Latest science news in Biology & Nature
Kenya Uses Text Messages To Track Elephant
Kenya is the first country to try elephant texting as a way to protect both a growing human population and the wild animals that now have less room to roam.
Stem cell research breakthrough reported
GAINESVILLE, Fla., Oct. 14 (UPI) -- U.S. scientists said they have discovered that as embryonic stem cells turn into various cell types, DNA replication and organizational changes also...
Body's anti-HIV drug explained
Humans have a built-in weapon against HIV, but until recently no one knew how to unlock its potential.
Important New Hair-loss Gene Discovered
Scientists have discovered an important hair-loss gene. In 2005, these scientists had already characterized the first hair-loss gene inherited through the maternal line, which explained why hair-loss in men often...
Eliminating Viral Vector In Stem Cell Reprogramming
Scientists have eliminated the need for a viral vector in the stem cell reprogramming process In a report in Science, they showed the ability to reprogram adult cells into iPS...
Fat-regenerating 'Stem Cells' Found In Mice
Researchers have identified stem cells with the capacity to build fat. Although they have yet to show that the cells can renew themselves, transplants of the progenitor cells isolated from...
Insects Trained In Quest For Artificial Nose
Researchers have discovered that when training insects, the process of building associations is not a simple matter of strengthening connections through reinforcement. Understanding how associations are built between stimuli and...
U.S. Requires Ships to Cut Speed in Waters Used by Right Whales
The National Marine Fisheries Service’s new directive applies to some ships in patches of ocean within 20 miles of the Atlantic coastline from Massachusetts to Florida.
Scientists sequence giant panda's genome
Scientists have sequenced the genome of the giant panda, an achievement which may aid efforts to protect the endangered species, the official Xinhua news agency reported on Saturday.
Proteins in sperm unlock understanding of male infertility says new study
Proteins found in sperm are central to understanding male infertility and could be used to determine new diagnostic methods and fertility treatments according to a paper published by the journal...
Can genetic information be controlled by light?
DNA, the molecule that acts as the carrier of genetic information in all forms of life, is highly resistant against alteration by ultraviolet light, but understanding the mechanism for its...
Scientists explore new source of stem cells
Using the testicular cells of adult men, researchers have grown muscle, nerve and other kinds of tissue. ...
Tourism curbed in bid to save Galapagos haven
Record numbers of tourist developments have threatened endangered plant and animal species
Endangered Miss. frogs get a break in the weather
(AP) -- Pick up a Mississippi gopher frog and it covers its eyes with its forefeet, like someone afraid to see what's coming next. And for at least a...
Large population of endangered dolphins found off Bangladesh
The world's largest population of vulnerable Irrawaddy dolphins -- famed as aquarium attractions -- has been found in Bangladesh's waters, according to a five-year wildlife study.
Rare black barn owl raised in England
LONDON, Oct. 11 (UPI) -- British conservationists say a rare black barn owl must remain in captivity to protect her from attack by her own species.
Richard Smith: This week's boost for open access research is good news for science
Richard Smith: Never mind the bank chaos – this week's boost for open access research could be more important in the long run
SpaceDev Founder Jim Benson Dies at 63
SpaceDev founder Jim Benson, 63, died of a brain tumor Friday.
Study: Plant seeds are shoe hitchhikers
LONDON, Oct. 10 (UPI) -- The action of seeds picked up by shoes is more significant in dispersal over long distances than wind, a British study said Friday.
Animals have personalities, too
We know our siblings and in-laws have personalities — sometimes to a fault. But science recently has revealed that such individual differences are widespread in the animal kingdom, even reaching...
UPI NewsTrack Health and Science News
NASA plans Mars launch next fall ... Shark's pup called 'virgin birth' ... Bird flu survival tied to hands-on therapy ... Report: Global warming makes animals move ... Health/Science news...
FOR KIDS: Fast-flying fungal spores
High-speed cameras identify speediest spore shooters on Earth
Tumor Formation In Stem Cells Linked to Mitochondria
Researchers report on a previously unknown relationship between stem cell potency and the metabolic rate of their mitochondria -- a cell's energy makers. Stem cells with more active mitochondria also...
Early planting lets farmers be both mean and green, study shows
(PhysOrg.com) -- Farmers can be both mean and green when protecting their canola fields from a pesky insect that poses a chronic threat, says a University of Alberta researcher.
Fitness in a changing world
The stickleback fish, Gasterosteus aculeatus, is one of the most thoroughly studied organisms in the wild, and has been a particularly useful model for understanding variation in physiology, behavior, life...
Making Skin for Robots
Like it or not, the day is coming when we’ll live side by side with humanoids. But although most modern robots can grip objects and avoid walls, they lack a...
Using Electrons To Treat Organic Seeds
Sales of organic products are booming: Consumers want their food to be untainted. To avoid the use of fungicides yet nevertheless protect plants from disease, researchers have developed a method...
WEEK IN PHOTOS: Workers Protest, QE2 Says Goodbye, More
The Western Wall, the Queen Elizabeth 2, Iceland's financial meltdown, and more are featured in our picks of the week's news photos.