Latest science news in Biology & Nature
Tracking Down The Cause Of Mad Cow Disease: First Synthetic Prion Protein With An Anchor
Researchers in Germany and Switzerland have developed a new general method for the synthesis of anchored proteins, such as GPI-anchored prions, which cause scrapie and mad cow disease.
Wielding Microbe Against Microbe, Beetle Defends Its Food Source
As the southern pine beetle moves through the forest boring tunnels inside the bark of trees, it brings with it both a helper and a competitor. The helper is a...
Human Evolution is Coming to a Standstill
Our future may be uncertain, but leading geneticist Steve Jones at the University of College London says he knows one thing for sure: we're not going to change much on...
Three Scientists Bask in Chemistry Nobel's Glow
Prize goes to the discovery and application of green fluorescent protein, a key tool in molecular biology
UPI NewsTrack Health and Science News
Study: HIV began about 80-100 years ago … Arctic storms and sea ice drift are linked … Colon cancer linked with obesity, genetics … New, smaller satellites are developed ......
DNA fingerprinting could reveal your surname
Police could one day predict the surname of male suspects or victims of crime from DNA alone, British researchers said on Wednesday.
Biological Alternatives To Chemical Pesticides
With increasing consumer pressure on both farmers and supermarkets to minimize the use of chemical pesticides in fruit and vegetables, a new study looks at why there is currently little...
Simon Underdown: Human evolution won't stop just because the gene pool is limited
Simon Underdown: I disagree with Johnjoe McFadden's criticisms of Steve Jones, but genetics are not the only factor in our species' survival
Idea Lab: Losing the Weight Stigma
A social movement argues that you can be healthy no matter how fat you are.
Atomic-resolution Views Suggest Function Of Enzyme That Regulates Light-detecting Signals In Eye
An atomic resolution view of an enzyme found only in the eye is providing clues about how the enzyme is activated. The enzyme, PDE6, is critical to the way light...
Conservation: Key project aims to cultivate healing value of plants
Conservation is as much about protecting people's lives as plant diversity, according to a new global strategy at Kew Gardens says Juliette Jowit
Farmers will grow drought resistant crops 'in four years'
GM oilseed rape and maize that tolerate water shortages are in field tests - opponents remain sceptical
Rong Li Lab probes mechanism of asymmetry in meiotic cell division
The Stowers Institute's Rong Li Lab has characterized a mechanism that allows for asymmetrical cell division during meiosis in oocytes. By tracking chromosome movement in live mouse oocytes, the team...
Koalas calling
With the help of mobile phone technology, UQ researchers are set to decipher the distinctive grunting noises made by male koalas during the spring mating season.
New research may help to design better gene therapy vectors
(PhysOrg.com) -- Research published by scientists from the University of Reading may offer an insight into ways of making safer and more specific gene therapy vectors. The research, published in...
Egg whites solve the 3-D problem
The real world is three-dimensional. That's true even in the laboratory, where scientists have to grow cells to study how they develop and what happens when their growth is abnormal.
Weeds threaten Australia's environment
New guides have been released detailing the eight invasive weed species that experts have identified as Australian flora and fauna's most immediate threat.
HIV spread to humans 100 years ago
Scientists have analysed a HIV 'fossil' and found that the virus may have spread from chimps to humans as early as 1908, 50 years before the first recorded infection.
Scientists find 64 cancer suspects
Australian researchers have identified 64 proteins that are suspected of helping cancer corrupt innocent cells and spread through the body.
'Biodiversity blitz' found off Australia
Tongue-eating fish parasites and jellyfish that float upside down were some of the treasures discovered off the coast of Australia during a census of marine life.
Feature: Scientists hold onto hope for the Coorong
The mouth of the River Murray is home to hundreds of thousands of wading birds each year - and is currently in very bad shape. A timely $5.3-million project is...
Zambia's molecular biology lab ' fully functioning' at last
Zambia's first molecular laboratory is fully active after years of setbacks, and will prioritise the detection of genetically modified crops.
Three genes identified in gout
BETHESDA, Md., Oct. 7 (UPI) -- U.S. and Dutch scientists have identified two genes and confirmed the role of a third in the creation of uric acid in...
Many Receptor Models Used In Drug Design May Not Be Useful After All
It may very well be that models used for the design of new drugs have to be regarded as impractical. Scientists have elucidated the structure of the adenosine A2A receptor,...
Fishy Future Written In The Genes
The roadmap to the future of the gorgeously-decorated fish which throng Australia’s coral reefs may well be written in their genes. Of particular importance may be to protect ‘pioneer’ fish...
New theory created for the start of cancer
SALT LAKE CITY, Oct. 7 (UPI) -- A U.S. study using fruit flies has become the first to show in animals that losing just the end of a...
It's no secret! We love gossip
Blabbermouth. Tattletale. Scandalmonger. Spreading gossip may seem uncouth — but science says otherwise.
A Conversation With Joseph Derisi: Computers + Biology = Virus Detector
Joseph DeRisi, a molecular biologist and biochemist, helped invent the ViroChip, which accelerates the ability of researchers to diagnose viral infections.