Latest science news in Biology & Nature
How they voted on embryo research
Legislation to widen the scope of embryo research cleared its first Commons hurdle as moves to stop 'hybrid' human-animal embryos were defeated
Leader: MPs must give scientists the power to save lives
Leader: It is to be hoped that MPs will vote for well-regulated science dedicated to the alleviation of human suffering
Disabling mouse enzyme increases fertility
Changing the sugars attached to a hormone produced in the pituitary gland increased fertility levels in mice nearly 50 percent, a research group at Washington University School of Medicine in...
HIV infection stems from few viruses
A new study reveals the genetic identity of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), the version responsible for sexual transmission, in unprecedented detail.
UPI NewsTrack Health and Science News
Biodiversity on Earth is declining … Cell cancer-fighting trigger is found … Interior of Mars is colder than thought … Study shows bird sight isn't human sight ... Health/Science news...
Bill could keep Vancouver injection site alive: NDP
B.C.'s provincial opposition is introducing a private member's bill that it hopes will keep Vancouver's supervised injection site open.
Beluga whales trapped in ice near Grise Fiord
Up to 20 beluga whales are trapped in the sea ice near Grise Fiord, Nunavut, a local conservation officer said.
Biotech companies rush to patent plant genes
Activists fear that blanket patents could stifle independent crop research.
Do I smell sexy? Here's a new reason to swap spit
For members who submit a saliva sample, dating website ScientificMatch.com plays matchmaker using DNA and smell. ...
Pioneering Induction Of Bone Formation Using Embryonic Stem Cells
Researchers have successfully creating bone tissue "in vivo", using embryonic stem cells. They imitated bone formation in embryos and children, which uses cartilage as a template. This new approach appears...
The Changing Fortunes of Wild and Captive Animals in China [Slide Show] [News]
BEIJING--The plight of stray cats in Beijing has long drawn the sympathy of Juan "Crystal" Wang. The demure, soft-spoken young woman has spent the past few years placing forlorn felines...
Snakes Hear in Stereo
Physicists from the University Munich in Germany and the University of Topeka, Kansas have strong new evidence that snakes can hear through their jaws. Snakes don't have outer ears, leading...
Native Plants Can Also Benefit From The Invasive Ones
Using empirical tests, a pioneering study shows how plant species, such as the prickly pear, invade Mediterranean ecosystems, and can either rob the native plants of pollinating insects, or, surprisingly,...
Global alarm sounded over dramatic decline in bird, fish, animal population
Human activity is wiping out close to one per cent of every other species on earth every year, a global environmental report said Friday.
Success By Learning -- Smallest Predator Recognizes Prey By Its Shape
The Etruscan shrew (Suncus etruscus) is one of the world's smallest mammals. It is about four centimetres long and weighs merely two grams. Being a nocturnal animal, it hunts predominantly...
Biodiversity Loss Puts People At Risk
Future generations face hunger, thirst, disease and disaster if we carry on losing biodiversity. And as biodiversity plummets our use of resources soars - WWF now estimates that biodiversity has...
New Drug Combination Kills Leukemia Cells By Shutting Down Their Energy Source
Researchers have discovered a drug combination that kills leukemia cells by shutting down their energy source and hastening cell starvation.
Mom rejects rare tiger cub born on Mom's Day
A rare Amur tiger who appears indifferent to her cub is being given a drug to spur milk production in hopes she will begin to care for the little one,...
Researchers identify proteins that help develop mammalian hearts
The absence of two proteins in mammalian embryos prevents the development of a healthy heart, a new study by researchers at the Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, has found.
How small molecule can take apart Alzheimer's disease protein fibers
Researchers from the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine have shown, in unprecedented detail, how a small molecule is able to selectively take apart abnormally folded protein fibers connected to...
Biosensor For Measuring Stress In Cells
Reactive oxygen compounds, including the well-known "free radicals," have an oxidation effect and, thereby, damage cells. However, at low levels, they also regulate key life processes. Scientists have developed a...
India looks to nanotechnology to boost agriculture
A recent report recommends investing in nanotechnology R&D to boost Indian agricultural productivity.
The 10 smartest animals
Humans top the list of the most intelligent creatures But don't underestimate the other members of the animal kingdom. Scientists say the definition of animal vs. human intelligence is merely...
Giant pythons invade southeastern Florida: study
Giant pythons capable of swallowing a dog and even an alligator are rapidly making south Florida their home, potentially threatening other southeastern states, a study said.
Body clock reset clue discovered
A small molecule may have a big role in making the body clock tick, say UK researchers.
Bluetongue animal vaccination starts in most of EU
BRUSSELS (Reuters) - EU farmers have mostly started vaccinating animals against bluetongue, the virus that ravaged northern Europe's cattle and sheep in 2007, but success depends on vaccine supply and...
Florida warns of pig frog risk
TALLAHASSEE, Fla., May 16 (UPI) -- Florida health and wildlife officials are warning residents of elevated mercury levels in pig frogs.
Cargill study supports stevia sweetener
NEW YORK, May 16 (UPI) -- Cargill and The Coca-Cola Co. said new research establishes the safety of rebiana, a sweetener from the stevia plant.