Latest science news in Biology & Nature
Scientists sequence malaria's genome
An international team of researchers have sequenced the genomes of two malaria parasites and have found that one of the strains is often dangerously misdiagnosed.
New Tool Probes Function Of Rice Genes
Researchers have developed a new tool for investigating the rice genome. The inexpensive, publicly-available rice DNA microarray covers nearly all the 45,000 genes in the rice genome.
RNA Molecules, Delivery System Improve Vaccine Responses, Effectiveness
A novel delivery system that could lead to more efficient and more disease-specific vaccines against infectious diseases has been developed by biomedical engineers.
Scripps research team solves structure of 'beneficial' virus
The 3-D structure of the virus, known as Seneca Valley Virus-001, reveals that it is unlike any other known member of the Picornaviridae viral family, and confirms its recent designation...
Beavers: Dam good for songbirds
The songbird has a friend in the beaver. According to a study by the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS), the busy beaver's signature dams provide critical habitat for a variety...
A Great Gift Idea - for a biologist, anyway.
Only the awesomest thing I've ever found to give a biologist this holiday season. read more
Population Growth Puts Dent In Natural Resources
It's a 500-pound gorilla that Robert Criss, Ph.D., professor of earth and planetary sciences in Arts & Sciences at Washington University in St. Louis, sees standing on the speaker's dais...
Researchers discover how infectious bacteria can switch species
Scientists from the Universities of Bath and Exeter have developed a rapid new way of checking for toxic genes in disease-causing bacteria which infect insects and humans. Their findings could...
Can Taking Ecstasy Once Damage Your Memory?
Academics in the UK are issuing new warnings about the dangers of ecstasy and its effects on the brain.
What Causes Cell Defences To Crumble? Proteins In Mussels Act As Barrier To Toxic Environmental Chemicals
German and American researchers have for the first time identified complete gene sequences and function of two proteins in mussels that play a key defensive role against environmental toxicants. These...
Scientists find key protein helps people hear
LONDON (Reuters) - A protein in the inner ear helps people differentiate between sounds and understand speech, French researchers reported on Wednesday in a finding that could help treat the...
Feature: WAs biodiversity facing a grey future
Researchers believe the current practice of planting only one species of tree to absorb carbon dioxide is threatening WA's biodiversity, reports Aaron Fernandes.
Molecule That Coordinates The Movement Of Cells Identified
A molecule bridging two proteins that gives cells their shape and ability to migrate in a directed fashion may also shed light on how to keep cancer from spreading.
Plant Virus Research Could Lead To New Ways To Improve Crop Yields
An interdisciplinary group of scientists has obtained the first detailed information about the structure of the most destructive group of plant viruses known: flexible filamentous viruses.
Circadian Clock May Be Critical For Remembering What You Learn, Researchers Say
The circadian rhythm that quietly pulses inside us all, guiding our daily cycle from sleep to wakefulness and back to sleep again, may be doing much more than just that...
New fungi species unearthed in UK
Several species of fungi new to the UK have been unearthed by mushroom experts at the National Trust's Clumber Park.
VIDEO: Chicken Feathers to Build Houses
A Philippine scientist has developed wallboard using chicken feathers. He says it could replace traditional woodchip wallboard used in construction.
Study: HIV began about 80-100 years ago
TUCSON, Oct. 8 (UPI) -- U.S.-led scientists estimate the human immunodeficiency virus began spreading between 1884 and 1924, about 30 years earlier than prior estimates.
Time of day influences yield for pharmacologically stimulated stem cell mobilization
A new study uncovers a previously unrecognized, species-specific impact of circadian rhythms on the production of mobilized stem cells. The research, published by Cell Press in the October 9th issue...
Stem cells from testicles an option to embryos
(AP) -- Cells taken from men's testicles seem as versatile as the stem cells derived from embryos, researchers reported Wednesday in what may be yet another new approach in...
Scientists explore new source of stem cells
Using the testicular cells of adult men, researchers have grown muscle, nerve and other kinds of tissue. ...
Malaria Parasites Use "Cloaking Devices" to Trick Body
The parasites make themselves invisible to the human immune system via elaborate molecular "disguises," two new studies reveal.
Subsurface life likes lots and lots of oil
SANTA BARBARA, Calif., Oct. 8 (UPI) -- U.S. scientists have found organisms thousands of feet below the Pacific Ocean's surface off Santa Barbara, Calif., are feasting on oil...
Diversity of plant-eating fishes may be key to recovery of coral reefs
For endangered coral reefs, not all plant-eating fish are created equal. A report scheduled to be published this week in the early edition of the journal Proceedings of the National...
A fine balance
Once a toddler has mastered the art of walking, it seems to come naturally for the rest of her life. But walking and running require a high degree of coordination...
Scientists pinpoint key proteins in blood stem cell replication
A family of cancer-fighting molecules helps blood stem cells in mice decide when and how to divide, say researchers at the Stanford University School of Medicine. Blocking the molecules' function...
Hundreds of new marine species discovered: Australian scientists
Hundreds of new marine species and previously uncharted undersea mountains and canyons have been discovered in the depths of the Southern Ocean, Australian scientists said Wednesday.
University: Stem-cell study used falsified data
(AP) -- The University of Minnesota has concluded that falsified data were used in a 2001 article published by one of its researchers on adult stem cells. The school...