Latest science news in Biology & Nature
Bizarre Lives Of Bone-eating Worms
It sounds like a classic horror story -- eyeless, mouthless worms lurk in the dark, settling onto dead animals and sending out green "roots" to devour their bones. In fact,...
Skunk's strategy not just black and white
Predators with experience of skunks avoid them both because of their black-and-white coloration and their distinctive body shape, according to UC Davis wildlife researcher Jennifer Hunter. The study was published...
Gene therapy strengthens muscles in monkeys
WASHINGTON (Reuters) - A gene therapy treatment that stops the breakdown of muscle appeared safe in monkeys and may build up muscle, too, researchers reported on Wednesday.
Six-year limit on DNA of innocent
The DNA of most innocent people arrested in England and Wales will not be held for more than six years
Marine Bill enters final stages
The Marine Bill, which will pave the way for creation of marine conservation zones, is set to become law.
Discovery in worms by Queen's researchers points to more targeted cancer treatment
Researchers at Queen's University have found a link between two genes involved in cancer formation in humans, by examining the genes in worms. The groundbreaking discovery provides a foundation for...
The deep-sea crab that eats trees
Deep under the ocean, a species of crab survives by eating wood that has sunk to the sea floor, scientists discover.
New York Times publishes 'crowd-funded' article
The science section of The New York Times contained an unusual article on Tuesday. The story about a huge floating garbage patch in the Pacific Ocean was not written...
Sanofi Taps Biotech Firm to Bolster Its Pipeline
The drugs being developed are monoclonal antibodies, which are engineered versions of proteins naturally made by the immune system.
Laboratory-Grown Replacement Of Penile Erectile Tissue In Animals Suggests Potential To Benefit Patients
In an advance that could one day enable surgeons to reconstruct and restore function to damaged or diseased penile tissue in humans, researchers at the Wake Forest Institute for Regenerative...
Deciphering The Regulatory Code: Scientists Take New Approach To Predict Gene Expression
New research by European scientists is a first step towards forecasting the expression of all genes in a given organism and demonstrates that the genetic regulation that is crucial for...
The Link Between Birdsong And Human Language
Scientists studying how Bengalese finches use sets of syllables to communicate are a step closer to understanding how humans develop and use vocabulary. After studying the neural networks in finch...
In The War Between The Sexes, The One With The Closest Fungal Relationship Wins
The war between the sexes has been fought on many fronts throughout time -- from humans to birds to insects, the animal kingdom is replete with species involved in their...
Is Genetic Dating Accurate?
Conventional types of genetic analysis may not be as accurate as believed, according to researchers writing in Trends in Genetics. Their analysis of penguins that died 44,000 years ago in Antarctica...
Engineered penis raises reproduction hopes
Complete replacement of erectile tubes makes rabbits rampant again.
Study: Genomes can vary by region
DAVIS, Calif., Nov. 10 (UPI) -- U.S. researchers say they've found variations in genomes among ethnic groups and subgroups, with clear regional differences.
Squid Fronts And Backs, Ups And Downs
One of my favorite zoologist habits is to gesture on one's own body when describing an animal's anatomy. The weirder the animal, the funnier the implicit analogy. "These worms have a...
California Decision Could Limit HDTV Choices Nationwide
New energy regulations could hurt plasma TV sales.
Study finds how to stop some cancer growth
COLD SPRING HARBOR, N.Y., Nov. 10 (UPI) -- U.S. scientists say they might have found a way to stop the growth of certain aggressive tumors for which there are...
Ship samples bloom creatures
Researchers have identified the species in the giant plankton bloom off New Zealand last month – but not the cause of the bloom itself.
Sea meeting boosts recycling
Researchers have found that people are more environmentally conscious months after meeting marine animals.
Single gene may cause curly hair
(PhysOrg.com) -- Scientists in Australia have identified a single gene that strongly influences whether you have curly or straight hair.
Turtles are 'right-flippered'
Leatherback turtles prefer use their right rear flipper rather than their left when laying eggs, scientists discover.
Koala bears 'could be wiped out'
Australia's koalas face extinction within 30 years unless the government takes urgent action, conservationists warn.
Should Human DNA Be Injected into Animals?
Is it ethical to stick human DNA into lab animals? Vote.
Plant experts unveil DNA barcode
Experts agree on a "DNA barcode" system that gives every plant on Earth a unique genetic fingerprint.
DNA tests in Cambodia bring hope for rare crocodile species
DNA tests show that Cambodia has found 35 pure-bred Siamese crocodiles, a species nearing extinction.
Organ Regeneration In Zebrafish: Unraveling The Mechanisms
The search for the holy grail of regenerative medicine -- the ability to "grow back" a perfect body part when one is lost to injury or disease -- has been...