Latest science news in Biology & Nature
New genetic map will speed up plant breeding of the world's most important medicinal crop
Plant scientists at the University of York have published the first genetic map of the medicinal herb Artemisia annua. The map is being used to accelerate plant breeding of Artemisia...
Cadavers Made to Blink with Artificial Muscles
Artificial muscles may help restore the ability of thousands of patients with facial paralysis.
Punishment important in plant-pollinator relationship
Figs and the wasps that pollinate them present one of biologists' favourite examples of a beneficial relationship between two different species. In exchange for the pollination service provided by the...
New biological models of homeopathy published in special issues
The journal Homeopathy has published a two part special issue focusing on biological models of homeopathy. The special issue highlights experiments on homeopathic treatments in biological models, ranging from whole...
Rare bird's breeding area found in Afghanistan
The first known breeding area of one of the world's rarest birds has been found in the remote and rugged Pamir Mountains in war-torn Afghanistan.
From biological basics to diabetes discovery
In two major studies published in Nature Genetics today, researchers use biological understanding to dissect the genetics of diabetes. An international team comprising researchers from more than 100 institutions analysed...
In Death Throes, Fish Help Offspring Escape
Dying fish release alarm chemicals that cause embryos to develop faster.
Stem cell transplant hopes lifted
A technique which may remove the need for matched bone marrow transplants for patients is used in humans for the first time.
Stingrays Are Cute, And Pretty Smart Too! (w/ Video)
(PhysOrg.com) -- A gift from the Parc Merveilleux Zoo in Luxembourg to the Tiergarten Schonbrunn Zoo in Vienna made in 2003 led to a serendipitous research project by zoo observers.
Sugars synthesised with help of promiscuous enzyme
Researchers use an unfussy enzyme in new method to make sugar molecules that could lead to new vaccines and other important compounds
New clues on human hand evolution
The evolution of human hands was a "side-effect" of evolutionary changes in our feet, according to research.
First wild bear birth filmed live
A webcam placed in a den may reveal the first recorded birth of a wild bear.
Protein complex possibly crucial for triggering embryo development identified
Researchers have discovered a protein complex that appears to play a significant role in erasing epigenetic instructions on sperm DNA, essentially creating a blank slate for the different cell types...
Biomedical Science In 2020
What will geneticists and molecular cell biologists be doing in 2020? 10 years ago, genomic technologies like DNA microarrays were just beginning to change the way molecular biologists worked, and...
Walking Robot Switches Gaits Autonomously and Flexibly
Even simple insects can generate quite different movement patterns with their six legs. The animal uses various gaits depending on whether it crawls uphill or downhill, slowly or fast. Scientists...
Paradigm changing mechanism is revealed for the control of gene expression in bacteria
A new study is shedding new light on the action of Rho, a key regulatory protein in E. coli and many other bacteria. The study reveals a new paradigm to...
'Noisiest' neurons persist in the adult brain, research finds
Neuroscientists have discovered that when it comes to new neurons in the adult brain, the squeakiest wheels get the grease.
Novelties: A Clear Coating, With Green Applications
A chemical coating under development could make two groups happy: environmentalists and anyone who washes dishes.
Group wants fund to restore seagrass
MIAMI, Jan. 17 (UPI) -- A Washington, D.C., group says it wants to establish a fund to restore Florida seagrass meadows damaged by boaters and coastal construction projects.
"Cold Stunned" Turtles Get NASA Rescue
NASA and Florida conservationists joined forces to rescue endangered sea turtles "cold stunned" by record-breaking cold temperatures along the Sunshine State's coast. Video.
Wild crows reveal tool skills
A new study using motion sensitive video cameras has revealed how New Caledonian crows use tools in the wild.
Green sea slugs use plant genes to live on sunlight
The creature, which makes its own chlorophyll, incorporates algae genes into its system and retains chloroplasts for photosynthesis. The finding may have uses in genetic engineering and therapies. Part animal, part plant! This...
Vampires and the search for an artificial blood substitute
Among those around the globe seeking a viable blood alternative are scientists in the UK who have just submitted a worldwide patent for their engineered hemoglobin.
Regulatory network balances stem cell maintenance, differentiation
While much of the promise of stem cells springs from their ability to develop into any cell type in the body, the biological workings that control that maturation process are...
Do fish feel pain? Norwegian research suggests they can
A Norwegian researcher studying nociception and pain in teleost fish concludes that is that it is very likely the fish can indeed feel pain.
Laser-shaven male fruit flies can't compete
Researchers have uncovered the purpose of claw-like spines seen on the penises of fruit flies by shaving the barbs off with a laser.
Angry Flies May Help Explain Human Aggression
Scientists turn to flies to study the roots of aggression
Parents say conjoined twins growing
LONDON, Jan. 15 (UPI) -- Surgeons want 6-week-old conjoined twins to grow and gain strength before deciding whether to separate them, officials in London say.