Latest science news in Biology & Nature
Researchers develop fungal bioherbicide to kill invasive Chinese elm trees, protect native foliage
Giant, invasive Chinese elm trees with a trunk circumference of up to three meters are being swiftly slain thanks to a new herbicide technology developed by The University of Queensland...
How mosquitoes got their taste for human blood and what it means for the future
Of about 3,500 mosquito species around the world, only a few have taken to specifically targeting people for biting, making them important spreaders of infectious diseases. To predict and help...
How does cooperation evolve?
In nature, organisms often support each other in order to gain an advantage. However, this kind of cooperation contradicts the theory of evolution proposed by Charles Darwin: Why would organisms...
Research breakthrough in fight against chytrid fungus
For frogs dying of the invasive chytridiomycosis disease, the leading cause of amphibian deaths worldwide, the genes responsible for protecting them may actually be leading to their demise, according to...
Researchers address African vulture poisoning with global disease and biodiversity implications
University of Maryland (UMD) researchers across multiple colleges collaborated with other international leaders in wildlife conservation to produce an expert assessment and recommendations for vulture poisoning control efforts in Southern...
Biotelemetry provides unique glimpse into whitespotted eagle rays' behavior
Researchers are the first to characterize the ecology and fine-scale habitat use of 'near threatened' whitespotted eagle rays in Florida while also identifying areas of potential interactions between this species...
Science sweetens stingless bee species honey health claims
Examination of honey from five different stingless bee species across Neotropical and Indo-Australian regions has enabled for the first time the identification of the unusual disaccharide trehalulose as a major...
Climate change is impacting the spread of invasive animal species
What factors influence the spread of invasive animal species in our oceans? The Asian shore crab as an example of invasive species successfully spreading to the North Sea and Baltic.
Ohio zoo searching for red panda after apparent escape
The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium in Ohio said personnel are searching the grounds and surrounding area for a red panda that apparently escaped from her enclosure.
Neanderthals may have had a weak pain threshold
A new genomic analysis suggests Neanderthals may have had a lower threshold for pain.
Gene-controlling mechanisms play key role in cancer progression
As cancer cells evolve, many of their genes become overactive while others are turned down. These genetic changes can help tumors grow out of control and become more aggressive, adapt to changing conditions,...
How the N.W.T. is reducing addictions harm during COVID-19
The Tree of Peace Friendship Centre in Yellowknife counsels at least 285 people, but COVID-19 has isolated many of those clients from badly needed in-person services.
Scientists use CRISPR technology to insert sex-determining gene
Scientists at the University of California, Davis, have successfully produced a bull calf, named Cosmo, who was genome-edited as an embryo so that he'll produce more male offspring. The research...
We discovered a new species, but war means it may now remain hidden forever
The world has a new species. My colleagues and I were hugely excited to announce it but, alas, this stingray—a distant cousin of sharks—can't be claimed to be a particularly...
New reintroduction tactics boost eastern quoll survival rate
An experimental research project led by researchers from The Australian National University (ANU) has found a new way to boost the survival rates of eastern quolls reintroduced to the Australian...
Conservation: Reef sharks are in major decline worldwide
The crash in shark numbers, caused largely by over-fishing, could have dire consequences for corals.
How did California end up surpassing New York in coronavirus cases? 'We got impatient'
California topped New York in coronavirus cases. What is unknown is if the Golden State is on a path to have its hospitals overwhelmed
The Beautiful Things inside Your Head: Winners of the 10th Annual Art of Neuroscience Contest
The top works—and our favorites—range from interactive pieces to a pen-and-paper drawing -- Read more on ScientificAmerican.com
Researchers reveal lineage logics of retinal neurogenesis and reprogramming
In a study published online in the Journal of Cell Biology on July 23, the researchers from Dr. He Jie's Lab at the Institute of Neuroscience, Center for Excellence in...
Mammal cells could struggle to fight space germs
The immune systems of mammals—including humans—might struggle to detect and respond to germs from other planets, new research suggests.
Mapping the brain's sensory gatekeeper
Researchers have mapped the thalamic reticular nucleus in unprecedented detail, revealing that the region contains two distinct subnetworks of neurons with different functions. The findings could offer researchers much more...
New role for white blood cells in the developing brain
Whether white blood cells can be found in the brain has been controversial, and their role there a complete mystery. Scientists describe a population of specialized brain-resident immune cells discovered...
Sharks almost gone from many reefs
A massive global study of the world's reefs has found sharks are 'functionally extinct' on nearly one in five of the reefs surveyed.
Genomic basis of bat superpowers revealed: Like how they survive deadly viruses
The genetic material that codes for bat adaptations and superpowers - such as the ability to fly, to use sound to move effortlessly in complete darkness, to tolerate and survive...
3 Questions: Ibrahim Cissé on using physics to decipher biology
How do cells use physics to carry out biological processes? Biophysicist Ibrahim Cissé explores this fundamental question in his interdisciplinary laboratory, leveraging super-resolution microscopy to probe the properties of living matter. As a...
Ultra-small, parasitic bacteria found in groundwater, moose -- and you
Saccharibacteria within a mammalian host are more diverse than ever anticipated, according to recent research. The researchers also discovered that certain members of the bacteria are found in the oral...
FBI probing possible link between N.J. judge attack, California shooting
The FBI said Wednesday it's investigating the possibility that an attack at the New Jersey home of a federal judge is linked to a similar slaying in California earlier this...
Skin stem cells shuffle sugars as they age
Researchers have shown by in vitro experimentation that changes of glycans in mouse epidermal stem cells may serve as a biomarker of aging. Further, by overexpression of specific glycogenes in...