Latest science news in Biology & Nature
NEW SPECIES PICTURES: Giant Rat, Silky Cuscus Found
A "handsome" three-foot rodent is among the 40 potentially new species found on Mount Bosavi in central Papua New Guinea, one of the least explored places on Earth, conservationists say.
Researchers Restore Missing Protein In Rare Genetic Brain Disorder
Researchers have successfully used protease inhibitors to restore to normal levels a key protein involved in early brain development. Reduced levels of that protein have been shown to cause the...
Chimps Trained To Enable Keepers To Take DNA Samples With Cheek Swabs
As the 25th anniversary of the discovery of DNA fingerprinting approaches, geneticists interested in a particular type of DNA are receiving some help from an unusual band of assistants. Chimpanzees...
How Manuka Honey Helps Fight Infection
Manuka honey may kill bacteria by destroying key bacterial proteins. Researchers investigated the mechanisms of manuka honey action and found that its anti-bacterial properties were not due solely to the...
Turning Bacteria Into Protein Production Factories
By adapting a single protein on the surface of the bacterium Caulobacter crescentus, researchers have turned it into a protein production factory, making useful proteins that can act as vaccines...
Novel Bacterial Strains Clear Algal Toxins From Drinking Water
Researchers have identified novel bacterial strains capable of neutralizing toxins produced by blue-green algae.
Building Better Bone Replacements With Bacteria
Bacteria that manufacture hydroxyapatite could be used to make stronger, more durable bone implants. Using Serratia bacteria, researchers show that the bacterial cells stuck tightly to surfaces such as titanium...
Endangered Sumatran rhino dies in zoo
An endangered Sumatran rhino has died at the Cincinnati Zoo, a setback to a program that successfully produced the first calves born in captivity in more than a century.
How 'fussy food' holds key to bumblebees' survival
Details of how scientists plan to bring a previously extinct bumblebee back to the UK have been revealed.
World Briefing | Asia: Myanmar: Rare Turtle Rediscovered
The Arakan forest turtle, once though to be extinct, has been rediscovered in a remote forest in Myanmar, researchers said Monday.
Largest ever Alzheimer's genome study unveils dementia mysteries
British scientists have discovered two new genes associated with Alzheimer's disease, while French colleagues uncovered a third. The results, from the largest ever Alzheimer's genome-wide association study (GWAS) involving 16,000...
Star-shaped cells in the brain aid with learning
(PhysOrg.com) -- Every movement and every thought requires the passing of specific information between networks of nerve cells. To improve a skill or to learn something new entails more efficient...
Seaweed suspected in French death
Police investigate whether a lorry driver who died in July is the first victim of toxic seaweed clogging the Brittany coast.
Three genes linked to Alzheimer’s disease risk
Genome studies highlight gene variants that may give new directions to studies of the neurodegenerative disorder
Feature: Can a parrot get justice under a Regional Forest Agreement?
A case to save the habitat of the Tasmanian swift parrot has highlighted the shortcomings of laws for protecting endangered species in Australia.
Multiple moose births questioned in Alaska
FAIRBANKS, Alaska, Sept. 6 (UPI) -- Reports of possible multiple births among Alaska's moose population are likely inaccurate and instead related to the species' parental habits, biologists say.
Gene variant controls diabetic cells
People with Type 2 diabetes may have genetic variants that affect how their muscle cells respond to insulin, a new study suggests.
Monkey brains signal the desire to explore
Sticking with what you know often comes at the price of learning about more favorable alternatives...
Open Source DNA: A New Solution To Guarantee Privacy And Scientific Freedom In Genetic Research
A new mathematical tool from a computer scientist in Israel aims to protect genetic privacy while giving genomic data to researchers.
Mitotic Release Of Chromatin-binding RNA Gives Insight Into X Chromosome Silencing
Early in development, mammalian female cells counteract their double dose of X chromosomes by coating one of them with a large RNA named XIST. The RNA binds to the same...
West Coast fishermen embark on new wave of fishing
HARBOR, Ore. (AP) -- The West Coast groundfish fleet has struggled to stay afloat during major cutbacks to reverse long-standing problems with overfishing and to protect...
Polishing Your Online Dating Profile
CNET's Natali Del Conte Gets Pointers on Perfecting It From Match.com Expert
Edward Goldsmith, Environmentalist, Dies at 80
Mr. Goldsmith was something of a utopian, something of a polemicist and, not surprisingly, something of a polarizing figure as well.
Space Sights and Smells Surprise Rookie Astronauts
The sights and smells of real spaceflight can be surprising for rookie astronauts.
Shark attacks very rare worldwide
GALVESTON, Texas, Sept. 4 (UPI) -- Shark attacks worldwide are rare, with only 40 reported so far in 2009, a Texas A&M University at Galveston marine biologist said.
Scientists See Rare Turtle for First Time in the Wild
Conservationists hope to protect one of the rarest turtle species.
Organic apple orchard floor maintenance techniques
Successful organic apple farming literally starts from the ground up. Maintaining a healthy orchard floor is the key to preventing weeds and keeping soil healthy. Logically, finding effective methods to...
Humans spread out of Africa later
Modern humans spread out of Africa 20,000 years later than previously thought, according to new genetic research just published.