Latest science news in Biology & Nature
Barley protein could replace fishmeal
ABERDEEN, Idaho, Feb. 9 (UPI) -- U.S. scientists say they've developed a barley protein concentrate that might be fed to trout and other commercially produced fish instead of fishmeal.
Protein critical for synapse growth found
DAVIS, Calif., Feb. 9 (UPI) -- U.S. scientists say they have identified a protein that plays an essential role in the formation of synapses in vertebrates' central nervous systems.
Infection-fighting antibodies made in plants as effective as costlier conventional version
The first head-to-head comparison of therapeutic monoclonal antibodies produced from plants versus the same antibodies produced from mammalian cells has shown that plant-produced antibodies can fight infection equally well...
Researchers reveal 3-D structure of bullet-shaped virus with potential to fight cancer, HIV
(PhysOrg.com) -- Using cryo-electron microscopy and advanced image-processing methods, UCLA researchers have developed a model of how the potentially therapeutic vesicular stomatitis virus assembles.
Comprehensive Study Using Bioinformatics Predicts the Molecular Causes of Many Genetic Diseases
It is widely known that genetic mutations cause disease. What are largely unknown are the mechanisms by which these mutations wreak havoc at the molecular level, giving rise to clinically...
Engineering bacterial cells
(PhysOrg.com) -- Two teams of Oxford University researchers led by Professors Judith Armitage and David Stuart have made the first steps towards being able to engineer a bacterial cell that...
Platypus survives bad habitat
Researchers have found that the platypus is toughing out human changes to their habitat – some are even living in outer suburbs.
U.S. Officials Plan $78.5 Million Effort to Keep Dangerous Carp Out of Great Lakes
Addressing a threat that has grown increasingly tense throughout the Midwest as genetic material from the fish was found in Lake Michigan.
Small insect with a big heart: 'Giving' aphids endangered by their selflessness
One of the founding principles of Darwin's theory is that biological evolution has been shaped by the survival of the fittest. Things, however, are not always that simple as researchers...
Evolution impacts environment: Fundamental shift in how biologists perceive relationship between evolution and ecology
The traditional view is that ecology shapes evolution. Some research has suggested, however, that evolutionary processes reciprocate by influencing ecology in turn. Now biologists present evidence that ecology and evolution...
How respiratory tubes and capillaries form in flies
Scientists in Spain report on the formation of the small-diameter respiratory tubes of the fly Drosophila -- a process that resembles the development of the finest blood vessels, the capillaries,...
Blueberries counteract intestinal diseases
It is already known that blueberries are rich in antioxidants and vitamins. New research shows that blueberry fiber is important and can alleviate and protect against intestinal inflammations, such as...
Complete chemokine profile of a cell
Chemokines are a large group of proteins whose predominant function is to direct cell migration. They regulate many physiological and pathophysiological processes, in particular in the immune system. Researchers have...
Different colors describe happiness, depression
Are you in a gray mood today? How about a blue funk? Maybe you're seeing red, because you're green with jealousy. The colors we use to describe emotions may be...
Resistant wheat goes for the gut to protect against Hessian flies
(PhysOrg.com) -- Resistant wheat plants stave off attacks by Hessian fly larvae by essentially destroying the fly's midgut and its ability to absorb nutrients, according to a study by Purdue...
Method of the future uses single-cell imaging to identify gene interactions
Cellular imaging offers a wealth of data about how cells respond to stimuli, but harnessing this technique to study biological systems is a daunting challenge. In a study published...
News Analysis: For Human Spaceflight, Can Measured Beat Bold?
The Obama administration is trying to keep humans flying in space, but will its measured proposals succeed where others fell short?
Brown biologist solves mystery of tropical grasses' origin
Around 30 to 40 million years ago, grasses on Earth underwent an epic evolutionary upheaval. An assemblage capitalized on falling levels of atmospheric carbon dioxide by engineering an internal mechanism...
Research Identifies Gene with Likely Role in Premenstrual Disorder
Scientists have identified a gene they say is a strong candidate for involvement in premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) and other maladies associated with the natural flux in hormones during the...
Smallest eel-loach fish discovered
(PhysOrg.com) -- The world's smallest species of eel-loach fish has been discovered by a Natural History Museum scientist and his colleague this month and is featured on the Museum's Species...
ESA Bulletin 141 (February 2010)
On the cover this month, CryoSat-2 is shown here complete, and now on schedule for launch later in February. Read the Bulletin and other publications online, with our visualiser tool. .ro_link{color:#00338D;} .ro_link:hover{color:#00549F;} Read...
Spider silk provides clues for fog harvesting
The discovery of how spiders' webs catch dew could lead to improved ways of harvesting water from the air.
Invasive lionfish a menace in Florida Keys
KEY LARGO, Fla., Feb. 8 (UPI) -- The red lionfish has invaded the waters in and around the Florida Keys, wreaking havoc on the island cluster's native fish populations,...
For the First Time, Researchers Find Longevity Gene That Helps Determine Lifespan
Come on, you apes! You wanna live forever? Humanity's search for the secrets to immortality has inspired Ray Kurzweil's Singularity vision and DARPA's hunt for ageless synthetic beings. Now scientists have discovered a...
HIV key enzyme structure is determined
LONDON, Feb. 8 (UPI) -- U.S. and British scientists say they have determined the three-dimensional structure of a critical enzyme found in HIV and other retroviruses.
'Fewer than 50 wild tigers' left in China
Fewer than 50 wild tigers remain in China, a conservation group said Monday, voicing hope that the Year of the Tiger would not be the last for the endangered cats.
First film of giant deep-sea fish
Scientists film the giant serpent-like oarfish in its natural deep-sea habitat for the first time, as well as the rare manefish.
Loblaw's seafood ban could disrupt shark research
Loblaw's decision to stop selling some seafood in the interest of conservation could disrupt research into porbeagle sharks off Nova Scotia that relies on a managed fishery, a shark scientist...