Latest science news in Biology & Nature
Female Embryonic Sexual Development Driven By Universal Factor
A gene essential to the growth and development of most organ systems in the body also is vital to female, but not male, embryonic sexual development, scientists report.
Certain types of thinking are best suited to certain types of problem-solving
A new study in the journal Mind, Brain, and Education reveals that certain types of thinking are best suited to solving certain types of problems. Specifically, geometry problems are best...
New technique enables assessment of drought performance
Measurement of chlorophyll fluorescence is an effective way of determining how well plants can cope with low-water conditions. The technique described in the open access journal Plant Methods, published by...
Plants Can Accumulate Nanoparticles In Tissues
Plants can take up nanoparticles and accumulate them in their tissues, according to new research. The laboratory study, which involved pumpkin plants, indicates a possible pathway for nanoparticles to enter...
Global warming link to amphibian declines in doubt
Evidence that global warming is causing the worldwide declines of amphibians may not be as conclusive as previously thought, according to biologists. The findings, which contradict two widely held views,...
Two-Fifths of Earth's Population at Risk
Cholera. Dengue. Leishmaniasis. Leptospirosis Filariasis. Myiasis. Candiru. Ever heard of them? If not, then keep reading. read more
Wild birds learn foreign 'languages'
Birds may be bilingual, trilingual or better, suggest new findings that birds in the wild can learn the vocalizations of other species.
PHOTO IN THE NEWS: Crab's "Fighting Claw" Often Fake
When male fiddler crabs lose their single, gigantic claw, the crustaceans regrow a flimsy replacement that looks just as strong as the first.
Gender matters in heart transplants
Heart transplant recipients matched to a donor by gender fare better
New UGA research on gene sheds light on T cell production
New research, just published by researchers from the University of Georgia, provides the first evidence that a key gene may be crucial to maintaining the production of the thymus and...
Offshore wind power could alter ocean currents
Generating wind power at sea may disturb ocean currents and marine ecosystems, according to a new study.
Parasite-resistant peppers green alternatives to chemical pesticides
Root-knot nematodes are extreme parasites. These microscopic, omnipresent worms cause major damage to horticultural and field crops in sub-tropical regions, resulting in significant financial losses to growers and gardeners.
Sex and the pond snail
A third-year undergraduate student at The University of Nottingham has had her research into the sex life of the pond snail published in a peer-reviewed journal. The study by Hayley...
Light-speed computer connection will slash genetic data transfer time between TGen-ASU
Hot on the heels of a new supercomputer, plans for a new light-speed data line between the Translational Genomics Research Institute and Arizona State University could slash the time is...
Brain implants may help stroke patients overcome partial paralysis
Scientists have shown for the first time that neuroprosthetic brain implants may be able to help stroke patients with partial paralysis. Researchers found that implants known as brain-computer interfaces (BCI)...
Develop capacity to make the most of biotech
Biotechnology holds great promise for developing countries, but only if they build up their scientific capacity, says TWAS fellow Indira Nath.
Computers make sense of experiments on human disease
Increased use of computers to create predictive models of human disease is likely following a workshop organised by the European Science Foundation (ESF), which urged for a collaborative effort between...
Multiple Sclerosis: In The War Against Diseases, Nerve Cells Need Their Armor
Researchers have discovered an essential mechanism for the maintenance of the normal structure of myelin, the protective covering that insulates and supports nerve cells (neurons).
Stem Cells With Potential To Regenerate Injured Liver Tissue Identified
A novel protein marker has been found that identifies rare adult liver stem cells, whose ability to regenerate injured liver tissue has the potential for cell-replacement therapy. For the first...
Study looks at viral, bacterial evolution
HOUSTON, Nov. 12 (UPI) -- U.S. medical scientists say they've created the most comprehensive mathematical analysis to date of the mechanisms that drive viral and bacterial evolution.
Scientists listen in on wayward dolphins
U.S. scientists are eavesdropping on two pods of wayward dolphins to find out what they're hearing.
Molecule That Stops SARS Invented
A newly created compound prevents the replication of the virus that causes SARS and could lead to a treatment for the disease. In addition to its ability to block the...
Loggerhead Turtle Release To Provide Vital Information To Scientific Community
Biologists will release two juvenile loggerhead sea turtles raised in captivity into the Indian River Lagoon near Sebastian Inlet. Dubbed Milton and FeeBee, the turtles were part of a sex...
Muscular Dystrophy: Sarcospan, A Little Protein For A Big Problem
The overlooked and undervalued protein, sarcospan, just got its moment in the spotlight. Researchers now show that adding it to muscle cells might ameliorate the most severe form of muscular...
Commercial Poultry Lack Genetic Diversity, Are Vulnerable To Avian Flu And Other Threats
As concerns such as avian flu, animal welfare and consumer preferences impact the poultry industry, the reduced genetic diversity of commercial bird breeds increases their vulnerability and the industry's ability...
New Path Found To Antibiotics In Dirt
A teaspoon of dirt contains an estimated 10,000 species of bacteria, but it's only one percent of these microbial bugs -- the ones that can be grown easily in a...
Research finds that low concentrations of pesticides can become toxic mixture
Ten of the world's most popular pesticides can decimate amphibian populations when mixed together even if the concentration of the individual chemicals are within limits considered safe, according to University...
FOR KIDS: The e-nose knows
An electronic nose sniffs out unique chemicals that plants emit when attacked by pests