Latest science news in Biology & Nature
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Science editor Alan Boyle's Weblog: The top images in a contest for scientific visualization include a microscopic "Tea Party" and the cutest little squid suckers you ever did see.
Adam Rutherford: The resignation of Michael Reiss is a loss to science
Adam Rutherford: In forcing Michael Reiss out, the Royal Society has weakened the case for evolution and lost a good advocate
Nanoparticles used to shrink cancer genes
HERSHEY, Pa., Sept. 16 (UPI) -- U.S. cancer researchers say nanoparticles filled with a drug targeting two genes that trigger melanoma might offer a potential cure for the...
The 'Satellite Navigation' In Our Brains
Our brains contain their own navigation system much like satellite navigation, with in-built maps, grids and compasses, according to new research by neuroscientists.
Mature B cells reprogrammed to stem-cell-like state
Fully mature, differentiated B cells can be reprogrammed to an embryonic-stem-cell-like state, without the use of an egg according to a study published in the April 18 issue of Cell.
Math Model Helps Unravel Relationship Between Nutrients And Biodiversity
The level of nutrients in soil determines how many different kinds of plants and trees can thrive in an ecosystem, according to new research published by biologists and mathematicians in...
Computational Biochemist Uncovers A Molecular Clue To Evolution
A Florida State University researcher who uses high-powered computers to map the workings of proteins has uncovered a mechanism that gives scientists a better understanding of how evolution occurs at...
DNA 'Tattoos' Link Adult, Daughter Stem Cells In Planarians
Using the molecular equivalent of a tattoo on DNA that adult stem cells pass to their "daughter" cells in combination with gene expression profiles, researchers have identified two early steps...
Brewing better beer: Scientists determine the genomic origins of lager yeasts
Yeast, the essential microorganism for fermentation in the brewing of beer, converts carbohydrates into alcohol and other products that influence appearance, aroma, and taste. In a study published online...
Killing Bacteria Isn't Enough To Restore Immune Function After Infection
A bacterial molecule that initially signals to animals that they have been invaded must be wiped out by a special enzyme before an infected animal can regain full health, researchers...
Male-specific Neurons Directly Linked To Gender-specific Behaviors
New research identifies a few critical neurons that initiate sex-specific behaviors in fruit flies and, when masculinized, can elicit male-typical courtship behaviors from females. The study demonstrates a direct link...
Extinct frog found thriving
A frog species not seen for the past 17 years has been found thriving in a remote location in far North Queensland by Australian researchers.
Mixed fish offspring disadvantaged
Research has found that guppy families with offspring from two different fathers have more trouble surviving, because they’re less inclined to stick together.
UPI NewsTrack Health and Science News
New post heart attack therapy created ... NASA: Ike affects ISS operations … Bipolar disorder linked with hibernation … Study: Water bears can survive in space ... Health/Science news from...
Why female spiders eat their mates
In many spider species, females eat the males after sex. Studies have suggested various complex evolutionary reasons involving costs and benefits to the species, sperm competition and esoteric sexual selection...
More North American fish are in jeopardy
WASHINGTON, Sept. 11 (UPI) -- A report by the U.S. Geological Survey shows nearly 40 percent of all fish species in North America are in jeopardy.
Think tank to drum up new uses for molybdenum
VINA DEL MAR, Chile (Reuters) - Scientists from around the world have joined forces in what they call a "Molybdenum Offensive," to work out strategies by the end of this...
Feds set fish shipment rules for Great Lakes
(AP) -- Federal regulators trying to contain a fish-killing virus in the Great Lakes region have issued rules for shipping live fish across state lines that some wholesalers say...
Photo reveals rare okapi survived poaching onslaught
A set of stripy legs in a camera trap photo snapped in an African forest indicates something to cheer about, say researchers from the Wildlife Conservation Society. The legs belong...
Variety In The Splice Of Life: Chromosome Breaks Are Surprisingly Complex
When chromosomes break, trouble usually ensues; chromosome abnormalities are the single biggest cause of birth defects in humans. But a new study of translocations, in which two chromosomes swap segments...
Special Dyes and Lighting Kill MRSA, Research Shows
But new technologies don't replace basic infection control procedures, expert says
Gentler Process Yields Better Gin
High-vacuum, low-temperature distillation preserves appealing flavors
Protein engineering: The fate of fingers
Proteins with 'zinc fingers' designed to bind almost any DNA sequence will soon be available to any lab that wants them #20; from two very different sources. Helen Pearson reports...
Brains rely on old and new mechanisms to diminish fear, researchers find
Humans have developed complex thought processes that can help to regulate their emotions, but these processes are also linked with evolutionarily older mechanisms that are common across species, according to...
A potential approach to treatment of hepatitis B virus infection
Eukaryotic cells employ multiple strategies of checkpoint signaling and DNA repair mechanisms to monitor and repair damaged DNA. There are two branches in the checkpoint response pathway—ataxia telangiectasia-mutated (ATM) and...
Sub-Saharan Africa news in brief: 28 Aug–10 Sept
West African hydrogen lab 'dumped', Africa signs up for new meningitis vaccine, €1 billion for African energy, and more.
Gap junction protein vital to successful pregnancy, researchers find
Researchers studying a critical stage of pregnancy - implantation of the embryo in the uterus - have found a protein that is vital to the growth of new...
Ant Parasite
The stomach flu may be uncomfortable, but consider some unlucky Central American ants. When infected by a parasitic roundworm, the ants' abdomens resemble a bright red berry -...