Latest science news in Biology & Nature
Key Feature Of Immune System Survived In Humans, Other Primates For 60 Million Years
A new study has concluded that one key part of the immune system, the ability of vitamin D to regulate anti-bactericidal proteins, is so important that is has been conserved...
Scientists Prove DNA Evidence Can Be Fabricated
Time to order extra black lights and sun glasses, because crime scene investigation just got a whole lot harder. A group of Israeli scientists have proven that DNA evidence can be faked and...
Genetic Variations Linked To Brain Size
Using advanced brain imaging and genomics technologies, researchers show for the first time that natural variations in a specific gene influence brain structure. By establishing this link, the researchers have...
Fruit fly obesity neurons are identified
PASADENA, Calif., Aug. 19 (UPI) -- U.S. scientists say they've identified two groups of neurons in fruit fly brains that sense and control fat storage as do neurons in...
New gene expression test method created
ANN ARBOR, Mich., Aug. 19 (UPI) -- University of Michigan scientists say they've developed a technology that allows two water-based liquids to mingle without mixing for use in gene...
How mercury becomes toxic in the environment
Naturally occurring organic matter in water and sediment appears to play a key role in helping microbes convert tiny particles of mercury in the environment into a form that is...
Gene Vital To Brain's Stem Cells Implicated In Deadly Brain Cancer
Researchers have identified a protein that activates brain stem cells to make new neurons -- but that may be hijacked later in life to cause brain cancer in humans. The...
Neural Pathway Missing In Tone-deaf People
Nerve fibers that link perception and motor regions of the brain are disconnected in tone-deaf people, according to new research. Experts estimate that at least 10 percent of the population...
Worm Inspires Medical Adhesive
Synthetic mimic of worm's glue can bond wet materials and could be used to fix broken bones.
Exploring reactions to inequality
When primates don`t get the same rewards as their peers, they often refuse them. A Georgia State University researcher is exploring why this reaction happens, and how reactions to inequality...
Whole grain cereals, popcorn rich in antioxidants, not just fiber: study
In a first-of-its kind study, scientists reported today at the 238th National Meeting of the American Chemical Society (ACS) that snack foods like popcorn and many popular breakfast cereals contain...
Open wide and say 'zap'
WASHINGTON, Aug. 18 -- A group of researchers in Australia and Taiwan has developed a new way to analyze the health of human teeth using lasers.
Guam Navy and University of Guam partner to conserve native tree
The University of Guam has completed the establishment of a conservation planting of Guam's endangered fadang tree on the island of Tinian. Guam Navy has funded the entire project and...
Evolutionarily preserved mechanism governs use of genes
Researchers at Uppsala University have found that the protein coding parts of a gene are packed in special nucleosomes. The same type of packaging is found in the roundworm C...
2 software tools that improve identification of cancer biomarkers earn certification
. The explosive growth of genomic and proteomic data has ushered in a new era of molecular medicine in which cancer detection, diagnosis and treatment are tailored to each individual's molecular...
Speciation Through Genome Duplication More Common In Plant Evolution Than Previously Thought
Extra genomes appear, on average, to offer no benefit or disadvantage to plants, but still play a key role in the origin of new species, say scientists. Plant biologists have...
Freshwater Fish At The Top Of The Food Chain Evolve More Slowly
For avid fishermen and anglers, the largemouth bass is a favorite freshwater fish with an appetite for minnows. Once fish evolve the size and speed needed to become top predators,...
Besieged bird species recovers
Researchers have found that the Chatham Islands parea – once reduced to 40 members – is making a recovery .
Nanomagnets guide stem cells to damaged tissue
Microscopic magnetic particles have been used to bring stem cells to sites of cardiovascular injury in a new method designed to increase the capacity of cells to repair damaged tissue,...
Volcanic search finds diversity
Biologists have found new species living in a volcanic area in New Zealand – all microscopic, some potentially useful.
Bird brains prove to be very sexy
Male bowerbirds that show superior intelligence are more sexually attractive to female birds, scientists discover.
Age toll taken on wild red deer
A study of wild red deer on the Isle of Rum finds the animal's ageing process can be dramatic and sudden.
Wired US Troops Wield Hi-Tech "Dragon Egg"
Forces in Afghanistan Carrying Soft-Ball-Sized Robotic Cameras Linked to Computers to Reduce Civilian Casualties
New Method To Selectively Kill Metastatic Melanoma Cells Identified
Scientists have identified a new method for selectively killing metastatic melanoma cells, which may lead to new areas for drug development in melanoma -- a cancer that is highly resistant...
World Briefing | Africa: Kenya: Lion Population Dwindling, Agency Says
Kenya has lost an average of 100 lions in each of the last 7 years because of climate change, habitat destruction, disease and conflict with people, the Kenya Wildlife Service...
Scientists: DNA Evidence Can Be Fabricated
New York Times Reports Successful DNA Fabrication May Undermine Gold Standard of Proof in Criminal Cases
Tests Begin on Drugs That May Slow Aging
Excitement among some researchers has picked up with the apparent convergence of lines of inquiry involving genes and restricted diets.
Styrene Avoids Injurious Label For Now
Industry wins round in fight to keep chemical off California's toxics list.