Latest science news in Biology & Nature
New cause of osteoporosis: Mutation in a miroRNA
Many biological processes are controlled by small molecules known as microRNAs. Researchers have now identified a previously unknown microRNA (miR-2861) as crucial to bone maintenance in mice and humans; significantly,...
Task force doctor stands by mammogram advice
(AP) -- A member of the panel whose new mammogram recommendations have led to confusion is defending the task force's report.
Deer DNA helps husbandry
Researchers are working to identify variants in deer DNA, and make it easy for farmers to identify them when breeding better animals.
How plant stem cells guard against genetic damage
Scientists have shown how plants can protect themselves against genetic damage caused by environmental stresses. The growing tips of plant roots and shoots have an in-built mechanism that, if it...
Nanoparticles cause genetic damage in mice
LOS ANGELES, Nov. 17 (UPI) -- A U.S. study has shown titanium dioxide nanoparticles found in numerous household items can cause systemic genetic damage in mice.
Bigger not necessarily better, when it comes to brains
Tiny insects could be as intelligent as much bigger animals, despite only having a brain the size of a pinhead, say scientists. Animals with bigger brains are not necessarily more...
Darwin's finches tracked to reveal evolution in action
A new species of finch may have arisen in the Galapagos.
Slowing evolution to stop drug resistance
Infectious organisms that become resistant to antibiotics are a serious threat to human society. They are also a natural part of evolution. In a new project, researchers at the University...
Penguins and sea lions help produce new atlas
Recording hundreds of thousands of individual uplinks from satellite transmitters fitted on penguins, albatrosses, sea lions, and other marine animals, the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) and BirdLife International have released...
K-State researchers studying link between climate change and cattle nutritional stress
Kansas State University's Joseph Craine, research assistant professor in the Division of Biology, and KC Olson, associate professor in animal sciences and industry, have teamed up with some other scientists...
Analysing structural brain changes in Alzheimer's disease
In a study that promises to improve diagnosis and monitoring of Alzheimer's disease, scientists at the University of California, San Diego have developed a fast and accurate method for quantifying...
Watching Lyme disease-causing microbes move in ticks
Lyme disease is caused by the microbe Borrelia burgdorferi, which is transmitted to humans from feeding ticks. Justin Radolf and colleagues, at the University of Connecticut Health Centre, Farmington, have...
Cautious conservation: How to ensure that slowing global warming will protect biodiversity
While it is clear that massive destruction of tropical rainforests poses a serious threat to the incredibly rich biodiversity found on Earth, other hazards are not so explicit. An international...
How cells tolerate DNA damage - start signal for cell survival program identified
Cancer researchers of the Max Delbrueck Centre for Molecular Medicine (MDC) Berlin-Buch have gained new insights into how cells react to DNA damage. Dr Michael Stilmann, Dr Michael Hinz and...
Investigating muscle repair, scientists follow their noses
When muscle cells need repair, they use odour-detecting tools found in the nose to start the process, researchers have discovered...
The indefinite self-renewal of specialized cells without the need for stem cell intermediates
(PhysOrg.com) -- Is the indefinite expansion of adult cells possible without recourse to stem cell intermediates? The team led by Michael Sieweke at the Centre d'immunologie de Marseille Luminy, France...
Finding a protective mechanism for retinal cells could save sight
Determining what triggers the death of retinal cells, called photoreceptors, could hold the key to stopping blinding disorders caused by a wide range of eye diseases, researchers report.
Skin color gives clues to health
Researchers from the universities of Bristol and St. Andrews in the UK have found that the color of a person's skin affects how healthy and therefore attractive they appear, and...
Scientists guide immune cells with light and microparticles
Scientists have developed a new approach to studying how immune cells chase down bacteria in our bodies. They used holographic optical tweezers to guide "artificial bacteria" -- microparticles that mimic...
Study: Skunks may be predator-safe
DAVIS, Calif., Nov. 16 (UPI) -- A U.S. study shows predators familiar with skunks avoid them, both because of their black-and-white coloration and their distinctive body shape.
Birds 'See' Earth's Magnetic Field
When birds migrate over long distances -- sometimes thousands of miles -- they usually end up in exactly the same place year after year. Such accurate feats of navigation, accomplished...
Genome Engineering Could Provide New Method of Creating Biodiesel
When we think of genetic engineering, our minds often jump to giant tomatoes and animal cloning. However, this is not always the case.
Stabilized Helix Cracks Cancer Target
Chemical Biology: Stapled peptide thwarts notch, a master cell regulator.
GFP In Motion
Photochemistry: Ultrafast method reveals how green fluorescent protein changes during proton transfer.
Disease-proof chickpea created
Australia has developed a new variety of chickpea that is resistant to common crop diseases and produces high yields.
Bacteria change tactic revealed
New research has provided insight into the way bacteria cope with changing environments by 'hedging their bets'.
Greenpeace 'to put humans first'
The new head of Greenpeace, South African Kumi Naidoo, tells BBC he will make human life more of a priority for the environmental group.
Stargazing treat - forest park given Dark Sky honour
Galloway Forest Park is officially unveiled as the first Dark Sky Park for stargazers in the UK.