Latest science news in Biology & Nature
Faster rates of evolution are linked to tiny genomes, study finds
Inside every cell lies a genome—a full set of DNA that contains the instructions for building an organism. Across the biological world, genomes show a staggering diversity in size. For...
Detecting season presence of sharks in the water—with eDNA
New research reveals it's possible to detect sharks moving into an area without actually seeing any of them. All that's needed is a couple liters of water.
The Who announce 'Join Together' concert series for YouTube
The Who announced on Thursday a new concert series on YouTube that will feature live and rare performances.
Fruit's metallic blue caused by lipid nanostructures
Berries could use the color to advertise their nutritional benefits to birds
Ocean heatwaves dramatically shift habitats
Marine heatwaves across the world's oceans can displace habitat for sea turtles, whales, and other marine life by 10s to thousands of kilometers. They dramatically shift these animals' preferred temperatures...
Move over Akita: Introducing 'Kuma mutant' mice for islet transplantation research
Scientists have used a gene editing technique to establish a novel mouse model of permanent neonatal diabetes -- the immune-deficient Kuma mutant mice with a specific deletion in the Insulin2...
A new tool for modeling the human gut microbiome
Several thousand strains of bacteria live in the human gut. Some of these are associated with disease, while others have beneficial effects on human health. Figuring out the precise role of each...
This fruit attracts birds with an unusual way of making itself metallic blue
There's a reason why blue fruits are so rare: the pigment compounds that make fruits blue are relatively uncommon in nature. But the metallic blue fruits of Viburnum tinus, a...
Look: Police, wildlife officers wrangle loose alligator in Idaho
Police and wildlife officers in Idaho responded to a resident's property to remove a trespasser that was highly unusual for the area -- an alligator.
Tuatara's genome features the DNA of reptiles and mammals
New research suggests the tuatara shares genetic heritage with both reptiles and mammals.
Scales of critically endangered pangolin seized in Sumatra
An investigation led by a member of the Tiger Protection and Conservation Units—established in Sumatra by Fauna & Flora International (FFI) over two decades ago to safeguard Kerinci Seblat National...
Poison control: Chasing the antidote
Pick your poison. It can be deadly for good reasons such as protecting crops from harmful insects or fighting parasite infection as medicine—or for evil as a weapon for bioterrorism....
Watch: Meghan McCain says she'll return to 'The View' after baby's birth
Meghan McCain discussed her future at "The View" and named her pick for Joe Biden's running mate.
Monsoons help enhance the yield in East African fisheries
New research reveals the importance of the Monsoon in how abundant small pelagic fish are in East Africa.
Comprehensive catalogue of the molecular elements that regulate genes
A 17-year research project has generated a detailed atlas of the genome that reveals the location of hundreds of thousands of potential regulatory regions—a resource that will help all human...
Herbivores at greater risk of extinction than carnivores, study says
Plant-eaters, not predators, are at a greater risk of extinction, according to a new survey of more than 24,500 species.
Management gender diversity essential in adversity
A study by an international team of researchers suggests that gender-balanced teams help businesses, especially in adverse times.
Study sheds new light on vein formation in plants
An international team of researchers including the University of Adelaide, has found plant hormones known as strigolactones suppress the transportation of auxin, the main plant hormone involved in vein formation,...
Yu Darvish, Cubs bats spark 6-1 win over Royals
Pitcher Yu Darvish allowed just five hits and one run in seven innings and the top of the Chicago Cubs batting order came alive to spark a lopsided win Wednesday...
Shark sighting a surprise for St. Martins kayakers
Kayakers at St. Martins say they were surprised to spot a shark swimming about 50 feet from them in the water near the sea caves on Wednesday.
State Dept.: Russia spreads disinformation through 'a propaganda ecosystem'
Russia is spreading disinformation and propaganda through the use of official, proxy and unattributed communications channels, the State Department said in a new report.
Virus lockdown for world's smallest and rarest wild pigs
Pygmy hogs—the world's smallest and rarest wild pig—are under a virus lockdown.
New research shows parasites 'mite' help curb the spread of invasive lizards
Native lizards may have a powerful, very tiny, secret weapon when it comes to resisting invasion by invasive species—parasites.
Trade and climate change increase pest threat to Europe's forests
Europe's forests face a growing threat from pests due to global trade and climate change, but scientists are developing techniques that can give an early warning of infestations to help...
A 'Devonian' aquarium: Modern mutant fishes replicate creatures of ancient oceans
Zebrafish are a common aquarium species, of value to hobbyists and scientists alike. Researchers have now engineered an unusual change in them that has echoes of Jurassic Park—but looks alone...
How cells keep growing even when under attack
In an unexpected new finding, biochemists at the University of Massachusetts Amherst report observing that a damage-containment system in stressed bacteria can become overrun and blocked, but that this leads...
'Paradise island' hosts untold botanical treasures
The first checklist of plants found on the tropical island of New Guinea reveals incredible plant diversity.
The yin and yang of inflammation controlled by a single molecule
Researchers have now identified a protein called histone deacetylase 3 (HDAC3) as the orchestrator of the immune system's inflammation response to infection. By using both specially cultured cells and small...