Latest science news in Biology & Nature
African killer is a new Salmonella strain
A new strain of antibiotic-resistant Salmonella is responsible for a series of deaths in Africa, genetic sequencing shows.
RNA on the move
In the fruitfly Drosophila, oskar mRNA, which is involved in defining the animal's body axes, is produced in the nuclei of nurse cells neighboring the oocyte, and must be transported...
Scientists reveal malaria parasites' tactics for outwitting our immune systems
Malaria parasites are able to disguise themselves to avoid the host's immune system, according to research funded by the Wellcome Trust and published today in the journal Proceedings of the...
It takes two to infect
Two so-called invasion proteins are crucial for infection. Each binds a specific receptor on the surface of human cells, which stimulates the host cell to take up the pathogen. Normally,...
How can scientists measure evolutionary responses to climate change?
As global temperatures continue to rise scientists are presented with the complex challenge of understanding how species respond and adapt. In a paper published in Insect Conservation and Diversity, Dr...
A reductionist approach to HIV research
A major obstacle to HIV research is the virus's exquisite specialisation for its human host - meaning that scientists' traditional tools, like the humble lab mouse, can deliver only limited...
Artificial refuges created to save the reptiles of Doñana, Spain
The Aznalcóllar mining accident more than 11 years ago, which contaminated part of the Doñana National Park, also damaged reptile habitat there. Now a team of Spanish researchers, who have...
Research shows power of FRET-based approach for distinguishing among distinct states of proteins
In the December 2009 issue of the Journal of General Physiology (www.jgp.org), Moss et al. report a comprehensive investigation employing Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET) to study the {gamma}-amino acid...
Scripps research study describes new tool in the fight against autoimmune diseases, blood cancers
Jupiter, Florida, November 30, 2009 -- A study led by a Scripps Research Institute scientist describes a new, highly pragmatic approach to the identification of molecules that prevent a...
Observatory: A Beetle, Its Eggs and the Secrets of a Glue
An insect that glues its eggs to the branches of the asparagus plant may help scientists learn to protect the plants.
Scientists gain new understanding of disease-causing bacteria
A team of scientists from The Forsyth Institute, the University of Connecticut Health Center, the CDC and the Wadsworth Center, have used state-of-the-art technology to elucidate the molecular architecture of...
Two-pronged protein attack could be source of SARS virulence
Researchers have uncovered what they believe could be the major factor contributing to the SARS virus' virulence: the pathogen's use of a single viral protein to weaken host cell defenses...
Amphibians as environmental omen disputed
Amphibians, for years considered a leading indicator of environmental degradation, are not uniquely susceptible to pollution, according to a new meta-analysis.
Plan to breed lab monkeys splits Puerto Rican town
(AP) -- Puerto Rico has such a bad history with research monkeys running amok that some residents are stunned that its government has tentatively approved a plan to import...
New mechanism of blocking HIV-1 from entering cells identified
Researchers have found a novel mechanism by which drugs block HIV-1 from entering host cells.
Protein might aid probiotics producers
NORWICH, England, Nov. 30 (UPI) -- British scientists say they've crystallized a protein that may help gut bacteria bind to the gastrointestinal tract, thereby aiding producers of probiotics.
It takes two to infect: Structural biologists shed light on mechanism of invasion protein
Bacteria are quite creative when infecting the human organism. They invade cells, migrate through the body, avoid an immune response and misuse processes of the host cell for their own...
Vultures should be allowed role as 'nature's waste managers', say Spanish researchers
Mad cow regulations deprived vultures of carcasses to feed off, reversing revival of European populations, say researchersEurope's carrion-guzzling vultures should be allowed to return to their old jobs as nature's waste managers, according...
Bacteria make light work of detecting landmines
Developing countries could eventually benefit from genetically modified bacteria that glow in the presence of landmines.
Seeing family for the holidays? Scientists discover how the stress might kill you
If you ever thought the stress of seeing your extended family over the holidays was slowly killing you -- bad news: a new research report in the December 2009 print...
Bottom-up approach vital for climate projects in Africa
Africa needs grassroots participation to benefit from the Clean Development Mechanism, argues Durando Ndongsok.
Immunity-Related Genes in Leafcutting Bee Uncovered
(PhysOrg.com) -- The first analysis of immunity-related genes in a solitary bee has been conducted by Agricultural Research Service (ARS) scientists and cooperators.
Aussie fish to have check up
A new study aims to find out whether freshwater fish in Australia are struggling, a problem that could increase mosquito-born diseases.
Spider Builds Body Double to Catch Prey
Well-placed decoys help orb spiders elude attack.
Right/left handedness of snails changed in the lab
(PhysOrg.com) -- Like most animals, snails have either left- or right-handed asymmetry (chirality), both internally and externally, and the handedness is hereditary. A new study has for the first time...
Freeze Protector Is Protein-free
Biochemistry: First-in-class natural antifreeze from Alaskan beetle has carbohydrate and lipid components.
Historic science papers go online
The Royal Society marks the start of its 350th year by putting 60 of its most memorable research papers online.
Science Weekly Extra podcast: EO Wilson on the immense, hidden loss of species
This is an extended extract of a phone interview with biologist, author and conservation campaigner EO Wilson. The problem of biodiversity loss has been "eased off centre stage" as the...