Latest science news in Biology & Nature
Company sequences whole human genome for $1,700
WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Want to know your entire DNA sequence? A California company has done it for as little as $1,700.
New source for afib is discovered
PHILADELPHIA, Nov. 5 (UPI) -- Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania's School of Medicine say they have discovered a novel cellular source of atrial fibrillation.
Global endangered species list grows
The International Union for Conservation of Nature is adding over 2,800 plants and animals to its 2009 Red List of endangered species.
New areas of brain structure identified
NEW YORK, Nov. 4 (UPI) -- A U.S.-led team of scientists says it's found four areas of the precuneus structure of monkey and human brains that had been thought...
Flemish researchers develop revolutionary technology for use in plant breeding
One of the greatest challenges of this century is making the food supply secure in a world that finds itself under increasing pressure from the growing population, changing food patterns...
Two genes cooperate to cause aggressive leukaemia
Two genes, each one of which is known to cause cancer on its own, together can lead to aggressive leukaemia. This is the conclusion from new research carried out on...
Timber harvest impacts amphibians differently during life stages
Frogs are croaking in clear-cut forests, but not exactly in their traditional manner. University of Missouri researchers found that removing all of the trees from a section of the forest...
Giant crack in Africa may create a new ocean
A 35-mile rift in the desert of Ethiopia will likely become a new ocean eventually, researchers now confirm.
Scientists create diabetic fruit flies
COLLEGE PARK, Md., Nov. 3 (UPI) -- University of Maryland medical researchers say they have created fruit fly models of diabetes to study the genetics involved in the disease.
Discovery Of Novel Protein Offers Hope For Possible Parkinson’s Disease Cure
Researchers have found an essential key to possibly cure Parkinson's disease. They have discovered that a novel protein -- known as protein kinase-C -- kills dopamine-producing cells in the brain.
Tiny Laser-scanning Microscope Images Brain Cells In Freely Moving Animals
By building a tiny microscope small enough to be carried around on a rat's head, scientists in Germany have found a way to study the complex activity of many brain...
Over 17,000 species threatened by extinction
A rare Panamanian tree frog, a rodent from Madagascar and two lizards found only in the Philippines are among over 17,000 species threatened with extinction, a leading environmental group said...
Frog embryos associate the smell of predators with danger
(PhysOrg.com) -- A new study in the US and Canada has found that frogs can learn to associate the smell of predators with danger, even as embryos.
Lagoon size can be predicted
(PhysOrg.com) -- The size of Santa Barbara area lagoons can be predicted, according to a new study by UC Santa Barbara scientists, who say that their research could help protect...
Scientists Plot Genetic Ploy Against Grain Pest
(PhysOrg.com) -- Aided by a genomic map of the red flour beetle, Tribolium castaneum, Agricultural Research Service (ARS) and university scientists are plotting a kind of genetic sabotage on the...
Native rats may evict exotics
Researchers believe they may be able to lessen Sydney’s black rat problem by introducing a native rat species we accidentally wiped out.
Brain maps help guide you through large-scale space, researchers find
Lost? Not sure how to get home? Trying to find your way through the mall or an airport? Help is on the way, thanks to a stack of cells, or...
82 healthy sea turtles hatch at San Diego SeaWorld
(AP) -- The population of endangered green sea turtles at SeaWorld in San Diego grew by 82 in October when the eggs hatched on Shipwreck Beach without human help.
There's a speed limit to the pace of evolution, Penn biologists say
Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania have developed a theoretical model that informs the understanding of evolution and determines how quickly an organism will evolve using a catalogue of 'evolutionary...
Spider mite predators serve as biological control
The control of spider mites, which damage tree leaves, reduce fruit quality and cost growers millions of dollars in the use of pesticide and oil spraying, is being biologically controlled...
A marvellous hummingbird display
The amazing mating display of the marvellous spatule hummingbird is filmed in super slow motion for the first time.
Ecology in Organic Ag: Combining Farming, Science
The new book, "Organic Farming: The Ecological System," combines farmer experience with the latest scientific research to better understand the role of organics in modern agriculture.
Giving Sight by Therapy With Genes
Once clinging to his mother and father, now playing Little League and riding go-carts, a 8-year-old benefited from a new technique.
Warming puts little fish at risk
Big fish are bullying small ones to death in the fight for food and shelter on bleached reefs, putting ecosystems and industries at risk, new research has found.
A Body Count for Two Man-Eating Lions
Infamous cats may have been responding to changes in their habitat [Read more]
Light Commands Ion Channel
Chemical Biology: Photosensitive reaction opens or shuts potassium's flow.
Study: Bacteria may limit space travel
LORRAINE, France, Nov. 2 (UPI) -- French scientists say the prolific virulence and growth of bacteria in space, coupled with reduced production of antibodies, might limit future space travel.
Molecular Markers
The development of molecular techniques for genetic analysis has led to a great augmentation in our knowledge of crop genetics and our understanding of the structure and behavior of various...