Latest science news in Biology & Nature
Why are so many gray whales dying?
At least 167 gray whales have washed ashore from Mexico to Alaska since January. Experts say that's probably just a fraction that have actually died. Jonathan Vigliotti explains.
Bumblebees nibble the leaves of flowers to trick them into flowering early
When impatient bumblebees emerge in early spring only to find a handful of daffodils, they sometimes resort to hi-jinks. New research suggests bumblebees trick flowers into flowering early by nibbling...
Epigenetic mechanisms of blood cell differentiation
In the bone marrow, blood stem cells via precursor cells give rise to a variety of blood cell types with various functions: white blood cells, red blood cells, or blood...
Environmental contaminants alter gut microbiome, health
The microbes that inhabit our bodies are influenced by what we eat, drink, breathe and absorb through our skin, and most of us are chronically exposed to natural and human-made...
Pentagon names Guardsman dead in non-combat incident in Afghanistan
The Department of Defense released the name of a National Guardsman who died in what it has classified as a non-combat-related incident in Afghanistan.
Pollen-deprived bumblebees may speed up plant blooming by biting leaves
Here’s a bumblebee tip that might get a slowpoke plant to bloom early. Just bite its leaves. At least three species of bumblebees use their mouthparts to snip little confetti bits out...
Coronavirus: 'Fires were tough, but closing Mogo Zoo again was even harder'
Only weeks after reopening, Australia's fire-ravaged Mogo Zoo had to close again because of Covid-19.
Unprecedented mission to save hundreds of South Africa's flamingos
Severe drought has cost South Africa an estimated half a billion dollars, and it's forced an unprecedented rescue mission. Thousands of flamingos were forced to abandon their eggs and newborn...
Biophysicists find a way to take a peek at how membrane receptors work
In a study published in Current Opinion in Structural Biology, MIPT biophysicists explained ways to visualize membrane receptors in their different states. Detailed information on the structure and dynamics of...
Horizontal gene transfer of Fhb7 from fungus underlies Fusarium head blight resistance in wheat
Fusarium head blight (FHB), a fungal disease caused by Fusarium species that produce food toxins, currently devastates wheat production worldwide, yet few resistance resources have been discovered in wheat germplasm....
Bumble bees damage plant leaves and accelerate flower production when pollen is scarce
Maintaining phenological synchrony with flowers is a key ecological challenge for pollinators that may be exacerbated by ongoing environmental change. Here, we show that bumble bee workers facing pollen scarcity...
Nature: Bumblebees' 'clever trick' fools plants into flowering
Scientists discover a new behaviour among bumblebees that tricks plants into flowering early.
Hunting threatens one of the world's largest bird migrations
Roughly three-quarters of shorebird species across the Asian-Pacific region have been hunted since the 1970s, according to a new study.
Bumblebees Bite Plants to Force Them to Flower (Seriously)
The behavior could be an evolutionary adaptation that lets bees forage more easily -- Read more on ScientificAmerican.com
Study: Keto diet's changes to microbiome good for immune system
The now-trendy keto diet is said to turn fat into fuel. But a new, small study says it may also change the vast array of microbes residing in your gut,...
The genome of chimpanzees and gorillas could help to better understand human tumors
A new study by researchers from the Institute of Evolutionary Biology (IBE), a joint centre of UPF and the Spanish National Research Council (CSIC), shows that, surprisingly, the distribution of...
Genetic barcodes can ensure authentic DNA fingerprints
Engineers at Duke University and the New York University's Tandon School of Engineering have demonstrated a method for ensuring that an increasingly popular method of genetic identification called "DNA fingerprinting"...
Genetic barcodes can ensure authentic DNA fingerprints
Engineers have demonstrated a method for ensuring that an increasingly popular method of genetic identification called ''DNA fingerprinting'' remains secure against inadvertent mistakes or malicious attacks in the field. The...
Scientists identify gene linked to thinness that may help resist weight gain
Researchers used a genetic database of more than 47,000 people in Estonia to identify a gene linked to thinness that may play a role in resisting weight gain in metabolically...
Mysterious glowing coral reefs are fighting to recover
A new study has revealed why some corals exhibit a dazzling colorful display, instead of turning white, when they suffer 'coral bleaching' -- a condition which can devastate reefs and...
Turtles get boost as Malaysian state to ban egg trade
A Malaysian state that is a major nesting site for turtles will ban the trade in their eggs, authorities said Thursday, in a boost for the threatened creatures.
How fishmeal and oil alternatives can support aquaculture growth
As the world increasingly turns to aqua farming to feed its growing population, there's no better time than now to design an aquaculture system that is sustainable and efficient.
Remdesivir combos may boost fighting power against COVID-19
A combination drug therapy for COVID-19 aims to both prevent the virus from spreading inside the human body as well as quelling the immune system havoc that the germ wreaks.
Possible loose monkey caught on camera in Massachusetts
A Massachusetts animal hospital shared a witness' blurry photo of a mystery animal that the photographer said appeared to be a monkey on the loose.
Mysterious glowing coral reefs are fighting to recover
A new study by the University of Southampton has revealed why some corals exhibit a dazzling colourful display, instead of turning white, when they suffer 'coral bleaching' - a condition...
Tiny plankton drive processes in the ocean that capture twice as much carbon as scientists thought
The ocean plays a major role in the global carbon cycle. The driving force comes from tiny plankton that produce organic carbon through photosynthesis, like plants on land.
5,000 rare and unique maps are now available online
Over 5,000 unique maps from the Asia-Pacific Map Collection are now available online as part of an ongoing project by The Australian National University's College of Asia and the Pacific.
Why bats don't get sick from the viruses they carry, but humans can
One of the first questions scientists ask when a new disease appears is, "Where did this come from?"