Latest science news in Biology & Nature
iPads Could Encourage Bad Posture, Experts Say
Apple's new iPad device is not so great for your body, experts say.
Scientists map out regulatory regions of genome, hot spots for diabetes genes
Researchers have generated a complete map of the areas of the genome that control which genes are "turned on" or "off." The discovery, made in pancreatic islet cells, opens new...
Mechanical forces can affect genes
ANN ARBOR, Mich., Feb. 3 (UPI) -- Researchers at the University of Michigan say they've discovered tension on DNA molecules can affect gene expression -- the basis of biological...
Researcher develops new method for detecting biodiversity losses
Baylor University researchers along with ecologists from the University of Maryland, Baltimore County have developed a new method that measures the impact of human-caused environmental degradation on environmental biodiversity. The...
Genetic test for 'speed gene' in thoroughbred horses
Groundbreaking research led by a leading horse genomics scientist in Ireland has resulted in the identification of the 'speed gene' in thoroughbred horses.
Stem cells aid nerve cells by contact
STOCKHOLM, Sweden, Feb. 2 (UPI) -- A Swedish-led team of medical scientists says it has discovered how transplanted stem cells can connect with and rescue threatened neurons and brain...
Some primates share, but others ... not so much
No matter how enticing the toy, bonobo apes always share, according to two recently published studies. Primate - Ape - Movies - Arts - Chimpanzee
Scientists create new way to screen libraries of 10 million or more compounds
The search for new drug compounds is probably worse than looking for a needle in a haystack because scientists are limited in the size of the haystacks they can rummage...
Ability to navigate may be linked to genes
New research for the first time links genes to our ability to orient ourselves to the world around us an then navigate through it.
Viruses lure insects to infected plants
STATE COLLEGE, Pa., Feb. 2 (UPI) -- U.S. entomologists say they've discovered a common plant virus lures aphids to infected plants and then uses the aphids as transportation to...
Studying synapses could help halt epilepsy
Connections in the brain can be studied using a microfluidic platform developed by US scientist
Light shed on koala evolution
(PhysOrg.com) -- The world at large knows koalas as cute, cuddly, lovable iconic animals. The evolutionary biologist, on the other hand, will know them as extremely specialized, endangered animals, the...
Argonautes: A big turn-off for proteins
Johns Hopkins scientists believe they may have figured out how genetic snippets called microRNAs are able to shut down the production of some proteins...
South–South collaboration ‘important in managing HIV’
A model of HIV care developed in Haiti and successfully adapted in Lesotho reveals the importance of South–South collaboration, says a study.
Fish oil may reduce the risk of psychotic disorders in high-risk individuals
Individuals at extremely high risk of developing psychosis appear less likely to develop psychotic disorders following a 12-week course of fish oil capsules containing long-chain omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, according...
Whale expedition heads south
Scientists are on a research mission to better understand how various species of whales interact with their environment.
Journals 'block' stem cell work
Stem cell experts say they believe a small group of scientists is vetoing high quality science from being published in journals.
Sheep breeding raises questions
Merino sheep are used for meat or kept for breeding purposes. A PhD student is examining which is the more profitable option for producers.
Crystals hard to replicate
A study into crystallisation has shown that nature compensates for its own inaccuracies, a process which scientists are attempting to imitate.
Transgenic Tomatoes Last Longer
Researchers extended the shelf life of tomatoes by 30 days by suppressing enzymes that promote ripening.
Beetles Inspire Human Wall Walking
A palm-sized device invented at Cornell that uses water surface tension as an adhesive bond just might make walking on walls possible for humans. The rapid adhesion mechanism could lead...
High-throughput analysis of gene regulation, DNA synthesis in Cold Spring Harbor Protocols
COLD SPRING HARBOR, N.Y. (Mon., Feb. 1, 2010) -- Mapping DNase I hypersensitive sites has long been the standard method for identifying genetic regulatory elements such as promoters, enhancers,...
Observatory: No Place Like Foam for Tropical Frogs
There are hundreds of species of frogs that build their nest out of foam, as a home for eggs or larvae.
Observatory: How Seabirds Follow Fishing Boats’ Routine
Researchers report that fishing-boat discards can affect seabirds’ patterns of movement on large scales.
Observatory: Why Asexual Organisms Are on Their Last Legs
One hypothesis is that asexual organisms have locked up their genome, while their pathogenic enemies are constantly evolving to defeat them.
Humble garden pea helps scientists develop 'cool,' noninvasive diagnostic test of seed quality
Scientists from Kew's Millennium Seed Bank in the United Kingdom and the University of Graz, Austria, have developed a rapid, new method to diagnose seed quality non-invasively and in real...
Engineers develop cancer-targeting nanoprobe sensors
(PhysOrg.com) -- Scientists at UC Berkeley have created smart nanoprobes that may one day be used in the battle against cancer to selectively seek out and destroy tumor cells, as...
Experiment takes aim at genetic learning disorder
WASHINGTON (AP) -- A pill to ease a type of mental retardation? An experiment is under way to develop one, aimed at a genetic disorder that...