Latest science news in Biology & Nature
Natural Born Killers: How The Body's Frontline Immune Cells Decide Which Cells To Destroy
The mechanism used by "natural killer" immune cells in the human body to distinguish between diseased cells, which they are meant to destroy, and normal cells, which they are meant...
Freshwater fish at top of food chain evolve more slowly
Since evolving to eat other fish, freshwater fish at the top of the food chain have remained relatively unchanged compared with their insect- and snail-eating cousins, according to new research....
Male Germ Cells Can Be Directly Converted Into Other Cell Types
Researchers have found a way to directly convert spermatogonial stem cells, the precursors of sperm cells, into tissues of the prostate, skin and uterus.
'Corrective Genes' Closer Due To Enzyme Modification
Scientists have re-engineered a human enzyme, a protein that accelerates chemical reactions within the human body, to become highly resistant to harmful agents such as chemotherapy.
Standard DNA Barcodes For Plants?
Researchers are recommending standards for the DNA barcoding of land plants, a step they hope will lead to a universal system for identifying over 400,000 species, and ultimately boost conservation...
Comprehensive Look At Rare Leukemia Finds Relatively Few Genetic Changes Launch Disease
The most comprehensive analysis yet of the genome of childhood acute myeloid leukemia found only a few mistakes in the genetic blueprint, suggesting the cancer arises from just a handful...
Antioxidant In Substance From Honeybees May Protect Athletes From Overheating
A compound from honeybees known as propolis, the substance bees use to seal their hives, may protect against heat stress in athletes, according to a new article.
More To Bats' Vision Than Meets The Eye
The eyes of nocturnal bats possess two spectral cone photoreceptor types for daylight and color vision. Scientists have detected cones and their visual pigments in two flower-visiting species of bat.
Extinction Crisis Looms In Oceania
Governments must act urgently to halt loss of habitats and invading species that are posing major threats to biodiversity and causing species extinctions across Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific...
Fox Chase researchers uncover one force behind the MYC oncogene in many cancers
DLX5, a gene crucial for embryonic development, promotes cancer by activating the expression of the known oncogene, MYC, according to researchers from Fox Chase Cancer Centre. Since the DLX5 gene...
Wild mushrooms poison Quebecer
A 65-year-old Quebec woman died Friday after eating poisonous mushrooms at the beginning of July, even though her friends say she was an expert on wild mushrooms.
Brain Power: In Battle, Hunches Prove to Be Valuable
U.S. soldiers are at the center of an effort to understand how it is that some people’s brains can sense danger before others’ do.
Flying ants: Love is in the air
Hundreds of people have spent the last few days fending off swarms of flying ants, particularly in the south of England. Even Twitter was abuzz with messages, such as "flying ants copulating...
Brain’s Potential Explained by Big New Idea
Components in the brain's cortex may determine our ability to learn
Microbes and their hosts -- exploring the complexity of symbiosis in DNA and cell biology
New Rochelle, NY, July 28, 2009 -- The unique association between microorganisms and their hosts, whether insects, plants, or mammals, provides a fascinating view into how microbial symbionts adapt to...
Researcher Sheds Light On 'Man-eating' Squid; Finds Them Timid, Non-threatening
Recent news reports about scuba divers off San Diego being menaced by large numbers of Humboldt's or jumbo squid have raised the ire of a University of Rhode Island biologist....
Disturbed Calcium Signaling May Play Critical Role In Brain Cell Degeneration
Scientists have found strong evidence that abnormal calcium signaling in neurons may play an important role in the development of spinocerebellar ataxia type 2 (SCA2), a disorder causing progressive loss...
A yeast cancer model for mapping cancer genes
Researchers have devised a scheme for identifying genes in yeast that could lead to the identification of new cancer genes in humans. The study is published online this week in...
Researchers team up to provide new hope for childhood hunger
A St. Louis-based team of plant and physician-scientists with a vision of eradicating malnutrition throughout the developing world today announced the formation of the Global Harvest Alliance (GHA), a humanitarian...
Good times of the animal kind
Few humans would disagree that a good chuckle every now and again feels good. Well, monkeys, dogs, fish and other animials get a kick out of life as well.
HIV relies on cell mechanism
A study has found that HIV may rely on a cell process called autophagy, where cells digest some of their own components.
Woodlands 'losing biodiversity'
UK woodlands are becoming less biologically distinctive as a result of increased soil fertility and tree cover, researchers suggest.
Orangutans unique in movement through tree tops
Movement through a complex meshwork of small branches at the heights of tropical forests presents a unique challenge to animals wanting to forage for food safely. It can be particularly...
Pi-calculus based assembly mechanism of UML state diagram and Validation of model refinement
Paper: Pi-calculus based assembly mechanism of UML state diagram and Validation of model refinement Author: Yefei Zhao, Zongyuan Yang, Jinkui Xie
Feature: Artful Dodgers
A sports scientist explains the art and science behind the effective 'sidestep' move in Rugby League, and why it is so difficult to defend.
New Zealand Tree Stuck in a Time Warp
Plant still harbors adaptations that protected it from a long-dead foe
Monkey Mind-Controls Robot Arm
Monkeys with computer chips implanted in their brains are helping researchers develop technology that could help paralyzed humans become more self-sufficient. Video.
Unusual Effects On Cell Infected By Virus Found In Boiling Acidic Spring In Yellowstone National Park
Researchers have noted unusual effects on a cell infected by a virus collected from a boiling, acidic spring in Yellowstone.