Latest science news in Biology & Nature
Wolf recaptured after escape from Belgian zoo
A zoo in Belgium said a 3-year-old wolf was safely recaptured after escaping from its enclosure and spending a night on the loose.
Study of Asia's hillstream loaches reveals keys to fish family's land-walking abilities
In a study published in the Journal of Morphology, a team of researchers from New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT), Florida Museum of Natural History, Louisiana State University and Thailand's...
Got fatigue? Study further pinpoints brain regions that may control it
Using MRI scans and computer modeling, scientists say they have further pinpointed areas of the human brain that regulate efforts to deal with fatigue.
Can Redwoods Survive the Devastating California Wildfires?
Members of one of the world’s largest and oldest tree species have likely been damaged. But they are incredibly resilient -- Read more on ScientificAmerican.com
Novel PROTAC enhances its intracellular accumulation and protein knockdown
Researchers have developed an improved type of PROTAC that has enhanced intracellular accumulation and functions, not only as a degrader, but also as an inhibitor of the target protein.
New research shows NOAA scientist built a better lionfish trap
A new trap for invasive lionfish works so well that scientists believe it might help control the intruder that eats native fish and shrimp in Florida and the Gulf of...
Catching genes from chlamydiae allowed complex life to live without oxygen
An international team of researchers has discovered a new group of Chlamydiae—Anoxychlamydiales—living under the ocean floor without oxygen. These Chlamydiae have genes that allow them to survive without oxygen while...
Marijuana test for stressed-out Warsaw Zoo elephants
The Warsaw zoo said Wednesday it will start giving its elephants medical marijuana as part of a ground-breaking pilot project to test how it reduces their stress levels.
Barcoding long DNA quantifies CRISPR effects
Current sequencing techniques lack the sensitivity to detect rare gene mutations in a pool of cells, which is particularly important, for example, in early cancer detection. Now, scientists at KAUST...
SARS-CoV-2 RNA detected in untreated wastewater from Louisiana
Scientists have detected genetic material from SARS-CoV-2 in untreated wastewater samples collected in April 2020 from two wastewater treatment plants in Louisiana.
Sleep duration, efficiency and structure change in space
It's hard to get a good night's sleep in space. An evaluation of astronauts serving on the Mir space station found that they experienced shorter sleep durations, more wakefulness, and...
A key molecular switch for controlling seed size
NUS biologists discovered the mobile TERMINAL FLOWER1 (TFL1) protein as an essential molecular switch for regulating endosperm development and seed size.
A ribosome odyssey in mitochondria
Proteins make life and are made by ribosomes. In mitochondria, the repertoire of the mitoribosomal architectures turns out to be much more diverse than previously thought.
Researchers help inform cassava breeding worldwide
Scientists in Cornell University's NextGen Cassava project have uncovered new details regarding cassava's genetic architecture that may help breeders more easily pinpoint traits for one of Africa's most vital crops.
Invasive South American fish known as the 'vegetarian piranha' found in Tennessee
A Tennessee fisherman's suspicions that he caught something extraordinary were confirmed over the weekend when state officials determined the fish was a South American pacu, a species related to the...
Changing ties that naturally bind: How information, disease, and social evolution are linked
Animals use social information for a variety of reasons, including identifying new foraging areas or of threats from predators.
How plants shut the door on infection
Plants have a unique ability to safeguard themselves against pathogens by closing their pores—but until now, no one knew quite how they did it. Scientists have known that a flood...
Unlocking the mysteries of the brain
A research team highlights the mechanisms underlying memory and learning capacity -- specifically, how our brains process, store and integrate information.
Antagonistic genes modify rice plant growth
Rice stems lengthen when a newly identified gene activates during flooding. Another gene suppresses lengthening in shorter varieties. The insight could help plant breeders.
Bacteria could survive the trip to Mars in the form of thick aggregates
If bacteria form thick enough aggregates -- large populations of bacteria cells with multicellular structures -- they could partially survive the long trip to Mars.
Effectiveness of primate conservation measures mostly lacking
Primates receive a lot of research attention and conservation funding compared to other taxonomic groups, owing largely to their anthropological significance and charisma. Yet, we remain unable to conserve them...
New genetic markers of glucosinolates in rapeseed may improve oil composition
A group of scientists from Skoltech and Pustovoit All-Russian Research Institute of Oil Crops in Krasnodar performed genetic analysis of the Russian rapeseed collection. The scientists described the genetic diversity...
Brachypodium model system traces polyploid genome evolution
Flowering plants abide by the concept, "the more the merrier," with respect to their genomes. In their base state, they are diploids with two genome copies, one from each parent....
Spotted lanternfly tree traps can be effective, but need careful installation
For homeowners dealing with spotted lanternfly infestations, tree traps can be a cost-effective, nonchemical option.
For survival, dolphins share fish and a little more
Researchers have discovered some dolphin species have a lot more in common with humans than first thought. They gather in groups. They have strong social interactions. They share food. And...
Scientists develop topological barcodes for folded molecules
The team of Alireza Mashaghi at the Leiden Academic Center for Drug Research has found a way to determine and classify the shape of proteins. Their new theory defines the...
Uncontrolled molecule sparks rare liver cancer
Since humans first controlled fire, they have camped around it to circulate information, signaling each other when something approaches. Metaphorically, certain molecules have been carrying information around our cells to...
Humpback ballet: Fishing duo captures breaching performance on camera
Two whales decided to crash Sarah and Sean Russell's fishing trip this past weekend.