aid the future of development of the Arab region," says Mohamed H.A. Hassan, executive director of TWAS, the academy of sciences for the developing world, and...
George Daley to discuss challenges and opportunities facing stem cell scientists
The United States government's decision last year to lift restrictions on federally-funded stem cell research has helped the nation's stem-cell researchers concentrate on science, but limitations...
Brain at the breaking point
Study that stretched and strained neural connections could yield insights into traumatic injury
Learning from the brain: Computer scientists develop new generation of neuro-computer
Intelligent machines that not only think for themselves but also actively learn are the vision of researchers who have been co-ordinating the European Union research project "Brain-i-Nets" (Novel Brain Inspired...
Cats on Camera
A new set of photos of big cats in India are "an encouraging sign," say conservation organizations aiming to protect biodiversity hotspots.
Biology Rappers Return
Check out this new number by the science rappers of Stanford on how the body converts food into energy.
Energy-Saving Tip: Don't Drive Like a Maniac
Road rage and impatience can occasionally take even the best of us, but don't give in to the energy-hogging monster within you.
U.S. "tweaks" stem cell policy
WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The U.S. government broadened the definition of a human embryonic stem cell on Friday, helping qualify several corporate and academic experiments for federal funding.
Link between marine algae and whale diversity over last 30 million years, study finds
New research shows a strong link between the diversity of organisms at the bottom of the food chain and the diversity of mammals at the top. Throughout the last 30...
Scientists scathing on coastal tree planting
Alien trees, planted along coastlines for tsunami protection, may actually be doing harm, says an international report.
Rapid, Inexpensive DNA Sequencing Moves Closer to Reality
As efforts such as The Cancer Genome Atlas and others generate vast quantities of information about the genetic makeup of different types of cancer, it is becoming increasingly clear that...
The mystery of symmetry is revealed
(PhysOrg.com) -- Some of our organs, such as the liver and the heart, are lateralised. As our bodies develop they mostly display bilateral symmetry across the vertebral column.
Test detects micro amounts of cancer
BALTIMORE, Feb. 19 (UPI) -- A promising blood DNA test should be capable of detecting microscopic cancer tumors missed by conventional imaging equipment, scientists in Baltimore said.
Biochip detects apple virus
A direct method of detecting plant viruses using an aptamer based biochip has been proposed by scientists in Hungary
Easy amyloid refolding
Spontaneous refolding of amyloid fibres under mild conditions could provide insight into Alzheimer’s disease claim scientists in the US