Latest science news in Biology & Nature
Researchers Block Transmission Of Malaria In Animal Tests
By disrupting the potassium channel of the malaria parasite, a team of researchers has been able to prevent new malaria parasites from forming in mosquitoes and has thereby broken the...
Earthworm Detectives Provide Genetic Clues For Dealing With Soil Pollution
The humble earthworm provides a new sensitive and detailed picture of what is going on in our contaminated soil ecosystems. New research shows that copper contamination has a detrimental effect...
Salmonella In Garden Birds Responsive To Antibiotics
Scientists have found that salmonella bacteria found in garden birds are sensitive to antibiotics, suggesting that the infection is unlike the bacteria found in livestock and humans.
Feather colors can affect bird physiology
TEMPE, Ariz., June 4 (UPI) -- U.S. scientists say they've discovered the color of a male barn swallow's breast feathers can significantly affect the bird's physiology.
Anchovies: Key to marine mammal deaths?
SAN LUIS OBISPO, Calif., June 5 (UPI) -- U.S. scientists say they may have discovered how marine mammals are being killed by a parasite typically associated with cats...
Scientists Uncover How Plant Roots Respond To Physical Forces Such As Gravity, Pressure, Or Touch
Researchers have identified two proteins responsible for mechanosensitive ion channel activities in plant roots. Scientists have long known that plant cells respond to physical forces. Until now, however, the proteins...
New ballast treatment could protect Great Lakes fish
A Michigan Technological University professor has developed a new water treatment that could help keep a deadly fish disease out of Lake Superior.
Mouse ovaries and testes age in unique ways
Aging leads to large changes in gene activity in the ovaries of mice, but only limited changes in testes, according to research published in the open-access journal, BMC Biology. A...
Climate change could impact vital functions of microbes
Global climate change will not only impact plants and animals but will also affect bacteria, fungi and other microbial populations that perform a myriad of functions important to life on...
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NASA again reschedules GLAST launch date … Damaged brains helped by stem cell therapy … Phoenix lifts first scoop of Martian soil … New genetic insight offered into ALS ......
Mother Nature's Antibacterial Dyes: Bright Colors And A Knockout Punch For Germs
A strain of marine bacteria produces large amounts of bright red pigments that can be used as a natural dye for wool, nylon, silk and other fabrics, scientists in California...
Study finds way to detect gene variations
COLD SPRING HARBOR, N.Y., June 3 (UPI) -- The number of copies of genes can vary widely in humans, and now U.S. researchers say they've found how to...
Researchers identify gene that regulates glucose levels
In an effort to understand how genes work, a collaborative study which includes the University of Southern California (USC) has identified a gene that regulates glucose levels. The results, which...
Humans Have Ten Times More Bacteria Than Human Cells: How Do Microbial Communities Affect Human Health?
The number of bacteria living within the body of the average healthy adult human are estimated to outnumber human cells 10 to one. Changes in these microbial communities may be...
Evolution of an imprinted domain in mammals
The normal human genome contains 46 chromosomes: 23 from the mother and 23 from the father. Thus, you have two copies of every gene (excluding some irregularity in the pair...
Unnatural roots of the food crisis
Why the loss of biodiversity and abandonment of ecology-friendly farming undermine attempts to feed the world.
Well: Experts Revive Debate Over Cellphones and Cancer
What do brain surgeons know about cellphone safety that the rest of us don’t?.
Dark, Perhaps Forever
After decades of effort, some scientists are beginning to despair of explaining the universe. Or is it universes?
Reforestation Using Exotic Plants Can Disturb Fertility Of Tropical Soils
A research program recently conducted by an IRD team and its partners found new clues for understanding the influence of exotic species on the biodiversity of communities of mycorrhizal fungi...
Good News In Our DNA: Defects You Can Fix With Vitamins And Minerals
As DNA sequencing becomes cheaper, it will become common for people to have their complete genomes sequenced. Personal genomes will not only tell people about genetic susceptibility to cancer and...
Toad research could leapfrog to new muscle model
A cane toad from Suriname is helping Northern Arizona University researcher Kiisa Nishikawa understand the speed, power and energy behind the toad's ability to capture prey with its tongue. Her...
Isolated in Amazon, Visible From the Air
Aerial photographs of an isolated community of indigenous people in the Amazon basin were released to show that they exist but may be endangered by illegal logging.
Beyond Harry & David
A tribute to the overwhelming diversity of fruits on this planet, both botanical and human.
Research uncovers the hidden world of turtles
The frog may be the environmental indicator of the land, but University of Queensland researchers reckon when it comes to the sea, we should look to the turtle.
Discovery of new family of genetic mutations involved in inflammatory intestinal disease
The discovery of new genetic mutations involved in inflammatory intestinal disorders could lead to a better understanding of these common conditions, two scientists told the annual conference of the European...
Brown Argus butterfly sees positive effects of climate change
The Brown Argus butterfly Aricia agestis has expanded northwards in Britain during the last 30 years. It is thought that the recent expansion of the species is due to the...
Western U.S. Forests At Risk: Complex Dynamics Underlie Bark Beetle Eruptions
Biological interactions involving fungi as well as trees and competing insects drive bark beetle outbreaks. The processes are sensitive to a forest's condition and the local climate, but prediction is...
'Mythical' moth rescued from web
An insect found only four times previously since 1853 is discovered close to site of original sighting.