Latest science news in Biology & Nature
Scientists Encouraged By New Mouse Model's Similarities To Human Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis
A new mouse model of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis closely resembles humans with the paralyzing disorder, researchers report. "As far as we know, this is the first mouse model that recapitulates...
Model points to promise of combined malaria control
Bednets and biopesticides show promise as a winning combination against malaria, according to a new research model.
Researchers Identify Workings Of L-form Bacteria
Researchers have for the first time identified the genetic mechanisms involved in the formation and survival of L-form bacteria. L-form bacteria, which were first discovered in the 1930s, are morphological...
Silence Of The Genes: Researchers Get First Look At Gene-Silencing Human RISC-Loading Complex
Researchers have solved the structure of a protein complex that helps determine the fate of human cells. Called a RISC-loading complex, this structure consists of small RNA molecules that control...
Long feared extinct, rare bird rediscovered
Known to science only by two specimens described in 1900, a critically endangered crow has re-emerged on a remote, mountainous Indonesian island thanks in part to a Michigan State University...
Genetics of patterning the cerebral cortex
The cerebral cortex, the largest and most complex component of the brain, is unique to mammals and alone has evolved human specialisations. Although at first all stem cells in charge...
Conservation targets too small to stop extinction
Conservation biologists are setting their minimum population size targets too low to prevent extinction...
Magnetic Nanotags Spot Cancer In Mice Earlier Than Methods Now In Clinical Use
Searching for biomarkers that can warn of diseases such as cancer while they are still in their earliest stage is likely to become far easier thanks to an innovative biosensor...
Important defense against stomach ulcer bacterium identified
A special protein in the lining of the stomach has been shown to be an important part of the body's defense against the stomach ulcer bacterium Helicobacter pylori in a...
Cellular autophagy may affect obesity
NEW YORK, Oct. 13 (UPI) -- Scientists at Albert Einstein College of Medicine say they have identified a process that regulates the formation of distinct fat cell types in...
Spider feeds mainly on plant food
PHILADELPHIA, Oct. 13 (UPI) -- U.S. and Canadian scientists say they've discovered a Central American spider species that is the first known to mainly survive on plant food.
Source of atrial fibrillation investigated
PHILADELPHIA, Oct. 13 (UPI) -- U.S. scientists say they've found a group of cells that might be part of the cause of atrial fibrillation -- the most common type...
RNA repair system discovered in bacteria
CHAMPAIGN, Ill., Oct. 13 (UPI) -- University of Illinois scientists say they have identified the first RNA repair system to be discovered in bacteria.
Dysfunctional protein dynamics behind neurological disease?
Researchers at Lund University, Sweden, have taken a snapshot of proteins changing shape, sticking together and creating structures that are believed to trigger deadly processes in the nervous system. The...
MYB - New Cancer Gene Discovered
Researchers from the University of Gothenburg say they have discovered a new cancer gene related to adenoid cystic carcinoma, a slow-growing but deadly form of cancer. The research group can...
Krill 'superswarm' formation investigated
(PhysOrg.com) -- Scientists have been studying how krill form into superswarms, which are among the largest gatherings of living creatures on Earth.
Giving cockroaches the slip (w/ Video)
(PhysOrg.com) -- A breakthrough by scientists at Cambridge University may terminate the threat of termites, cockroaches and other pests such as ants and locusts - responsible for billions of pounds...
Cambodians broker peace deal - between humans and elephants
Conservationists broker deal between elephants and villagers to save lives and protect elephant habitat.
New repellent foils cling-on bugs
An environmentally-friendly repellent that leaves pests unable to cling to surfaces is unveiled by Cambridge scientists.
Circus founder calls his trip to space a success
(AP) -- Cirque du Soleil founder Guy Laliberte on Tuesday called his 10-day space mission "a great success" because it drew attention to his efforts to guarantee access to...
Lizards filmed 'walking on water'
Remarkable slow motion film is taken of two lizards that find very different ways to walk on water.
Polymorphisms Of The Interleukin-1 Gene Complex May Influence Alcohol Dependence
Cytokines are small proteins secreted by cells that serve as molecular messengers between cells. Pro-inflammatory cytokines -- which function in the immune system -- may be involved in alcohol dependence....
Orangutans Unique In Movement Through Tree Tops
Scientists have found that orangutans move through the canopy of tropical forests in a completely different way to all other tree-dwelling primates.
Feature: Dead wood: reversing a tree regeneration crisis
Australian paddock trees are dying out, leaving grazing country under threat.
Cosmic Log: What chimps can teach us
Science editor Alan Boyle's Weblog: Some folks may think empathy is a uniquely human trait, but biology suggests that some level of fellow feeling is hard-wired into many species.
Birds in captivity lose hippocampal mass
(PhysOrg.com) -- Being in captivity for just a few weeks can reduce the volume of the hippocampus by as much as 23 percent, according to a new Cornell study.
Feature: When physics meets biology - the Holographic Neurone Stimulator
Australian scientists have combined physics and biology in order to work out how nerves process information.
How Loud is Your iPod?
Some college students listen to their iPods at volumes that may lead to hearing damage, according to a new study