Latest science news in Biology & Nature
Killer catfish? Venomous species surprisingly common, study finds
Name all the venomous animals you can think of and you probably come up with snakes, spiders, bees, wasps and perhaps poisonous frogs. But catfish?
New model of skin cancer provides insights on second-most common type of cancer
Researchers have developed a new model of skin cancer based on the knowledge that a common cancer-related molecule called Src kinase is activated in human skin-cancer samples.
Be Careful What You Fish For
Invasive Asian carp are threatening to upend the entire ecosystem of the Great Lakes. Their route of attack: the canals we built.
From fruit fly wings to heart failure - why Not(ch)?
Almost a century after it was discovered in fruit flies with notches in their wings, the Notch signalling pathway may come to play an important role in the recovery from...
DNA sheds new light on horse evolution
Ancient DNA retrieved from extinct horse species from around the world has challenged one of the textbook examples of evolution -- the fossil record of the horse family Equidae...
Researchers show 'trigger' to stem cell differentiation
A gene which is essential for stem cells' capabilities to become any cell type has been identified by researchers at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem and the University of California,...
Scientists: Killing 1 Owl May Save Another
Study to Determine if Killing Aggressive Barred Owl Will Save Protected Spotted Owl
Time to update how we monitor insecticide resistance
Methods to detect insecticide resistance in mosquitoes need updating to meet local needs, say Gregor J. Devine and Elena Ogusuku.
Review: Moshi voice control alarm clock
Product: Moshi voice control alarm clock
White marlin: Abundance of a look-alike species clouds population status of a million dollar fish
The prized white marlin is among the most overexploited open-ocean fish. It's the subject of intense international recovery efforts. A new study now shows that a look-alike species, the roundscale...
Female birds competing for mates resemble males
Female birds can puff out their chests and prance around just like their male counterparts in species where parents share caring for offspring and females need to compete for mates,...
Rare words 'author's fingerprint'
Researchers say that classic authors' use of rare words provides a means to linguistically "fingerprint" them.
UBC geneticist reveals molecular view of key epigenetic regulator
In a paper published this week in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, Dr Michael Kobor reported the structure and function of a key player in regulating...
Tiny 'early primate' filmed
The tiny spectral tarsier, one of the shortest and most primitive primates in the world, is caught on camera hunting at night in the jungles of Sulawesi, Indonesia.
Chemicals put farmers at risk
Australian farmers often use dangerous chemicals, but almost half haven't been taught to handle them safely, a study has revealed.
Newly discovered mechanism allows cells to change state
Cells are not static. They can transform themselves over time - but change can have dangerous implications. Benign cells, for example, can suddenly change into cancerous ones...
How calorie-restricted diets fight obesity and extend life span
Scientists searching for the secrets of how calorie-restricted diets increase longevity are reporting discovery of proteins in the fat cells of human volunteers that change as pounds drop off. The...
Calls for US chemicals reform
US senator argues it is time ‘to sound the alarm’ over the country’s regulatory system for chemicals, and plans to reform the Toxic Substances Control Act
NYU researchers develop noninvasive technique to rewrite fear memories
Researchers at New York University have developed a non-invasive technique to block the return of fear memories in humans. The technique, reported in the latest issue of the journal Nature,...
Nature's solution to age-old chemical paradox: Chemical basis for extra 'quality control' in protein production
Even small errors made by cells during protein production can have profound disease effects, and nature has developed ways to uncover these mistakes and correct them. Though in the case...
Stem cell derived neurons for research relevant to Alzheimer's and Niemann-Pick type C diseases
Stem cell derived neurons may allow scientists to determine whether breakdowns in the transport of proteins, lipids and other materials within cells trigger the neuronal death and neurodegeneration that characterize...
Climate change turns up heat on mushrooms
(PhysOrg.com) -- Scientists have discovered that spring-fruiting fungi, including the morel and St George`s mushroom are fruiting nearly three weeks earlier than they did 50 years ago.
Univ. of Mich. accepting stem cell embryos
ANN ARBOR, Mich., Dec. 9 (UPI) -- University of Michigan researchers say they will begin accepting donated human embryos to create embryonic stem cell lines.
New giant virus discovered
Scientists in France have isolated a new giant virus that lurks inside amoeba and whose gene pool includes genetic material from other species.
A New Understanding of Essential Tremor
Dr. Elan D. Louis of Columbia University answers readers' questions on essential tremor.
More than fish bait: Worms unlock secrets to new epilepsy treatments
A team of scientists from The University of Alabama used worms to reel in information that they hope will lead to a greater understanding of cellular mechanisms that may be...
Astronaut balancing act: Training to help explorers adapt to a return to gravity
Astronauts returning from challenging long-duration missions face one more challenge when they get back to Earth - standing up and walking.
Emerging disease: Looking for trouble
How do you persuade philanthropists to pay $1 million for every pathogenic human virus you discover? Anjali Nayar talks to 'virus hunter' Nathan Wolfe in Cameroon to find out.