Latest science news in Biology & Nature
Snakebites can be deadly for dogs, but some simple precautions can save them
There a few snakes to be wary of when exploring with a four-legged buddy in the US: rattlesnakes, copperheads, coral snakes, and water moccasins. (Rachel Baskerville/Unsplash/)This story originally featured on Field & Stream.A...
Dimethylsulfoniopropionate concentration in coral reef invertebrates
New research highlights the effect of benthic assemblages on the sulfur metabolism of coral and giant clam species.
Scientists uncover new genetic mutations linked to autism spectrum disorder
Scientists have identified mutations in a gene called CNOT1 that affect brain development and impair memory and learning. The research also revealed that CNOT1 interacts with several known autism spectrum...
Protein in mitochondria appears to regulate health and longevity
A new study is the first to demonstrate that a tiny protein, humanin, has a big impact on health and longevity in both animals and humans.
The connection between microbes and cholesterol levels
There are fewer stars illuminating the universe than there are bacteria in the world. Many species are known, like E. coli, but many more, sometimes referred to as “microbial dark matter,” remain elusive....
Research suggests a better way to keep birds from hitting power lines
Suspended, rotating devices known as "flappers" may be the key to fewer birds flying into power lines, a study by Oregon State University suggests.
Entry point for curbing the evolution of antibiotic resistance discovered
The team of Professor Tobias Bollenbach from the Institute for Biological Physics at the University of Cologne has published a study on a new approach to improving the effectiveness of...
Cowbirds change their eggs' sex ratio based on breeding time
Brown-headed cowbirds show a bias in the sex ratio of their offspring depending on the time of the breeding season, researchers report in a new study. More female than male...
Scientists identify the mechanism that regulates mitochondrial energy production
Scientists at the Centro Nacional de Enfermedades Cardiovasculares (CNIC) have identified the molecular mechanism by which mitochondria, the main source of the cell's energy supply, regulate their function to optimize...
Study: Black Americans 3 times more likely to be killed by police
A four-year Harvard University analysis released Wednesday shows that black Americans were, on average, more than three times as likely as white people to be killed during a police encounter.
Evergreen idea turns biomass DNA into degradable materials
DNA has a lot of handy uses. It stores the blueprint of genetic code. It helps usher along the evolution of species.
A vital game of hide-and-seek elucidated by novel single-molecule microscopy
Life depends on an intricate game of hide-and-seek taking place inside the cell. New research, now published in the journal Nature, sheds light on the mechanisms with which DNA-binding proteins...
Economic alien plants more likely to go wild
An international team of researchers led by University of Konstanz ecologist Mark van Kleunen has compiled a global overview of the naturalization success of economic plants, showing that economic use...
New eDNA technique may reduce pathogens in international aquatic animal trade
A Washington State University researcher has developed new ways to detect the genetic signatures of disease in the international aquatic animal trade.
Has confinement turned us all into hikikomori?
After two months of lockdown, have we become like the hikikomori – the Japanese youngsters who choose to live in isolation, shunning the outside world? Natacha Vellut, a psychosociologist at...
Cat stranded 50 feet up New Jersey tree rescued after three days
A New Jersey town enlisted the help of a professional tree climber to rescue a cat that was stranded for three days on a high branch of a tall tree.
Jellyfish contain no calories, so why do they still attract predators?
They contain no carbohydrates. No fats. No proteins. Not much else but water. Still, the moon jellies (Aurelia aurita) are eaten by predators in the sea; fish, crustaceans, sea anemones...
Avoiding single-use plastic was becoming normal until coronavirus. Here's how we can return to good habits
As COVID-19 restrictions start to ease, we're unlikely to return to our previous behaviours, from our work-life balance to maintaining good hygiene.
New protein complex gets chromosomes sorted
It is no secret that DNA, in the form of chromosomes, is the building block of life. Incorrect distribution of chromosomes during cell division can have disastrous consequences. Unbalanced chromosome...
Study: Human impact throws tree seeding out of sync
Human impacts on the environment are changing many biological responses, with effects on rare species and human health, but predicting such responses is complicated, according to a new paper by...
Quantifying the building blocks of DNA is now easier thanks to a novel technique
A highly sensitive and easy-to-use technique applicable for tissue samples can be useful, for example, to researchers specialized in mitochondrial diseases and cancer.
Microplastics found in gut of remote Antarctic hexapod
A team of researchers from the University of Siena, University College Dublin and Elettra–Sincrotrone Trieste, have found evidence of microplastics in the guts of remote Antarctic hexapods. In their paper...
Phylogenetic analysis confirms existence of five goral species
Researchers have recognized one to seven species of goral gorals (Naemorhedus spp., Caprinae, Bovidae), small goat antelopes. However, the phylogenetics remains unclear because of limited genetic data.
Disney renews 'Amphibia' for Season 3
Disney Channel has announced it ordered a third season of "Amphibia," an animated comedy featuring a voice cast led by Brenda Song.
The way of the dragon: Lost lizard found after 10-day, 4-km hike through Winnipeg
An Elmwood man who spent 10 days searching for his pet bearded dragon is breathing easier today.
Coronavirus: Looking for viruses in Thai bats
Thai scientists are collecting bats to find clues about the origins of viruses, including Covid-19.
Environmental DNA detection could cut pathogens in pet trade
As the SARS-CoV-2 puts new focus on zoonotic pathogens, a Washington State University researcher has developed a method to use environmental DNA (eDNA) to detect disease in the vast international...
Deadly Aussie snakes, magpies seized from suspected traffickers
A cache of native Australian animals—including some of the country's deadliest snakes and a bird known for its swooping attacks—was seized Wednesday in raids on suspected international wildlife traffickers, police...