Latest science news in Biology & Nature
Researchers map mechanisms in the largest CRISPR system
The largest and most complex CRISPR system has been visualized by researchers from the University of Copenhagen in a new study. The system may have potential applications in biomedicine and...
ENCODE3: Interpreting the human and mouse genomes
Scientists around the world have access to a rich trove of information through the Encyclopedia of DNA Elements (ENCODE)—annotated versions of the human and mouse genomes that are vital for...
ENCODE consortium identifies RNA sequences that are involved in regulating gene expression
The human genome contains about 20,000 protein-coding genes, but the coding parts of our genes account for only about 2 percent of the entire genome. For the past two decades,...
About 3 billion animals harmed in Australian bushfires, WWF says
Nearly 3 billion koalas, kangaroos and other native Australian animals were killed or displaced by bushfires in 2019 and 2020, showed a study by the World Wide Fund for Nature...
Gold nanosensor spots difference between dengue, Zika
A new class of nanosensor developed in Brazil could more accurately identify dengue and Zika infections, a task that is complicated by their genetic similarities and which can result in...
Black swan genome could be our secret weapon to combat next pandemic
Scientists have mapped the genome of the black swan in an effort to understand immune responses to the deadly 'bird flu' virus and better protect public health.
Lack of bees, pollination limiting crop yields across U.S., B.C., study finds
A lack of wild bees and managed honeybees is limiting pollination and yields for certain crops on farms in British Columbia and across the United States, a collective of researchers...
Analyzing chromatin status of poised genes may provide powerful tool to predict transcription potential
In eukaryotic cells, the genomic DNA is hierarchically packaged by histones into chromatin. Chromatin structure and its plasticity play an important role in the activation and silencing of gene transcription,...
California won't conquer the coronavirus, and fully reopen, until it can protect essential workers
California won't conquer coronavirus until it can protect essential workers.
How stingless bees are able to make tall spiral nests
A team of researchers from the University of Cambridge, Universidad de Granada and University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, has discovered how certain types of stingless bees are able to build...
A South American mouse is the world’s highest-dwelling mammal
A yellow-rumped leaf-eared mouse has shattered the world record as the highest-dwelling mammal yet documented. The mouse (Phyllotis xanthopygus rupestris) was found 6,739 meters, or 22,110 feet, above sea level on the summit...
Before COVID-19, U.S. fishing years marked by milestones in sustainability
Two announcements today from NOAA Fisheries offer a "snapshot in time" of the population status of U.S. federal fisheries in 2019, and the economic performance of commercial fishing, recreational fishing,...
UBC researchers develop rapid test to detect invasive gypsy moth
The gypsy moth is tiny but it poses an outsized threat to the environment and B.C.'s economy.
World tiger population grows but SE Asia threats 'critical': WWF
Tiger populations in five countries are making a comeback but the endangered species still faces major threats such as poaching, conservation group WWF and the Indian government said.
Deadpool fly among new species named by scientists
During the past year CSIRO scientists have given scientific names to 165 new species, including tributes to Marvel characters Deadpool, Thor, Loki, and Black Widow along the way.
Researchers discover 'Marie Kondo' protein which aids in organizing fruit fly embryos
Researchers at the University of Colorado School of Medicine have discovered a protein in fruit fly embryos, dubbed Marie Kondo, that destroys maternal proteins. Much like namesake, author and clutter...
Study finds first African carder bees to reach Western Australia
Curtin research has recorded the first known appearance of Pseudoanthidium (Immanthidium) repetitum, the African carder bee, in Western Australia and has highlighted the need to closely monitor the impacts of...
What's open and closed this week: Southern California beaches, parks, trails
As indoor options dwindle, outdoor spaces get attention in L.A. and beyond
California could create its own $600 weekly unemployment benefit
Assemblyman Phil Ting said there is support for providing up to $600 weekly to jobless Californians
Watch: 'Why We Swim' live chat with Bonnie Tsui and Lynne Cox
Watch Bonnie Tsui, author of "Why We Swim," joined by Lynne Cox, in conversation with reporter James Rainey.
Gorilla relationships limited in large groups
Mountain gorillas that live in oversized groups may have to limit the number of strong social relationships they form, new research suggests.
Researchers discover 'Marie Kondo' protein which aids in organizing fruit fly embryos
Researchers have discovered a protein in fruit fly embryos dubbed Marie Kondo, that destroys maternal proteins. Much like namesake, author and clutter consultant Marie Kondo, this gene removes unnecessary molecules,...
Close relatives of the coronavirus may have been in bats for decades
Viruses from the coronavirus lineage responsible for COVID-19 have been circulating in bats for decades, long before the virus started infecting people last year, a new study suggests. How exactly the virus jumped...
Deadpool fly among new Australian 'super power' species creating a buzz
A villain with the markings of the Marvel character is among 164 new species discovered in Australia.
Reproductive effects of weed killer, glyphosate, examined in mice
A pair of recently published studies analyzed how ovarian function in mice responded to various levels of exposure to glyphosate, a chemical extensively used to kill weeds. The results showed...
Artificial intelligence could speed up and improve Alzheimer's diagnosis
Research examines how the routine use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in healthcare could help to relieve the economic impact neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer's.
Biologists zero in on cells' environmental sensing mechanism
Evolutionary and developmental biologists report that they have identified a molecular mechanism that allows an organism to change the way it looks depending on the environment it is exposed to,...
Exposure to enzymes causes peculiar response in liquid droplets formed by DNA
'A watched pot never boils,' as the saying goes, but that was not the case for researchers watching a 'pot' of liquids formed from DNA. In fact, the opposite happened.