Latest science news in Biology & Nature
Predators best pest control
Using barn owls, instead of poison, to control vermin can save farmers money and help the environment, according to new research.
New Images Capture Cell's Ribosomes At Work
Researchers have captured elusive nanoscale movements of ribosomes at work, shedding light on how these cellular factories take in genetic instructions and amino acids to churn out proteins. The achievement...
Gene discovery reveals a critical protein's function in hearing
Discovery of a deafness-causing gene defect in mice has helped identify a new protein that protects sensory cells in the ear, according to a study led by University of Iowa...
Should females trust showy males?
Research by evolutionary biologists at the University of Glasgow suggests females should be wary of initial flashy display which may not have staying power...
Artificial Life One Step Closer: Scientists Clone And Engineer Bacterial Genomes In Yeast And Transplant Genomes Back Into Bacterial Cells
Scientists have developed new methods in which an entire bacterial genome was cloned in a yeast cell by adding yeast centromeric plasmid sequence to the bacterial chromosome and modified it...
Sugar hit triggers bug's drug slug
An engineered bacterium can deliver a therapeutic protein straight to the gut when fed with xylan.
Lightning helps create artificial blood vessels
Lightning bolts could help create artificial organs, according to new research by scientists at Texas A&M University.
Diarrhea disorder Giardiasis caused by two different parasite species
(PhysOrg.com) -- Researchers from Uppsala University and the Karolinska Institute have found major genetic differences between the human variants of the intestinal parasite Giardia intestinalis. Sequencing of the genomes using...
Super-sized tiny proteins
What are the causes of illness? How can the effect of medication be improved? Molecular biologists can now gain new insights by the virtual simulations generated with a new type...
Female sticklebacks see right through the sexual display of flashy males
An investigation into sexual display in sticklebacks illustrates the pitfalls of judging a man by the size of his medallion
DNA Catalyst Cuts DNA Sequence-Specifically
Strategy could allow chemists to cut a far broader range of DNA sequences than currently possible with restriction enzymes.
Microfluidics makes its mark
A one-step microfluidic chip that can detect disease markers in a single drop of blood serum
Mouse brain rewires its neural circuits to recuperate from damaged neural function after stroke
Japanese research group led by Professor Junichi Nabekura in National Institute for Physiological Sciences, NIPS, Japan, found that, after cerebral stroke in one side of the mouse brain, another side...
Evolution Of The Human Appendix: A Biological 'Remnant' No More
The lowly appendix, long-regarded as a useless evolutionary artifact, won newfound respect two years ago when researchers proposed that it actually serves a critical function. The appendix, they said, is...
Lizards Bask in Sun for Vitamins
Lizards look like they're tanning, but they're really soaking in the Vitamin D.
Is Cloned Beef Safe?: Probably...
The US FDA approved the sale of meat, milk and byproducts made from cloned cattle in late 2006. A study which compared cloned cows to naturally bred cows for protein...
Baby Dolphins Don't Sleep
Challenging the idea that growing babies need rest, marine mammals stay awake for over a month. Cetacean babies are "just the reverse" of all other mammals.
Groups try to block Idaho, Montana wolf hunts
(AP) -- Conservation groups are asking a federal judge in Missoula to block fall wolf hunts in Idaho and Montana.
Traffic noise could be ruining sex lives of frogs
(AP) -- Traffic noise could be ruining the sex lives of urban frogs by drowning out the seductive croaks of amorous males, an Australian researcher said Friday.
Eight insects with ‘ick’ factor
Many insects provide humans with unheralded services such as pollination, sustenance and pest control, but some of them gross us out – or worse.
Bizarre-looking bat's strong bite
The wrinkle-faced bat's strangely shaped skull gives it a powerful bite and an advantage over other bats, according to research.
Single host gene may hold key to treating both ebola and anthrax infections
Research published by Army scientists indicates that a minor reduction in levels of one particular gene, known as CD45, can provide protection against two divergent microbes: the virus that causes...
Video: Elephant gets comfy, if not stylish, slippers
Aug. 20: British zookeepers craft a set of cozy red slippers for their sore-footed elephant. NBC's Chris Clackum reports. (NBC News Channel)
Gene swap experiment makes altering bugs easier
WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Researchers seeking ways to genetically-modify microbes to get them to do their bidding said on Thursday they had taken a big step toward their goal by transplanting...
UPI NewsTrack Health and Science News
Hotter U.S. summers are forecast … Klotho gene is linked to hypertension … Malaysian scientist finds new fly species … New thyroid cancer surgery method lauded ... Health/Science news from...
'Jumping genes' create antibiotic resistance in bacteria
(PhysOrg.com) -- A small piece of foreign DNA recognizes when and where to slip into a bacterium's genetic code, allowing bacteria to genetically adapt to their environment -- and develop...
Cleaner Fish Wear "Uniforms" to Draw Clients
Small fish living in coral reefs sport patterns of blue and yellow with dark stripes to signal their cleaning services to bigger creatures, a new study finds.
Personality types may contribute to genetic success of bighorn sheep
(PhysOrg.com) -- There must be times when University of Alberta researcher David Coltman wishes his study on animal personalities focused on something small, like a house cat. Coltman would classify...