Latest science news in Biology & Nature
Scientists probe the role of archaea in the human microbiome
All multicellular living beings carry an unimaginably large number of microorganisms in and on their bodies. The microbiome, i.e. the totality of these microorganisms, forms a unit together with the host organism, the...
High levels of mercury, plastic toxins found in stranded whales, dolphins
Dolphins and whales stranded on beaches in the southeastern United States had very high levels of mercury and toxins found in plastic, according to a new study published in the...
Deprived of oxygen, layers of bacteria get creative
Bacteria are found living nearly everywhere on our planet, from the inside of human intestines to the soil to deep underwater. When scientists study bacteria in the lab, they most...
A novel strategy for using compounds as 'anti-evolution' drugs to combat antibiotic resistance
The rise of antibiotic resistance in many pathogens has been driven by the spread of a small number of strains, suggesting that some bacteria may be genetically pre-disposed to evolving...
A never-before-seen image of the coronavirus copy machine
Exactly how viruses replicate is a complex puzzle with many missing pieces. And in the age of the pandemic, solving it has become a matter of acute urgency.
How maths modelling helps efforts to eradicate banana bunchy top virus
Banana bunchy top virus (BBTV) is an aphid-transmitted banana disease that has been in Australia since 1913 and has been contained by biosecurity agencies to southeast Queensland and northern New...
Latino workers bear brunt of second wave of COVID-19 in ritzy Marin County
In Marin County, one of the nation's richest, Latinos account for 16% of the population but 75% of coronavirus cases. Many are essential workers.
Creative block of molecular evolution: Adaptive mutations repeat themselves in tiny crustaceans of Lake Baikal
A group of scientists from Skoltech and the Institute for Information Transmission Problems of RAS (IITP RAS) showed, using Lake Baikal amphipods as an example, that parallel evolution driven by...
Scientists introduce Raman-activated cell sorter for high-throughput discovery of enzymes
Enzymes are molecules that catalyze metabolism. Discovering and mining enzymes, such as those producing oils or fixing carbon dioxide, have been a key mission of the biotechnology industry. However,...
Researchers race to protect Nova Scotia's hemlocks from invasive pest
In a shaded, mossy hemlock stand in Kejimkujik National Park, trees span generations — from young hemlocks with spindly trunks to multi-centenarians thicker around than two people can reach. But...
Whale migration: ‘Super rare’ whale encounter on the Great Barrier Reef
A dive instructor has recorded his ‘special moment’ with a humpback whale.
High levels of mercury, plastic toxins found in stranded whales, dolphins
Dolphins and whales stranded on beaches in the southeastern United States had very high levels of mercury and toxins found in plastic, according to a new study published in the...
California is releasing some murderers due to COVID-19. Some say it should free more
California has focused on freeing nonviolent offenders to combat the spread of coronavirus in prisons, but some have committed violent crimes.
Alberta will switch over to federal COVID-19 notification app
Alberta will switch from its provincial COVID-19 notification app to the national app.
Molecular changes in Alzheimer’s begin decades before detectable cognitive impairments
For decades researchers have known that Alzheimer’s disease (AD) causes the atrophy of a system of neurons and synapses highly involved in memory, learning and attention, which is highly dependent...
Deprived of Oxygen, Layers of Bacteria Get Creative
Bacteria are found living nearly everywhere on our planet, from the inside of human intestines to the soil to deep underwater. When scientists study bacteria in the lab, they most...
Lockdown: Label showing plants safe for bees and butterflies
People enhancing their gardens during lockdown may not realise some plants have insecticides.
Can in-person theater return, safely, now? This 'Godspell' is the test case
Cast members who stay six feet apart. Plexiglass shields. A stage set up under a tent, with distanced chairs. Is this the future of theater?
Predicting drought in the American West just got more difficult
People hoping to get a handle on future droughts in the American West are in for a disappointment, as new USC-led research spanning centuries shows El Niño cycles are an...
Virus-quieted oceans open window for Shark Week researchers
The coronavirus pandemic forced people to stay put, but it gave sharks a travel passport and scientists a rare opportunity.
On This Day, Aug. 8: First night game played at Wrigley Field
On Aug. 8, 1988, the first night game at Chicago's Wrigley Field was played. The park was the last major league stadium to add lights for night baseball.
Haotong Li grabs Round 2 lead at PGA Championship; Tiger Woods makes cut
Haotong Li hit only four fairways Friday at TPC Harding Park but still managed to take a two-stroke lead at the PGA Championship in San Francisco.
Coronavirus severely restricts Antarctic science
Keeping Covid out of Antarctica means little research will be done on the continent in 2020-2021.
The best hydroponic herb gardens for your kitchen counter
Grow wherever you are. (Lettuce Grow via Unsplash/)We’ve all been there—at the grocery checkout line with a live basil plant and dreams of fresh pesto and caprese salad. But things get busy,...
Ceramic teapots for brewing the perfect cup of tea
For serious tea drinkers. (Sugarman Joe via Unsplash/)Tea is universal. Though preferences, rituals, and flavors may vary—chai, jasmine, green, black, oolong, earl grey, the list goes on and on—many cultures have a popular...
Programmable synthetic materials
Artificial molecules could one day form the information unit of a new type of computer or be the basis for programmable substances. The information would be encoded in the spatial...
Integration of gene regulatory networks in understanding animal behavior
For years, scientists have attributed animal behavior to the coordinated activities of neuronal cells and its circuits of neurons, known as the neuronal network (NN). However, researchers are pushing the...
Measuring microplastics in seafood
Analysis identifies the polymer types and concentrations found in seafood, including oysters, prawns, crabs, squid, and sardines