Latest science news in Biology & Nature
BioVault Locks Up Biometrics
A system that allows biometric data to be used to create a secret key for data encryption has been developed by researchers in South Africa.
Engineering Adult Stem Cells to Cure Blind Mice
Researchers at the University of Florida claim to be the first to use targeted gene manipulation to take adult stem cells and change them into another kind of cell completely. They changed...
Antibody Targeting Of Glioblastoma Shows Promise In Preclinical Tests
Cancer researchers have successfully tested a small, engineered antibody they say shuts down growth of human glioblastoma tumors in cell and animal studies. Glioblastoma is the deadliest of brain cancers;...
Robotics Insights Through Flies' Eyes
To understand how a fly's tiny brain processes visual information efficiently enough to guide its aerobatic feats -- and ultimately to build more capable robots -- researchers have set up...
New chemical imaging technique could help in the fight against atherosclerosis
A new chemical imaging technique could one day help in the fight against atherosclerosis, suggests research published in the August 2009 edition of the Journal of the Royal Society Interface...
UC San Diego engineer provides insights to decades-old DNA squabble
A group of nanoengineers, biologists and physicists have used innovative approaches to deduce the internal structure of chromatin, a key player in DNA regulation, to reconcile a longstanding controversy in...
Structure of protective protein in the eye lens revealed
The human eye lens consists of a highly concentrated mix of several proteins. Protective proteins prevent these proteins from aggregating and clumping. If this protective function fails, the lens blurs...
Parasites ready to jump
Transposons are mobile genetic elements found in the hereditary material of humans and other organisms. They can replicate and the new copies can insert at novel sites in the genome. Because this threatens...
Observatory: Microscopic Creatures Stir the Oceans
Researchers estimate that ocean mixing caused by small marine creatures was roughly equal to that contributed by winds and tides.
Bacteria for Brains
Some math problems can only be solved by throwing exponentially more computer processors at them. Bacteria could be the answer.
Race plays role in rare deadly tumor
ROCHESTER, Minn., July 31 (UPI) -- A rare tumor called primary central nervous system lymphoma was two times more likely to be found in blacks ages 20 to 49...
Research Examines Evasive Plant Impact
An invasive shrub that is crowding out native species of plants and animals across the United States is being investigated this summer by three Valparaiso University students, whose research findings...
Sperm made of stem cells claim retracted
A scientific journal has retracted a controversial paper claiming to have created the first human sperm from embryonic stem cells.
Tracking Alien Species With Smart Phones
New smart-phone applications may enable the public to help scientists monitor invasive species and collect data in a fraction of the time it normally takes. Video.
Vestigial Organs Not So Useless After All, Studies Find
Sure, you can live without your spleen or your appendix, but evidence is mounting that these and other "useless" vestigial organs are actually hard at work keeping you healthy.
National assessment done on potential invasive snail and slug pests in US
A collaborative team led by a University of Hawai'i at Manoa researcher has published the first-ever assessment of snail and slug species that are of potential threat to the nation's...
Drug-proof zebrafish reveal secrets of addiction
The effects of amphetamines on gene expression in zebrafish have been uncovered. This new study, published in BioMed Central's open access journal Genome Biology, provides clues to the genetics that...
Honeybees warn of risky flowers
Honeybees warn each other to steer clear of dangerous flowers where predators lurk, scientists discover.
Watchers track butterflies for environment signs
(AP) -- The rusty van creaks to a halt and two men jump out, binoculars in hand, heads pivoting. Quickly, questioningly, they call out evocative names: Is that a...
Genetic Link To Age-related Cataracts Uncovered
Scientists have discovered the first gene associated with the formation of age-related cataracts, a leading causes of blindness.
Warmer Environment Means Shorter Lives For Cold-blooded Animals
Temperature explains much of why cold-blooded organisms such as fish, amphibians, crustaceans, and lizards live longer at higher latitudes than at lower latitudes, according to new research.
Assisted Reproductive Techniques Alter Expression Of Genes Important For Metabolism
Assisted reproductive techniques alter the expression of genes that are important for metabolism and the transport of nutrients in the placenta of mice. The results underscore the need for greater...
Obama touts stem cell research
WASHINGTON, July 30 (UPI) -- U.S. President Barack Obama told department heads Thursday to abide by new rules for "ethically responsible, scientifically worthy" human stem cell research.
Butterflies tracked as a barometer
It's butterfly counting time at a Georgia wildlife refuge. That means a sweaty but fun outing with a serious side: Some researchers worry butterfly populations might be in decline.
Researchers Shed Light on Muscle Growth Regulator
(PhysOrg.com) -- Research at the University of Cincinnati has led to the first published structure of myostatin, a protein that regulates muscle growth in animals, offering hope for major advances...
Battling scientists reach consensus on health of global fish stocks
Many depleted fisheries are making good progress to recovery.
Will a well-mixed, warmer lake doom invasive fish?
(PhysOrg.com) -- The rainbow smelt, an invasive fish that threatens native species such as walleye and perch, may soon be feeling the heat -- literally.
Stress rewires the brain to make rats creatures of habit
Chronic stress rewires the brains of rats to make them creatures of habit who make rote decisions instead of changing their behavior to gain rewards, a study published Thursday has...