Latest science news in Biology & Nature
Plasticizer migration preventive created
MADRID, Feb. 8 (UPI) -- Spanish scientists say they've developed a new way of preventing potentially harmful plasticizers from migrating from widely used groups of plastic products.
Biologists determine microRNA activity is suppressed in mouse ovum
Scientists studying RNA activity, the so-called dark matter of the biological world, may have found the first event in reprogramming a differentiated oocyte into pluripotent blastomeres of the embryo.
Secrets to superb malting barleys explored
Agricultural scientists are discovering more about what goes on inside malting barley grains as they germinate, or sprout, in the malt house.
World's first in-depth study of the malaria parasite genome
Groundbreaking research could lead to the development of more potent drugs or a vaccine for malaria. Scientists have scored a world first in successfully using transcriptional profiling to uncover hitherto...
NIH scientists identify maternal and fetal genes that increase preterm birth risk
Researchers at the National Institutes of Health have identified DNA variants in mothers and fetuses that appear to increase the risk for preterm labor and delivery. The DNA variants were...
First discovery of the female sex hormone progesterone in a plant
In a finding that overturns conventional wisdom, scientists are reporting the first discovery of the female sex hormone progesterone in a plant. Until now, scientists thought that only animals could...
Brain scan allows unconscious patient to communicate
Imaging technique pierces vegetative state.
New class of anti-HIV drugs possible
LA JOLLA, Calif., Feb. 4 (UPI) -- U.S. scientists say they've discovered two compounds that might lay the foundation for the development of a new class of anti-HIV drugs.
How spider webs catch water drops
A new study reveals the structural secrets that allow spider webs to capture water droplets from the air.
Pandas leave D.C., Atlanta for China
Two giant pandas born in American zoos were headed to China by special cargo jet Thursday to become part of a breeding program in their endangered species' native land. ...
Experts observe whale hunt noise
Whale researchers in Shetland say they have recorded killer-whale activity never before seen in the wild.
Researchers explore link between human birth defect syndrome, cancer metastasis
Some cells are natural rule-breakers. Neural crest cells for example, not only migrate throughout the body during development (most cells are more selective in their wandering), they are also more...
Bad news for mosquitoes: Yale study may lead to better traps, repellents
Yale University researchers have found more than two dozen scent receptors in malaria-transmitting mosquitoes that detect compounds in human sweat, a finding that may help scientists to develop new ways...
France calls for international tuna trade ban
France's call for an international trade ban on endangered Atlantic bluefin tuna is a strong political commitment, but it falls well short of giving this endangered species the immediate protection...
New on-off 'switch' triggers and reverses paralysis in animals with a beam of light
In an advance with overtones of Star Trek phasers and other sci-fi ray guns, scientists in Canada are reporting development of an internal on-off 'switch' that paralyses animals when exposed...
Nunavut proposes Baffin Island caribou survey
Nunavut wildlife biologists want to conduct the first extensive survey of caribou across Baffin Island as early as next year.
Instant insight: Understanding biological data
Ivano Bertini and Gabriele Cavallaro describe how bioinformatics can help make sense of the growing data on metals in biology
Male erectile dysfunction drug enhances fetal growth in female sheep, study finds
Viagra (sildenafil citrate), which is used to treat male erectile dysfunction, enhanced blood flow in pregnant female sheep, helping send vital amino acids and other nutrients needed in fetal development,...
Ecology: Introducing new genes for restoration purposes may affect local populations
Revegetation seems like a beneficial strategy for conserving and restoring damaged ecosystems, and using a variety of species can help increase biodiversity in these systems. But what risks are involved...
Sources of infection: Mycobacterium avium infections in pigs, humans and birds in Norway
New research from Norway has shown that Mycobacterium avium does not infect pigs via birds, as previously believed. M. avium can be divided into several subspecies, and the research shows...
Scientists map epigenome of human stem cells during development
Singapore and US scientists have mapped major components of the epigenome and DNA methylation for the entire human DNA sequence, and compared three cell types representing three stages of human...
Beat the Beetles: Researchers Crank Up the Volume to Fight Tree-Killing Pests
A phenomenon dubbed "Beetle Mania" is playing out in northern Arizona. As can be expected, it involves rock music, but instead of screaming fans there are cheering scientists who have...
Missing DNA Section Contributes To Obesity, New Study Says
A new study published today in Nature suggests that approximately seven in every thousand morbidly obese people are missing a section of their DNA containing approximately 30 genes, which may...
Invasive Plants Making The Most Of Climate Change
Writing in the journal PLoS ONE, an international team of scientists says invasive plants could become even more prevalent and destructive as climate change continues. According to the new analysis...
Study: Hard to keep wild bears from food
ORLANDO, Fla., Feb. 3 (UPI) -- A biologist said her four-year study in Florida of ways to keep bears from searching garbage cans and camp sites found the wild...
Experts fear spread of viral fish disease
RESTON, Va., Feb. 3 (UPI) -- A U.S. study shows a disinfection solution used for salmon eggs also prevents transmission of the virus that causes viral hemorrhagic septicemia.
Cell growth regulates genetic circuits
Genetic circuits control the activity of genes and thereby the function of cells and organisms. Scientists have shown how various genetic circuits in bacterial cells are influenced by growth conditions....
New ‘hook’ for reversibly binding molecules to proteins
UK researchers find a simple new way of attaching molecules to proteins that can later be reversed