Latest science news in Biology & Nature
Nanosensor can alert a smartphone when plants are stressed
MIT engineers have developed a way to closely track how plants respond to stresses such as injury, infection, and light damage, using sensors made of carbon nanotubes. These sensors can be embedded in...
Transposable elements play an important role in genetic expression and evolution
A new study shows that transposable elements play an important role in regulating genetic expression with implications to advance the understanding of genetic evolution.
Being right-brained or left-brained comes down to molecular switches
Scientists may have solved one of the most puzzling and persistent mysteries in neuroscience: why some people are 'right-brained' while others are 'left-brained.' The answer lies in how certain genes...
Brain immune cell defect may help explain social impairments in males with autism
Many cases of autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) may result from problems in immune cells that normally work to trim back unneeded brain connections in early life, suggests a new study...
Being right-brained or left-brained comes down to molecular switches
Scientists may have solved one of the most puzzling and persistent mysteries in neuroscience: why some people are “right-brained” while others are “left-brained.” The answer lies in how certain genes...
Report lifts lid on Australia's international bug superhighway
A new report has identified an international 'bug superhighway' capable of carrying a large variety of environmentally destructive overseas insects into Australia.
Diet diversity: Hawkfish species coexist on coral reefs thanks to differing food preferences
How can many species of hawkfish coexist in proximity on the same coral reef? The answer may lie in their individual diets.
COVID-19 Impact Monitor reveals UK population moves drops by 98%
The Oxford COVID-19 Impact Monitor has already revealed how life in the UK has changed since the Coronavirus outbreak:
Image: Deserted Venetian lagoon
Italy's efforts to limit the spread of the coronavirus disease has led to a decrease of boat traffic in Venice's famous waterways—as captured by the Copernicus Sentinel-2 mission.
Transposable elements play an important role in genetic expression and evolution
Until recently, little was known about how transposable elements contribute to gene regulation. These are little pieces of DNA that can replicate themselves and spread out in the genome. Although...
How stress remodels the brain
Research has shown how stress changes the structure of the brain and reveals a potential therapeutic target to the prevent or reverse it.
Scientists provide new insight on how bacteria share drug resistance genes
Researchers have been able to identify and track the exchange of genes among bacteria that allow them to become resistant to drugs, according to a new study.
Keratin scaffolds could advance regenerative medicine and tissue engineering for humans
Researchers have developed a simple method for preparing 3D keratin scaffold models which can be used to study the regeneration of tissue.
Self-isolation or keep calm and carry on -- the plant cell's dilemma
Self-isolation in the face of a pandemic may save lives but it comes at the expense of life-sustaining essentials such as transport, communication and connectivity. New research suggests plants must...
Bottle-brush antibiotic busts bacterial membranes
A bristled molecule is designed to kill microbes and guard against resistance by degrading rapidly in the environment
BFBC nabs $569M for border wall construction in California
The Army has awarded BFBC was awarded a $569 million contract modification to build sections of wall on the U.S.-Mexico border near San Diego and El Centro, Calif.
Self-isolation or keep calm and carry on—the plant cell's dilemma
Self-isolation in the face of a marauding pathogen may save lives but it comes at the expense of life-sustaining essentials such as transport, communication and connectivity.
How cells recognize uninvited guests
Until now, the immune sensor TLR8 has remained in the shadows of science. A research team has now discovered how this sensor plays an important role in defending human cells...
North Korea managed to push back COVID-19, analyst says
North Korea may have experienced some success in driving back the novel coronavirus because of measures taken in January and few cases near its 880-mile border with China, a U.S....
Long-duration space travel alters astronaut brain volume
New research suggests long-duration space travel is responsible for more widespread neural changes, including shifts in brain volume and the deformation of the pituitary gland.
What's open and closed this week: Beaches, parks and trails in Southern California
Officials stress stay-at-home campaign and public lands restrictions stay tight as California struggles to slow the spread of the coronavirus.
Unique physical, chemical properties of cicada wings
Biological structures sometimes have unique features that engineers would like to copy. For example, many types of insect wings shed water, kill microbes, reflect light in unusual ways and are...
Geneticists zeroing in on genes affecting life span
Researchers quantified variation in life span in the fruit fly genome, providing valuable insights for understanding human disease and aging.
UK Biobank: DNA to unlock coronavirus secrets
A vast store of DNA is being used to study why the severity of symptoms for coronavirus is so varied.
Scientists provide new insight on how bacteria share drug resistance genes
Researchers have been able to identify and track the exchange of genes among bacteria that allow them to become resistant to drugs, according to a new study published today in...
Geneticists zeroing in on genes affecting life span
Scientists believe about 25 percent of the differences in human life span is determined by genetics—with the rest determined by environmental and lifestyle factors. But they don't yet know all...
Deserted Venetian lagoon
Image: The Venetian lagoon appears almost deserted following Italy's lockdown to limit the spread of the coronavirus disease - as seen by Copernicus Sentinel-2
Fish, vegetables, whole grains in diet can reduce dementia risk by 45%
Sticking to the Mediterranean diet -- high in vegetables, whole grains and fish -- could reduce risk for mental decline, analysis suggests.