Latest science news in Biology & Nature
Growth factor gene shown to be key to cleft palate
Cleft palate has been linked to dozens of genes. During their investigation of one of these genes, researchers were surprised to find that cleft palate occurs both when the gene...
Protein linked to three brain disorders
PHILADELPHIA, Feb. 4 (UPI) -- U.S. scientists say they have discovered three different degenerative brain disorders are linked by a toxic form of the same protein.
Spherical cows help to dump metabolism law
Apparently, the mysterious "3/4 law of metabolism" -- proposed by Max Kleiber in 1932, printed in biology textbooks for decades, and described as "extended to all life forms" from bacteria...
Iran Says it Launched Animals into Orbit
The Iranian government announced Feb. 3 that it had successfully launched live animals into space.
3-D scaffold provides clean, biodegradable structure for stem cell growth
A natural material derived from crustacean shell and algae supports the growth of human embryonic stem cells.
DNA origami goes large
US researchers have found a way to scale up DNA origami into larger structures by using DNA ‘tiles’ to pin them in place
Twilight triggers light-sensitive ants
New Australian research suggests some animals carefully measure the intensity of light during twilight to know when it's safe to come out and forage.
Brute Force: Humans Can Sure Take a Punch
Human bones are incredibly strong, but as we know they can break. The forces involved.
Scientists 'grow' edible insects in Costa Rica
The day when restaurants will serve garlic grasshoppers or beetle larva skewers is getting closer in Costa Rica, where scientists are "growing" insects for human consumption.
Sony's new entry-level priced E series notebooks
(PhysOrg.com) -- Sony today took the wraps off its new line of affordably-priced notebooks in chic new colors -- the VAIO E Series.
Bee brains find face images
Despite tiny brains, bees can learn to recognise complex shapes such as human faces, according to a recent study.
Snake uses tentacles to 'see' in the dark
(PhysOrg.com) -- A new study of a snake with tentacles on its snout has found it has a unique system for sensing prey: its tentacles allow it to "see" in...
The small insect with a big heart: the 'giving' aphids endangered by their selflessness
One of the founding principles of Darwin's theory is that biological evolution has been shaped by the survival of the fittest. Things, however, are not always that simple as researchers...
Ants watch for fading light
Researchers have found that bull ants wait until daylight fades before foraging, rather than relying on body clocks or temperature.
Cambodia finds cool solution for clinic storage
Low-tech 'cool boxes' that extend the shelf life of malaria tests in remote Cambodian clinics are being rolled out across the nation.
Possible new heritable marker for retinoblastoma
Researchers have shed light on the possible role of inactivation of the 16INK4A gene in the progression of retinoblastoma.
Marine lab hunts subtle clues to environmental threats to blue crabs
Researchers are at work trying to identify the clues that will finger specific, yet elusive, environmental threats to the Atlantic blue crab.
New insights into breast-feeding hormone
Scientist have discovered a mechanism for regulating the hormone prolactin. The finding may be significant for conditions and functions such as breast-feeding, sexual libido, and metabolism.
Reactions faster than actions, study finds
The mythology of the Wild West suggests the person who draws first in a gunfight is usually the first to get shot, and new findings now hint at a reason...
Leaf veins loopy for a reason
Circular networks are best for getting around a bad spot, varying load
New 'Underwater Plane' To Explore Ocean Depths
U.K. company Virgin Limited Edition recently announced the Necker Nymph, a three-person "aero-submarine" that can dive to depths of 36,000 feet.
Whales get Support on Sonar Ban
NOAA May Limit Sonar Tests, though Another Case Heads to Court
Modified Eucalyptus to Transform Forests
But Critics Fear Genetically Modified Plant would Grow Like a Weed Gone Wild
PNAS paper cites discovery of small RNA 'quality-control' mechanism
(PhysOrg.com) -- When a person is exposed to a cold virus, whether he or she actually becomes ill may come down to how well short snippets of RNA in the...
UC Riverside's new state-of-the-art technology to accelerate stem cell research
Stem cell research at the University of California, Riverside is about to gather speed thanks to the establishment of a new Stem Cell Core Facility (SCCF) - a shared facility...
Compound LJ001 Acts Like Antibiotic Against Viruses
Unlike antibiotics, which kill many different types of bacteria, antiviral drugs for the most part need to target individual, specific viruses. A drug that attacks a multitude of viruses -- an antibiotic for...
Conservation groups want a Midway cleanup
WASHINGTON, Feb. 2 (UPI) -- U.S. conservation groups have renewed their call for Congress to clean up 70 lead paint-contaminated buildings at the Midway Atoll National Wildlife Refuge.
Neural interactions point to post-traumatic stress disorder
Analysis of SQUID signals could help with difficult diagnoses