Latest science news in Biology & Nature
Engineering natural selection in microbes has implications for biofuel production, addressing antibiotic resistance
Scientists who study adaptation—or edit the genes of organisms—know the limitations inherent in conventional approaches to mutation that offer little opportunity to target individual genes without altering others as well.
Researchers discover how vegetation thinning affects New Mexico mule deer population
The study by Texas Tech scholars found deer prefer newly cleared areas in summer months and older areas during the winter.
Computer modeling reveals behavior of individual lipid molecules
Lipids are essential building blocks of cell membranes, which control the exchange of substances and energy between a cell and its environment. A new open-source software tool developed at the...
Stretched beyond the limits: Examining collagen for clues to inflammatory disorders
It has been known for many decades that synthetic polymers subjected to mechanical stress generate mechanoradicals by rupture of chemical bonds. But could those harmful and highly reactive radicals also...
Pangolin immune system may hold clues to COVID-19 treatment
Genetic research into the new coronavirus has suggested that it originated in bats, found its way into pangolins sold at Chinese "wet markets," and then migrated into humans.
Train kills 15 migrant workers sleeping on tracks in Aurangabad, India
Officials said 15 migrant workers were killed Friday when a cargo train ran them over as they slept on the tracks near Aurangabad, India.
First simulation of a full-sized mitochondrial membrane
Scientists from the University of Groningen have developed a method that combines different resolution levels in a computer simulation of biological membranes. Their algorithm backmaps a large-scale model that includes...
How a molecular 'alarm' system protects plants from predators
In nature, every species must be equipped with a strategy to survive in response to danger. Plants, too, have innate systems that are triggered in response to a particular threat,...
A dual-purpose metabolic switch
Compounds called inositol diphosphates are cellular signaling "codes" involved in multiple processes ranging from phosphate sensing to DNA metabolism.
How a molecular 'alarm' system in plants protects them from predators
Some plants, like soybean, are known to possess an innate defense machinery that helps them develop resistance against insects trying to feed on them. However, exactly how these plants recognize...
New method captures early viral-host protein interactions
More than 70% of all viruses known to cause human disease, including the one that causes COVID-19, are RNA viruses. They invade the body by hijacking the internal machinery of...
Icebergs and whales galore! Take a virtual tour of Bonavista Bay
Whale and iceberg season has come early, but the local tourism industry has been forced to press pause.
New regulations to protect killer whales ask fishermen to stop fishing near whales year round
For the second year in a row, the Government of Canada is enacting restrictions to help protect the southern resident killer whale population.
Op-Ed: We were left to sicken and die from the coronavirus in immigration detention. Here's how I got out
It was impossible to maintain any kind of social distance and there was no way to protect oneself from COVID-19.
UPI News Quiz: Asian baseball, Grimes' baby, scary insects
Asian baseball, Grimes' baby, scary invasive insects -- how well did you follow the news this week? Take the UPI News Quiz for May 8, 2020.
Ex-ABA commissioner, NBA executive Mike Storen dies at 84
Former American Basketball Association commissioner and NBA executive Mike Storen died Thursday after a lengthy battle with a rare form of cancer. He was 84.
Accurate 3D imaging of sperm cells moving at top speed could improve IVF treatments
Researchers have developed a safe and accurate 3D imaging method to identify sperm cells moving at a high speed. The new method has the potential to significantly improve IVF treatments.
A role reversal for the function of certain circadian network neurons
A new study y reveals surprising findings about the function of circadian network neurons that undergo daily structural change. The research could lead to a better understanding of how to...
New technique delivers complete DNA sequences of chromosomes inherited from mother and father
An international team of scientists has shown that it is possible to disentangle the DNA sequences of the chromosomes inherited from the mother and the father, to create true diploid...
Key mechanism of cytokine storm in Castleman disease
Researchers discover what is happening at the cellular level when Castleman patients experience a cytokine storm.
History cancels 'Project Blue Book,' 'Knightfall'
A&E Networks has opted not to renew the History channel shows "Project Blue Book" and "Knightfall" for third seasons.
Blake Shelton, Gwen Stefani confirmed for Red Nose Day special
Blake Shelton, Gwen Stefani, OneRepublic, Ellie Goulding and Steve Martin are confirmed to appear on NBC's 6th annual Red Nose Day Special.
Certain landscapes show resistance to ash dieback
Some habitats can help dampen the spread of ash dieback, which threatens ash trees.
Cell studies suggest some repurposed drugs could block replication of SARS-CoV-2
The experiments follow up on an earlier study that identified 69 compounds that could disrupt possible interactions between viral and human proteins
Researchers find honey bee gene that causes virgin birth
The Cape honey bee, a subspecies found along the southern coast of South Africa, reproduces without having sex. Now, scientists have identified the gene responsible for the bee's virgin births.
Research helps expand genome sequencing of marine mammals
Researchers will soon have access to the full genomic sequences for 23 marine mammal species preserved by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), thanks to an ongoing collaboration...
Experts skeptical that new strain of coronavirus is more infectious
A new study suggesting that the new coronavirus has mutated to become even more infectious should be viewed with skepticism, multiple experts said Wednesday.
HBO Max will launch with 17 anime series
HBO Max announced Thursday that via a partnership with Crunchyroll, their streaing service will launch with 17 additional anime series curated by Crunchyroll.