Latest science news in Biology & Nature
Tiny differences in our genes help shed light on the big picture of human history
By examining very small differences in people's genes, scientists from Cornell University have developed a new tool for identifying big events in human history and pinpointing the origins of specific...
Findings uncover new details about mysterious virus
An international team of researchers has determined key structural features of the largest known virus, findings that could help scientists studying how the simplest life evolved and whether the unusual...
When Industrious Ants Go Too Far
Nature is full of mutually beneficial arrangements between organisms -- like the relationship between flowering plants and their bee pollinators. But sometimes these blissful relationships have a dark side, as...
Autism genes discovered, help shape connections among brain cells
A research team has connected more of the intricate pieces of the autism puzzle, with two studies that identify genes with important contributions to the disorder. One study pinpoints a...
Cosmic Log: Visualizing the virus
Science editor Alan Boyle's Weblog: How can one bug combine genetic material from pigs, birds and humans to become so dangerous? Get an inside look at the flu virus and...
Toward A Systems Biology Map Of Iron Metabolism
Scientists have taken the first steps toward constructing a systems biology map of iron metabolism. They have put together a general network of chemicals and reactions important for the many...
Level of cellular stress determines longevity of retinal cells
(PhysOrg.com) -- Stress can be adaptive. It can make you sharper, help you focus and it can even improve your performance. But too much of it can tax cells to...
Study finds dairy better for bones than calcium carbonate
A Purdue University study shows dairy has an advantage over calcium carbonate in promoting bone growth and strength.
Cow genome sequence could boost cattle quality
The sequencing of the cow genome could help in the quest for cattle that are both hardy and productive, say experts.
Molecule opens cell access
Researchers have found a molecule that allows growth signals into red blood cells – if turned off, this might slow some cancers.
Upside-down world: DNA protecting protein helps cancer drug to kill cells
Some DNA repair enzymes can become double-edged swords - If they work too slowly, they can block necessary cell maintenance and contribute to cell death. This could explain the somewhat...
Large Sponges May Be Reattached To Coral Reefs
Marine biologists have developed a novel technique for reattaching large sponges that have been dislodged from coral reefs. The findings could be generally applied to the restoration of other large...
Gene Brings Together Animal And Human Research In Alcoholism Among Those With European Ancestry
An important genetic study has identified vital new information concerning alcoholism in subjects with European ancestry. Research findings indicate that alcohol dependence is highly inheritable, although specific genes and their...
Corn fortified with vitamins devised by scientists
The genetic breakthrough marks the first time multiple vitamins have been engineered into a single plant. The enhanced crops would be a particular boon to diets in developing countries. ...
Salmon Virus With Potential For Change
Infectious salmon anaemia (ISA) is one of the most economically-damaging diseases in Norwegian fish farming industry. It is caused by a marine Orthomyxovirus, the same family that produces the influenza...
Researchers Identify Gene Associated With Muscular Dystrophy-related Vision Problems
A new study sheds light on a possible genetic cause of the world's third most common type of muscular dystrophy, facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy or FSHD.
Live-in Domestics: Mites As Maids In Tropical Rainforest Sweat Bee Nests
Mites not only inhabit the dust bunnies under your bed, they also occupy the nests of tropical sweat bees where they keep fungi in check. Bees and their young are...
Eating Fatty Fish And Marine Omega-3 Fatty Acids May Reduce Risk Of Heart Failure
Eating fatty fish and marine omega-3 fatty acids, which are found in fish oil, seems to protect men from heart failure, according to one of the largest studies to investigate...
Scientist at Work: Anna Dornhaus: To Fathom a Colony’s Talk and Toil, Studying Insects One by One
Anna Dornhaus is breaking new ground in her studies of whether the efficiency of ant society is important to their success.
Caterpillars’ chirp could be scary
Larvae of great peacock moths might signal that they’ll put up a fight
Brain imaging skewed
Double dipping of data magnifies errors in functional MRI scans.
Genetics may save crops in global warming
GAINESVILLE, Fla., April 27 (UPI) -- U.S. plant molecular biologists say they are developing gene variants of wheat, rice and corn that can produce increased yields under heat...
Really?: The Claim: Eating Parsley Can Eliminate Bad Breath
Does this green herb have antibacterial properties similar to mouthwash?
On a Hunt for Fishless Lakes, Teeming With Life
Researchers are conducting an ecological review in Maine, as fishless lakes, home to a greater abundance and variety of invertebrates than lakes with fish, become more rare.
The Chatter of Neurons (w/Video)
(PhysOrg.com) -- Close your eyes. Extend your arms and let your fingertips explore your surroundings. What textures and shapes do you feel? What can you infer about your immediate environment...
The Pros and Cons of Asexual Reproduction
Making babies requires a male and a female, a sperm and an egg, right? Well, the wild world of animals is often more creative than the lot of us humans...
After years of research, drug for 'female sexual dysfunction' remains elusive
The pharmaceutical industry's push to find a female version of Viagra has been full of letdowns.