Latest science news in Biology & Nature
WHO probing deaths from mystery disease in SAfrica
(AP) -- The U.N. health agency says it is investigating a mystery disease that killed three people in the South African city of Johannesburg.
One-fourth of wild mammal species may face extinction
A survey, released in Barcelona at the World Conservation Congress, evaluates the status of the world's 5,487 mammal species. The prognosis is not good. ...
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...
Scent On Demand: Scientists Genetically Enhance Scent Of Flowers
Scientists have found a way to genetically enhance the scent of flowers and implant a scent in those that don't have one.
Giant turtle breeding effort failed
BEIJING, Oct. 7 (UPI) -- An attempt to mate two elderly Yangtze giant soft-shell turtle failed to produce any offspring, Chinese scientists say.
Genetic Variant Plays Role In Cleft Lip, Study Finds
Researchers have found, in a previously identified gene, a variation that likely contributes to one in five cases of isolated cleft lip. It's the first time a genetic variant has...
Disinfectants can make bacteria resistant to treatment
Chemicals used in the environment to kill bacteria could be making them stronger, according to a paper published in the October issue of the journal Microbiology. Low levels of these...
Complete Genomics launches, becomes world's first large-scale human genome sequencing company
Complete Genomics Inc., a third-generation human genome sequencing company, today announced its formal launch as the world's first provider of large-scale human genome sequencing services.
Bosses evolved from prehistoric bullies
New research has traced office politics back to the cavemen days and has found male mangers have an evolutionary excuse for bullying non-team players.
Feature: Biology probed for the secrets of crop survival
Farmers around the world are struggling with drought, but Australian researchers are trying to crack the genetic code that will allow wheat to survive in the hot, dry climate of...
Landmark Discovery Of 'Engine' That Drives Cell Movement
How a cell assembles its internal machinery required for cell movement has been revealed for the first time. The discovery is fundamental to the understanding of how a cell responds...
Nerve Cell Actions Made Optically Visible In Mice
Thought processes made visible: Researchers have succeeded in optically detecting individual action potentials in the brains of living animals. The scientists introduced fluorescent indicator proteins into the brain cells of...
Scripps Research scientists define structure of important neurological receptor
Scientists from The Scripps Research Institute have determined the structure of an adenosine receptor that plays a critical role in a number of important physiological processes including pain, breathing, and...
Bio-imaging Mass Spectrometry Techniques Reveal Molecular Details About Complex Systems
Georgia Tech's new Center for Bio-Imaging Mass Spectrometry allows researchers to visualize the spatial arrangement and relative abundance of specific molecules -- from simple metabolites to peptides and proteins --...
VIDEO: Tasty Fungus Falling to Warming?
Truffle hunters in France believe global warming has led to an increase in parasitic attacks on wild truffles—spurring a boom in hothouse versions of the luxury fungus.
Metastatic movements in 3-D
Caswell et al.report in the Journal of Cell Biology how the altered behavior of integrins can prompt metastatic movement in tumor cells.
Recordings aim to capture calls of the wild West
(AP) -- Rattlesnakes aren't to be trifled with, but if you're trying to collect the sound of every creature in the West that slithers, hops, flies or flops, distance...
Dawn of Low-Price Mapping Could Broaden DNA Uses
A start-up company called Complete Genomics says it will start charging $5,000 next year to determine a person’s complete genetic blueprint.
Beetles grow weed killer
Female beetles protect food for their offspring with a bacterial compound new to science
Honeybees play follow-the-leaders
Flying high and fast, elite streaker honeybees lead the way to a new hive
Genetic link to dyslexia
A gene variant involved in brain development may contribute to reading problems, including dyslexia
Venus Flytraps Caught in Shrinking Habitat
Venus flytraps see only natural environment in Carolinas disappearing.
Fat Dolphins Put On Diet At Japanese Park
Dolphins at a Japanese marine park are going on a low-fat diet after developing pot bellies and failing to look sharp in their aquatic performances.
Entire Ecosystem Proposed For Protection
The government is taking a new, ecosystem-based approach to the endangered species list, proposing an all-at-once addition of 48 species that live only on the Hawaiian island of Kauai.
Elusive cricket species found in England
BRANSCOMBE , England, Oct. 4 (UPI) -- One of Britain's rarest insects, thought to be wiped out after an oil spill last year, has survived the ordeal, scientists...
Cardio exercise that multi-tasks
A fun way to rev up your workout is to combine movements that raise your heart rate while working your legs and core. Try this move in a wide-open...
Big cat kill caught on BBC webcam
BBC webcams in Kenya's Masai Mara Reserve catch some remarkable pictures of lions in action.
Help red squirrels, public urged
Conservationists urge the public to report sightings of red squirrels in an attempt to protect them from a deadly virus.