Latest science news in Biology & Nature
High deer population may benefit forest critters
Growing populations of deer are often blamed for damaging forest habitats by overgrazing on tender plants. But new research suggests that they may be helping certain forest critters, including salamanders,...
Oickles Tasty Bites sandwiches recalled in N.S. for listeria contamination
Canada's food watchdog has issued a recall of certain Oickles Tasty Bites sandwiches sold in Nova Scotia because they may be tainted with Listeria monocytogenes.
Throwing Light On The Dark Side Of The Universe
Although we may believe humans know a lot about the Universe, there are still a lot of phenomena to be explained. A team of cosmologists are searching for the model...
Seemingly Suicidal Stunt Is Normal Rite Of Passage For Immune Cells
Researchers have shown that self-induced breaks in the DNA of immune cells known as lymphocytes activate genes that cause the cells to travel from where they're made to where they...
Florida's 'Worm Grunters' Collect Bait Worms By Inadvertently Imitating Mole Sounds
Vanderbilt biologist Ken Catania has discovered the secret of "worm grunting" -- the Florida practice of driving a wooden stake into the ground and rubbing it with a long piece...
Genome fanatics to post own DNA sequences on Web
A group of scientists and researchers fascinated with the human genome said Monday they will post online their most private personal information -- their medical records and DNA sequence of...
Low-carb Diets Alter Glucose Formation By The Liver
A new study shows that a low-carbohydrate diet changes hepatic energy metabolism. When carbohydrates are restricted, the liver relies more on substances like lactate and amino acids to form glucose,...
T Cell Response To New Melanoma Antigen Linked To Relapse-free Survival
Melanoma patients infused with a special type of tumor-fighting T cell are more likely to survive without relapse, suggests a new study by researchers in France.
Study: Pesticide concentrations decreasing
WASHINGTON, Oct. 22 (UPI) -- A United States Geological Study of more than 300 wells across the nation suggests the wells haven't retained high concentrations of pesticide contamination.
Wildlife corridors must not be symmetrical
DAVIS, Calif., Oct. 22 (UPI) -- U.S. scientists say people trying to help nature by designing wildlife corridors need to think more naturally and avoid regular, symmetrical structures.
'Junk' DNA May Have Important Role In Gene Regulation
For about 15 years, scientists have known that certain "junk" DNA -- repetitive DNA segments previously thought to have no function -- could evolve into exons, which are the building...
Toxoplasma Parasite's Family Tree Traced
Scientists are tracing the family tree of Toxoplasma gondii, one of the most widespread parasites of warm-blooded vertebrates. Understanding how T. gondii has evolved and disseminated will help parasitologists and...
Searching For Rare Ladybugs, With Unusual Spots
Agricultural Research Service scientists and cooperators are seeking the public's help in surveying for once-common ladybug species that are now hard to find.
New drug could cure fish poisoning
Almost 50,000 people a year are poisoned after eating fish that have fed on toxic micro algae, but scientists have found a compound that could undo the damage.
Feature: Profile - Dr Tom Burton in hot pursuit of highland frogs
Dr Thomas Burton has dedicated much of his life to the world of frogs and has discovered a few new species along the way. Mikhaela Delahunty examines his 30 year...
Mercury pollution causes immune damage to harbor seals
Methylmercury (MeHg), the predominant form of mercury found in the blood of marine mammals and fish-eating communities, could be more damaging to seals than has previously been thought. Research published...
The genetic explanation for moles' poor eyesight
Due to their underground habitats, moles' eyes have been modified by natural selection in ways very different from those of surface-dwelling animals. New research, published in the open access journal...
Basics: The Wonders of Blood
Even the most extravagant blood lore pales in comparison to the biochemical, evolutionary and engineering marvels of the genuine article.
A Taste for Blood
Across the evolutionary tree, nature’s born phlebotomists have a difficult, dangerous meal plan.
How Snails Walk on Water Is a Small Miracle
Aquatic snails use an amazing method to propel themselves across the water's slippery surface, new research shows.
Police Use DNA To Solve Property Crimes
DNA evidence is increasingly being used to solve everyday property crimes across the nation. Once reserved mostly for violent cases such as rape and murder, genetic testing is now much...
Survey: Nearly 70 percent of public supports embryonic stem cell research
(PhysOrg.com) -- With both presidential candidates vowing to ease federal funding restrictions on embryonic stem cell research and important scientific advances reported widely in the media, a new University of...
Molecule stops DNA replication in its tracks
(PhysOrg.com) -- When a dividing cell duplicates its genetic material, a molecular machine called a sliding clamp travels along the DNA double helix, tethering the proteins that perform the replication....
Quest to sniff out kakapo fragrance spans centuries and continents
(PhysOrg.com) -- Feathers of the flightless kakapo are being flown around the world as part of a Massey biologist`s quest to understand the role of the critically endangered native parrot`s...
Research suggests gorillas smarter than previously thought
When the frozen blueberry rolled out of a tube near a 42-inch touch-screen computer in the Lincoln Park Zoo's great ape house, a lowland gorilla named Rollie popped the berry...
RNA computers built in yeast
Molecular logic inches towards smart therapeutics for living cells
Science goes under political microscope
Take a close look at the candidates' stands on science and technology issues, ranging from stem cell research and global climate change to space exploration and research priorities.
Getting to grips with the complexity of disease proteins
Drug molecules seldom act simply on one protein but on protein complexes and networks. A deeper understanding of these 'cooperative assemblies' should lead to better targeting of drugs