Latest science news in Biology & Nature
Previously unknown gene is unique to placental mammals
Researchers have discovered a previously unknown gene ZBED6 that is unique to placental mammals. The gene originates from a so called jumping gene that integrated in the genome of a...
Nearly 100 new species described by California Academy of Sciences in 2009
In 2009, researchers at the California Academy of Sciences added 94 new relatives to our family tree. The new species include 65 arthropods, 14 plants, eight fishes, five sea slugs,...
Species distribution models are of only limited value for predicting future mammal distributions
Species distribution models are of only limited use in predicting the future distribution of mammals. This is the finding of a study of the climate niches of 140 indigenous European...
Reproductive germ cells survive and thrive in transplants, even among species
Reproductive researchers have succeeded in isolating and transplanting pure populations of the immature cells that enable male reproduction in two species -- humans and mice. The germline stem cells, taken...
New insight into selective binding properties of infectious HIV
Free infectious HIV-1 is widely thought to be the major form of the virus in the blood of infected persons. U.S. Military HIV Research Program (MHRP) researchers, however, have demonstrated...
Link between sirtuins and life extension strengthened
New research strengthens the link between longevity proteins called sirtuins and the lifespan-extending effects of calorie restriction.
DNA needs a good editor: Researchers unravel the mysteries of DNA packaging
Groundbreaking findings reveal a new mechanism to explain how splicing works. Researchers have discovered that the structure of DNA itself affects the ways RNA is spliced. The findings promise to...
Scientists isolate new antifreeze molecule in Alaska beetle
Scientists have identified a novel antifreeze molecule in a freeze-tolerant Alaska beetle able to survive temperatures below minus 100 degrees Fahrenheit. Unlike all previously described biological antifreezes that contain protein,...
Worm study may help epilepsy treatments
TUSCALOOSA, Ala., Dec. 15 (UPI) -- U.S. scientists who used worms in a study of epilepsy say their results might lead to new drugs targeted to resolve epileptic seizures.
Tendons shape bones during embryonic development
In all vertebrates, including humans, bones, muscles and tendons work together to give the skeleton its characteristic balance of stability and movement. Now, new research uncovers a previously unrecognised interaction...
NFL Tries to Get Serious on Concussions
A new PSA may signal that the NFL is sort of, maybe, almost getting serious about concussions.
Why Humans Outlive Apes
Our meaty diet may be the underlying reason for humans' long lifespans, scientists say.
Sucker-footed bats don't use suction after all
There are approximately 1,200 species of bats worldwide. Of that total, only six are known to roost with their heads pointed upward. Investigators did not know why, because they knew...
Genetic link to heart failure
A team of researchers, at Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, has identified a group of 12 genetic variants in the HSPB7 gene that is associated with heart failure...
Scientists suggest certain genes boost chances for distributing variety of traits, drive evolution
Genes that don't themselves directly affect the inherited characteristics of an organism but leave them increasingly open to variation may be a significant driving force of evolution, say two Johns...
New warbler species discovered
Scientists confirm a small green and yellow warbler living in Vietnam and Laos is a new species.
DNA needs a good editor
Imagine a huge spool of film containing thousands of sequences of random scenes. Without a talented editor, a screening would have no meaning. ...
Sticky science: Why some bats sleep head-up
A tiny bat that hangs out in Madagascar is an odd sleeper: Unlike other bats that hang upside-down, this one roosts head-up, and now scientists know why. ...
New protein key for cell proliferation identified
(PhysOrg.com) -- Researchers at McGill University have identified a protein that plays a key role in cell proliferation and is likely to promote cancer development. The work may lead to...
The Fruits of Half a Lifetime Spent in Pursuit of Waterbirds
Theodore Cross spent the first half of his life oblivious to birds only to become one of their most ardent photographers and advocates in the second half.
Watermelon: Fruit on the Fast Track
(PhysOrg.com) -- Agricultural Research Service (ARS) scientists are studying how watermelons grow from tiny flowers to plus-size, market-ready produce in only five weeks. Their findings have resulted in the first...
Global warming could significantly impact US wine and corn production, scientists say
When it comes to nature, timing is everything. Spring flowers depend on birds and insects for pollination. But if spring-like weather arrives earlier than usual, and flowers bloom and wither...
Nanoparticle protects foods from oxidation
WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind., Dec. 14 (UPI) -- A U.S. researcher says he's discovered a way of using a nanoparticle from corn to lengthen the shelf life of many foods,...
Female fruit flies can be 'too attractive' to males, scientists show
Females can be too attractive to the opposite sex ---- too attractive for their own good ---- say biologists. They found that, among fruit flies, too much male attention directed...
Cruel euthanization of endangered species alleged
The B.C. SPCA has launched an investigation into allegations that animals at an endangered-species breeding facility were inhumanely euthanized by having their throats slit, being hammered to death, or by...
Biologist Explores Bizarre Give-and-take Between Species
Marty Crump's new book, 'Sexy Orchids Make Lousy Lovers,' takes readers on a voyage of discovery into the world of extraordinary interactions involving animals, plants, fungi and bacteria.
10 Animals That Use Tools
From crows that craft twigs into usable objects to elephants that morph tree branches into fly swatters, the animal kingdom is full of adept tool makers.
Tragic Consequences of Missing DNA Samples
Gaps, Backlogs at Gov't DNA Sample Databanks Have Thwarted Investigators, Allowed Fatal Crimes to Occur