Latest science news in Biology & Nature
Rare sheep may aid medical diagnostics
STANFORD, Calif., July 6 (UPI) -- U.S. scientists say rare sheep called "hair sheep" could be a key to improving medical diagnostic tests conducted in the developing world.
Sheep shrink on Scottish isle as world warms, says Stanford biologist
Wild sheep on the Scottish island of Hirta have been diminishing in size for over 20 years and now researchers have puzzled out why: it's the heat.
Late Blight -- Irish Potato Famine Fungus -- Attacks U.S. Northeast Gardens And Farms Hard
Home gardeners beware: This year, late blight -- a destructive infectious disease that caused the Irish potato famine in the 1840s -- is killing tomato and potato plants in gardens...
Dr. William Meller talks about his book 'Evolution Rx'
Diet, stretching, cancer and more. ...
Old gene mutations may cause cancer today
BEERSHEBA, Israel, July 3 (UPI) -- Gene mutations that once helped humans evolve and survive could increase the risk of cancer and other diseases today, researchers in Israel...
Genetically modified vines avoid virus
AACHEN, Germany, July 3 (UPI) -- Genetic engineering could make grapevines immune to a common virus that now results in smaller grapes and crop loss, German scientists said.
Early detection sought for aquatic invasive weed Eurasian Watermilfoil
(PhysOrg.com) -- Battling invasive plants is nothing new to Montanans, but a newcomer on the scene dwells in the water. This aquatic invader is called Eurasian watermilfoil. Fortunately, Montanans can...
Cells use import machinery to export their goods as well
(PhysOrg.com) -- In the bustling economy of the cell, little bubbles called vesicles serve as container ships, ferrying cargo to and from the port - the cell membrane. Some...
Birds Key to Serengeti Ecosystem
Seed-eating birds in the Serengeti are necessary in order to maintain the forest, scientists said this week.
Fewer California sea otters reported
MONTEREY, Calif., July 3 (UPI) -- A decrease in California's endangered sea otter population likely means their water has grown more contaminated, scientists said.
How honeybee mobs smother giant hornets to death
Bees smother hornets in a "bee ball" that kills the giant predators with heat and carbon dioxide.
Harnessing Nanoparticles To Track Cancer Cell Changes
The more dots there are, the more accurate a picture you get when you connect them. Cancer researchers adopting that philosophy have developed a new imaging technology that could give...
Even Cockroaches Get Fat on Bad Food
Cockroaches who eat an unhealthy diet become fat and mature late.
Experts Call For Federal Regulation Of Genetic Ancestry Testing
The need for a clear set of rules governing genetic ancestry testing is becoming more urgent, according to experts, given the proliferation of private corporations that promise consumers insight into...
Gene's novel role may provide key to treating liver and neurodegenerative diseases
Scientists at Singapore's Bioprocessing Technology Institute (BTI) have made a novel discovery about how the gene, "Fas-apoptosis inhibitory molecule" (FAIM), protects both immune and liver cells from apoptosis, or programmed...
New national genome centre launched
A new UK national genome centre is being officially opened today (3 July) by Nobel Laureate and genome pioneer Prof. Sir John Sulston and the Lord-Lieutenant of Norfolk...
A sanctuary threatened
The BBC's Gary Duffy assesses the future the Brazilian Pantanal, one of the World's largest freshwater wetlands.
Small Heat-Shielded Habitats Could Help Threatened Species Survive Climate Change
Intelligent countryside management could improve the survival chances of animal and plant species threatened by climate change. The creation of small heat-shielded habitats and better links between habitats would counteract...
New Actions Of Neurochemicals Discovered
Although the tiny roundworm Caenorhabditis elegans has only 302 neurons in its entire nervous system, studies of this simple animal have significantly advanced our understanding of human brain function because...
New Targeted Therapy Finds And Eliminates Deadly Leukemia Stem Cells
New research describes a molecular tool that shows great promise as a therapeutic for human acute myeloid leukemia, a notoriously treatment-resistant blood cancer. The study describes exciting preclinical studies in...
Bioethicists call for federal regulation of genetic ancestry testing
Imagine donating a sample of your DNA to help researchers study the genetics of diabetes. The disease is common among your friends and family, and you're proud of your role...
Biological warfare in bacteria offers hope for new antibiotics
Scientists are to study a group of proteins that are highly effective at killing bacteria and which could hold the key to developing new types of antibiotics.
STATUE OF LIBERTY PICTURES: Rare Views, Inside and Out
Before it reopens on the Fourth of July, get an insider's eye on the Statue of Liberty—the inside of her face, the little-known ladder to the torch, and more.
'Genetic arms race' between bacteria, viruses subject of stimulus grant
The oceans teem with microscopic bacteria that produce much of Earth's oxygen as they absorb carbon dioxide greenhouse gas. But fast-mutating viruses also populate the seas, attacking marine bacteria in...
Study: Outdoor cats easy prey for coyotes
WASHINGTON, July 2 (UPI) -- A U.S. study has determined some wild coyotes regularly feed on outdoor domestic and feral cats.
National Briefing | Washington: Animal Research Facilities Must Disclose More
The facilities will be required to disclose more information online about their experiments under a court settlement signed by the Humane Society and the Agriculture Department.
Scientists' tracking of seabirds yields clues to health of oceans
Scientists in Nunavut and Newfoundland and Labrador are keeping a close watch on a species of seabirds known as thick-billed murres, which they say could provide clues about the health...
All in sight: Scientists test infrared system for the protection of whales
A new measurement system for the detection of whales is used for the first time on board of the research vessel Polarstern. Whales are usually difficult to spot. On the...