Latest science news in Biology & Nature
Slimy Mudflat Biofilms Feed Migratory Birds--and Could Be Threatened
The highly nutritious, shimmering goo is a vital source of energy for long-distance fliers -- Read more on ScientificAmerican.com
Report finds that unionist and nationalist identities in NI became stronger in the run-up to Brexit
A research study on political attitudes and identities in Northern Ireland has been released today by ARK—a joint initiative between Queen's University Belfast and Ulster University.
New structural 'map' solves mysteries of gigantic gene regulator
Structural biology has been used to 'map' part of a protein called SMCHD1, explaining how some changes in SMCHD1 cause certain developmental and degenerative conditions.
How fish got onto land, and stayed there
Research on blennies, a family of fish that have repeatedly left the sea for land, suggests that being a 'jack of all trades' allows species to make the dramatic transition...
Persistent DNA damage in the placenta affects pregnancy outcomes
Scientists have shown that a dysfunctional placenta can play a previously unrecognized role during the earliest stages of development in mouse models of Cornelia de Lange syndrome. People with this...
'Relaxed' T cells critical to immune response
Researchers model the role of relaxation time as T cells bind to invaders or imposters, and how their ability to differentiate between the two triggers the body's immune system.
Newly discovered plant gene could boost phosphorus intake
Researchers have discovered an important gene in plants that could help agricultural crops collaborate better with underground fungi -- providing them with wider root networks and helping them to absorb...
Chemistry behind bombardier beetle's extraordinary firepower
Researchers show how how the bombardier beetle concocts its deadly explosives and in the process, learn how evolution gave rise to the beetle's remarkable firepower.
At least 20 killed in India-China Himalayan border dispute
A decades-long border dispute between China and India in the Himalayas has turned deadly for the first time in nearly a half-century.
Hunting in savanna-like landscapes may have poured jet fuel on brain evolution
Compared to the vast emptiness of open water, land is rife with obstacles and occlusions. By providing prey with spaces to hide and predators with cover for sneak attacks, the...
Whales are disturbed by engine noise from whale watching boats
Whale watching vessels need to do more than keep their distance. New research suggests whales in need of peace and quiet are disturbed by the engine noise of encroaching boats.
New species extinction target proposed for global nature rescue plan
A scientist proposes a prominent political target to give discussions of species conservation more vigor. Together with a group of experts from other research institutions, he proposes to limit species...
Hormone systems can still be adapted in adulthood
Behavioral biologists have now been able to demonstrate for the first time that male guinea pigs are still able to adapt their hormone systems to changes in their social environment...
Large non-native snapping turtle captured in Virginia
Police in Virginia said officers responded to a residential neighborhood to apprehend an unusual suspect: a 65-pound alligator snapping turtle.
Snake found in store on first day of reopening
A store in England that opened for the first time since the start of the coronavirus lockdown had to immediately close for several hours when a snake was found inside.
New diamond frog species found in northern Madagascar
Scientists have discovered a new species of diamond frog in the dense tropical forests of northern Madagascar.
Shhhh, the whales are resting
We need new guidelines to shield whales from human-made noise to ensure them some peace and quiet. It is no good keeping whale-watching boats out of whales' sight if the...
Hormone systems can still be adapted in adulthood
How do animals adapt their behavior during life in order to assure survival and reproduction? This is a question of great interest for behavioral biologists worldwide. An essential step is...
Newly discovered plant gene could boost phosphorus intake
Researchers from the University of Copenhagen have discovered an important gene in plants that could help agricultural crops collaborate better with underground fungi—providing them with wider root networks and helping...
Overlooked: The role of bacterial viruses in plant health
We know how important bacteria and fungi are for the health of plants. In marine environments and in our own gut, bacteriophages (viruses that infect bacteria) are important in regulating...
World's most complete health analysis of nesting sea turtles conducted in Florida
The most comprehensive health assessment for a green turtle rookery in the world to date is providing critical insights into various aspects of physiology, biology, and herpesvirus epidemiology of this...
Video: Microrobots roll against blood flow to deliver drugs
With the help of magnetic fields, the bots might one day navigate the circulatory system to target tumors
Scientists uncover new mechanism for balancing protein stability during neuronal development
A research team led by Dr. Chaogu Zheng from the School of Biological Sciences at the University of Hong Kong (HKU), in collaboration with a team led by Professor Martin...
How plants' vascular cells turn into holes
Theoretical biologists have solved a unique puzzle in the structure of plants' vascular tissue. Two mutations that had opposite effects appear to lead to the same result. Professor of Computational...
How does our brain trigger different sighs? New findings could provide answers
One group of neurons controls various types of sighing, but they receive their instructions from different areas of the brain depending on the reason for the sigh, according to a...
Summer favorite bitter gourd genome shows unusual domestication, insight into evolution
The bitter gourd (Momordica charantia) is a summer vegetable that graces the tables of many homes and restaurants in Asia. In Okinawa and Kyushu, the southern islands of Japan, the...
Understanding water-repellent enzymes
The ability of some molecules, such as fatty or oily molecules, to repel water is known as hydrophobicity. The opposite, water attracting, is hydrophilicity. The hydrophobic force that keeps water...
Amyloid formation on the International Space Station
Amyloids, abnormal fibrillar aggregates of proteins, are associated with various disorders such as Alzheimer's disease. Therefore, an in-depth understanding of the mechanisms of amyloid formation is critical for developing clinical...