Latest science news in Biology & Nature
Lighter sentence for murderer with 'bad genes'
Italian court reduces jail term after tests identify genes linked to violent behaviour.
Chemosensitivity of cancer cells depends on their protein dependency
Two different anti-apoptotic proteins support cancer cell survival via an identical mechanism, yet differ in their sensitivity to chemotherapeutic drugs, report Brunelle et al. The study will be published online...
Will genomics help prevent the next pandemic?
This week, the Public Library of Science, an open-access publisher, presents the 'Genomics of Emerging Infectious Disease,' a collection of essays, perspectives, and reviews that explores how genomics - with...
Inhaled Nanotubes Reach Lung Lining In Mice
Nanotoxicology: Carbon structures cause unique physiological effects, study shows.
Mushrooms, Water-repellents More Similar Than You Might Think
The same phenomenon that occurs when it's time for certain mushrooms to eject spores also occurs when dew droplets skitter across a surface that is highly water repellent.
A solution to Darwin's 'mystery of the mysteries' emerges from the dark matter of the genome
Biological species are often defined on the basis of reproductive isolation. Ever since Darwin pointed out his difficulty in explaining why crosses between two species often yield sterile or inviable...
Changes in brain chemicals mark shifts in infant learning
When do you first leave the nest? Early in development infants of many species experience important transitions - such as learning when to leave the protective presence of their mother...
Polarized Peepers: Crustacean's Eyes Surpass Man-Made Optical Devices in Manipulating Light
A fierce crustacean known as the peacock mantis shrimp has eyes so refined they can perceive polarized light, including information that is invisible to nearly every other member of the animal kingdom. Not...
Whales are polite conversationalists
What do a West African drummer and a sperm whale have in common? According to some reports, they can both spot rhythms in the chatter of an ocean crowded with...
Disrupting Sleep Causes Problems for the Body and Brain
New research in mice now shows that throwing off natural circadian rhythms over the long term can seriously disturb the body and brain, causing weight gain and impulsive behavior. It...
Enzyme found essential for nerve growth
BOSTON, Oct. 27 (UPI) -- U.S. medical researchers say they've determined an enzyme known as Mst3b is essential for regenerating damaged axons, or nerve fibers, in an animal model.
Scientists Map Fish Habitat And Movements At Gray's Reef Marine Sanctuary
Two related research expeditions by NOAA scientists to track the habitat preferences and movements of fish at Gray's Reef National Marine Sanctuary may help managers protect overfished species such as...
Moderate Amounts Of Protein Per Meal Found Best For Building Muscle
A recent study by metabolism researchers shows that only about the first 30 grams (just over one ounce) of dietary protein consumed in a meal actually produce muscle.
S. Korean cloning scientist avoids jail
A disgraced South Korean stem cell scientist has escaped a jail sentence after being convicted on charges relating to his elaborately faked research.
Tiny ears found on butterfly’s wings
A butterfly species equipped with tiny ears on its wings can distinguish between high and low pitch sounds, possibly as a way to listen in on nearby birds, new research...
Genetic mutation ups schizophrenia risk
COLD SPRING HARBOR, N.Y., Oct. 26 (UPI) -- A U.S.-led team of geneticists says it has identified a mutation on human chromosome 16 that substantially increases the risk of...
Sudden moves spark brain battle
Neurons compete in a royal rumble for the brain's attention.
New genetic sequencing standards proposed
LOS ALAMOS, N.M., Oct. 26 (UPI) -- U.S. and Canadian scientists say they've proposed a set of standards designed to elucidate the quality of publicly available genetic sequencing information.
UBC researchers find key microbial indicator of ocean health
A team of researchers at the University of British Columbia, along with colleagues at the US Dept. of Energy Joint Genome Institute, has mapped the genome of a microbe that...
Johns Hopkins scientists show how tiny cells deliver big sound
Deep in the ear, 95 percent of the cells that shuttle sound to the brain are big, boisterous neurones that, to date, have explained most of what scientists know about...
Scientists of the UGR obtain a bioinsecticide to control the Mediterranean fruit fly
The Mediterranean fruit fly, Ceratitis capitata, is a world plague which represents one of the most serious problems for agriculture. However, the control methods currently present in the market for...
Isle squirrel crosses to mainland
Red squirrels found on the isle of Anglesey have crossed over to the mainland for the first time in decades, say experts.
Boston University scientists first to see RNA network in live bacterial cells
Scientists who study RNA have faced a formidable roadblock: trying to examine RNA's movements in a living cell when they can't see the RNA. Now, a new technology has given...
A starter
A shameless bio about myself to begin with. My name in Sanskrit means utterly curious - I do not deny that completely.
Evolutionary Past May Determine How We Choose Leaders
Why did Barack Obama win the US election and did the fact he is over six feet tall influence the voters? Researchers argue that due to 'a hangover from our...
Shrimp's eye points way to better DVDs
LONDON (Reuters) - The amazing eyes of a giant shrimp living on Australia's Great Barrier Reef could hold the key to developing a new type of super high-quality DVD player,...
Flipper Forms Follow Function in Sea Creatures
Scientists figure out how flippers help dolphins swim.
New methods avoid trans fats
A report has found that Aussies are no longer getting too many trans fatty acids in their diet, due to changes in food production.