Latest science news in Biology & Nature
Protein that triggers plant cell division revealed by researchers
From the valves in a human heart to the quills on a porcupine to the petals on a summer lily, the living world is as varied as it is vast....
Scientists determine how snakes slither
ATLANTA, June 10 (UPI) -- U.S. researchers have determined snakes use both friction generated by their scales and redistribution of their weight to slither along flat surfaces.
Sea urchin internal structure cataloged
BERLIN, June 10 (UPI) -- German scientists have cataloged the sea urchin axial complex, an internal structure with undetermined function.
Key Molecular Pathway To Replicate Insulin-producing Beta Cells Identified
Researchers are trailblazing the molecular pathway that regulates pancreatic beta cell replication, the insulin-producing cells that are lacking in people who have diabetes. They describe mouse experiments in which knocking...
Genetic Difference Found in Wild vs. Tame Animals
Researchers have identified sets of genes linked with friendly behavior in rats.
New antibiotics could come from a DNA binding compound that kills bacteria in 2 minutes
A synthetic DNA binding compound has proved surprisingly effective at binding to the DNA of bacteria and killing all the bacteria it touched within two minutes. The DNA binding properties...
Study shows animal mating choices more complex than once thought
When female tiger salamanders choose a mate, it turns out that size does matter - tail size that is - and that's not the only factor they weigh...
Wildlife Conservation Society supports world's first study of egg-laying mammal
A Wildlife Conservation Society research intern working in the wilds of Papua New Guinea has successfully completed what many other field biologists considered 'mission impossible' - the first study of...
Mobile DNA elements in woolly mammoth genome give new clues to mammalian evolution
The woolly mammoth died out several thousand years ago, but the genetic material they left behind is yielding new clues about the evolution of mammals. In a study published online...
Research Reveals How Cells Tell Time
The fuzzy pale mold that lines the glass tubes in Dr. Yi Liu's lab doesn't look much like a clock. But this fungus has an internal, cell-based timekeeper nearly...
Genetically Engineered Mice Can't Get Fat
Since lab mice have been kind enough to start making baby formula for us, it might be nice to pay them back. Luckily, two UCLA scientists have the perfect gift:...
Structure Of Bacteria Responsible For Traveler's Diarrhea Identified
Researchers have solved the structure of thin hair-like fibers called "pili" or "fimbriae" on the surface of bacteria that cause traveler's diarrhea. The findings have important implications for creating better...
A newly discovered chemical weapon in poison frogs' arsenal
New research documents a surprising chemical weapon used by some Amazonian poison frogs. The study identified for the first time a family of poisons never before known to exist in...
Green method to kill termites
Sugar derivative that blocks insects’ immune system could find application in pest control
Enzyme necessary for DNA synthesis can also erase DNA
In this week's edition of Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, PNAS, Uppsala University scientists describe a new mechanism behind an important process that causes a rapid reduction of...
Unexpected discovery can open a new chapter in the fight against tuberculosis
A close relative of the microorganism that causes tuberculosis in humans has been found to form spores. This is a sensational finding because researchers have long been convinced that these...
Is this the beginning of the end of plant breeding?
No human is a clone of their parents but the same cannot be said for other living things. While your DNA is a combination of half your mother and half...
In Worms, Genetic Clues to Extending Longevity
A study conducted on round worms may provide an explanation for recent experiments in which biologists have made laboratory organisms live longer by manipulating their genes.
N.B. naturalists cry foul over impact of Canada geese invasion
New Brunswick naturalists are worried about the impact on local wetlands when too many birds of a feather flock together.
Scientists map biodiversity in Chelsea, Que.
Scientists flocked to Chelsea, Que., over the weekend to help survey the biodiversity of the region. In 24 hours, 400 plants and animals were logged, including 89 different species of...
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NASA plans lunar spacecraft launch … Scientists create new way to treat obesity … New sensor to speed genome sequencing … Study: Rural epidemics most dangerous ... Health/Science news from...
Scientists say consumers confused about sugars
WASHINGTON, DC -- Three top researchers corrected inaccuracies and misunderstandings concerning high fructose corn syrup's impact on the American diet.
Study: Rural epidemics most dangerous
MANHATTAN, Kan., June 8 (UPI) -- A U.S. study suggests an infectious disease striking a rural area might be more disastrous than an epidemic in a large metropolitan...
Bees trade energy for safety in winds
CAMBRIDGE, Mass., June 8 (UPI) -- Harvard University scientists have determined some bees brace themselves against wind and turbulence by extending their hind legs while flying.
Guppies adapt quickly to new environments
RIVERSIDE, Calif., June 8 (UPI) -- U.S. scientists looking at adaptation and survival in a wild population found guppies can adapt to new surroundings in just a few...
Dark chocolate spread is recalled
WASHINGTON, June 8 (UPI) -- The U.S. Food and Drug Administration announced the recall of Le Pain Quotidien-brand Noir Belgian Dark Chocolate Spread due to a labeling error.
The brain blocks information from us
NEWARK, N.J., June 8 (UPI) -- U.S. scientists have found a widely held theory concerning the brain and perception is incorrect and that the brain blocks some information...
Gorillas offer hints at human behaviors
BOSTON, June 8 (UPI) -- Researchers at the Franklin Park Zoo say they have been studying gorillas at the Boston zoo to gain insights into human economic behavior.