Latest science news in Biology & Nature
Stabilizing Cancer-fighting P53 Can Also Shield A Metastasis-promoter
Efforts to protect the tumor-suppressor p53 could just as easily shelter a mutant version of the protein, causing cancer cells to thrive and spread rather than die, according to new...
Real-time Observation Of DNA-repair Mechanism
For the first time, researchers have witnessed the spontaneous repair of damage to DNA molecules in real time. They observed this at the level of a single DNA molecule. Insight...
Over 50 Percent Of Oceanic Shark Species Threatened With Extinction
The first study to determine the global threat status of 21 species of wide-ranging oceanic pelagic sharks and rays reveals serious overfishing and recommends key steps that governments can take...
Resurgent Humpbacks On Comeback Trail
In 1966, there were less than 1,500 humpback whales swimming the waters of the North Pacific Ocean. Recent studies show the humpback population has climbed to nearly 20,000.
Scientists remove thousands of aspens to glimpse forest's future
Armed with chainsaws and pry bars, University of Michigan researchers and their colleagues recently hastened the end for nearly 7,000 mature aspen and birch trees in a large-scale, long-term experiment...
The Genetics Of Fat Storage In Cells Revealed
New research has revealed the genetic determinants of fat storage in cells, which may lead to a new understanding of and potential treatments for obesity, diabetes, and heart disease.
Food-related Clock In The Brain Identified
In investigating the intricacies of the body's biological rhythms, scientists have discovered the existence of a "food-related clock" which can supersede the "light-based" master clock that serves as the body's...
Insect release proposed to control exotic strawberry guava
U.S. Forest Service scientists with the Institute of Pacific Islands Forestry have submitted a proposal to release a Brazilian insect to control the spread of strawberry guava, a South American...
Major 'Missed' Biochemical Pathway Emerges As Important In Virtually All Cells
A new study in Science provides compelling evidence that the nitric oxide system in cells is very broad-based and important, resembling in its essence the much-studied system of phosphorylation. The...
New Family Of Gecko Discovered
A new family of gecko, the charismatic large-eyed lizard popularized by car insurance commercials, has been discovered. Scientists have long been interested in geckos and their evolution because they are...
Enzyme for ubiquitin-dependent protein degradation linked to cellular senescence
A new study, published by Cell Press in the May 23rd issue of the journal Molecular Cell, identifies a pivotal role for the CUL7 E3 ubiquitin ligase in growth control....
Metagenomics of skin reveals insights into the human microbiome
The human body is home to a diverse range of microorganisms, estimated to outnumber human cells in a healthy adult by ten fold. The importance of characterizing human...
Sub-Saharan Africa news in brief: 9–28 May 2008
Free HIV drugs drop Malawi mortality, farmers struggle to access adapted maize, radio initiative fails to reach Nigeria farmers, and more.
Endangered tiger becomes proud mama of five!
Five rare tiger cubs have been born at the Saint Louis Zoo.
Relocation Of Endangered Chinese Turtle May Save Species
There are only four specimens of the Yangtze giant softshell turtle left on Earth -- one in the wild and three in captivity. In order to save this species from...
Oregano oil works as well as synthetic insecticides to tackle common beetle
New research in the Society of Chemical Industry’s Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture shows that oregano oil works as well as synthetic insecticides to combat infestation by...
Climate change does double-whammy to animals in seasonal environments
Plant-eating animals in highly seasonal environments, such as the Arctic, are struggling to locate nutritious food as a result of climate change, according to research that will be published in...
Foot-and-mouth plan used flawed study
(AP) -- The Bush administration relied on a flawed study to conclude that research on a highly infectious animal disease could safely be moved from an isolated island laboratory...
Scientists gather to review tunicate fight
Scientists attending a conference at a P.E.I. resort this week are planning a number of summer projects to help mussel growers battle the growing threat of an invasive species.
Technology improves crops faster
New technology that predicts plant breeding outcomes is putting improved crop strains in the field faster, and could aid the dwindling global food supply.
Identical Twins' DNA Varies
Scientists discover differences that really set identical twins apart.
Airlines' Own Sites Can Offer the Best Deals
Many airlines keep their best fare deals for their own Web sites.
A Strange Crustacean Transformation
Seen previously only in larval form, an enigmatic creature turns into something unexpected
Ask an Interspecies Musicologist
Humpback whales sing some of the most beautiful songs in the animal world. It’s not just “woo, woo, woo”—their songs last 10 to 15 minutes and have a definite form,...
Polar bear numbers set to fall
Climate-change icon gains 'threatened' status from United States.
3-D picture of protein receptor obtained
HOUSTON, May 21 (UPI) -- U.S. researchers reported obtaining the first three-dimensional picture of the protein responsible for generating the sense of heat from spicy hot foods.
Fungus That Produces Biofuels From Plants: Genome Sequenced
The fungus Trichoderma reesei optimally breaks down plants into simple sugars, the basic components of ethanol. The fungus's genome has recently been sequenced. The results show that only a few...