Latest science news in Biology & Nature
Site-directed mutagenesis in wheat via haploid induction by maize
Site-directed mutagenesis facilitates the experimental validation of gene function and can speed up plant breeding by producing new biodiversity or by reproducing previously known gene variants in other than their...
Cells communicate by doing the 'wave'
A research team reports on a novel method of cell communication relying on 'mechano-chemical' signals to control cell movement.
Protein Atg40 folds the endoplasmic reticulum to facilitate its autophagy, study finds
The endoplasmic reticulum (ER) is an important part of eukaryotic cells (the type of cells that make up every living thing other than bacteria or viruses, including humans). They are...
Lahontan Cutthroat Trout thrive at Paiute's Summit Lake in far northern Nevada
Summit Lake in remote northwest Nevada is home to the only self-sustaining, robust, lake population of Lahontan Cutthroat Trout, North America's largest freshwater native trout species. Research to understand the...
Invasive lionfish may be a selective predator
Invasive predators have the capacity to dramatically alter marine ecosystems. The lionfish, a voracious predator native to the Indo-Pacific and now established along the southeast coast of the U.S., the...
Artificial cells produce parts of viruses for safe studies
Scientists searching for better diagnostic tests, drugs or vaccines against a virus must all begin by deciphering the structure of that virus. And when the virus in question is highly...
Recycling Japanese liquor leftovers as animal feed produces happier pigs and tastier pork
Tastier pork comes from pigs that eat the barley left over after making the Japanese liquor shochu. A team of professional brewers and academic farmers state that nutrients in the...
Saving critically endangered seabird
The global population of the critically endangered Chinese crested tern has more than doubled thanks to a historic, collaborative, decade-long study.
Eating habits of baby predator starfish revealed
The varied diet of juvenile crown-of-thorns starfish complicates scientists' ability to age them. This makes plans for the management of this invasive species more difficult, as outbreaks of adults on...
Researchers boost koala spotting system
Researchers have published an improved and innovative method for estimating the number of koalas in an area detected by using drones and an artificial intelligent algorithm as they continue the...
Novel 'on-off' switch discovered in plant defenses
To ensure survival, living organisms are equipped with defensive systems that detect threats and respond with effective counter measures.
Foxes have been eating humans' leftovers for 42,000 years
The diets of ancient foxes were influenced by humans, and these small carnivores might be tracers of human activity over time, according to a study published July 22, 2020 in...
Biotelemetry provides unique glimpse into whitespotted eagle rays' behavior
The whitespotted eagle ray (Aetobatus narinari), found in estuaries and lagoons throughout Florida, is listed as "near threatened" on the International Union for Conservation of Nature's "Red List of Threatened...
California has most COVID-19 cases in U.S., surpassing N.Y., as spike continues
California has surpassed New York in the total number of coronavirus cases, although it has not reported nearly as many deaths.
Structural biologists find path into a cancer-protecting enzyme
Insights about how HDAC10's helix makes way for inhibitors could help researchers develop new cancer treatments
Silent spread of virus keeps scientists grasping for clues
Researchers have exposed the frightening likelihood of silent spread of the virus by asymptomatic and presymptomatic carriers.
People are using artificial intelligence to help sort out their divorce. Would you?
An online app called Amica is now using artificial intelligence to help separating couples make parenting arrangements and divide their assets.
Science sweetens native honey health claims
Science has validated Indigenous wisdom by identifying a rare, healthy sugar in native stingless bee honey that is not found in any other food.
Climate change is impacting the spread of invasive animal species
What factors influence the spread of invasive animal species in our oceans? This question was the focus for a team of experts from the Alfred Wegener Institute, Helmholtz Centre for...
Siblings can also differ from one another in bacteria
In human reproduction, the genes of the mother and father are combined and mixed in countless variations. Their offspring can differ significantly from one another. However, bacteria multiply by simple...
Kangaroo on the loose after escape from Texas ranch
A Texas ranch owner is asking members of the public to keep an eye out for an unusual escaped animal -- a kangaroo.
Cells communicate by doing the 'wave'
Cells work around the clock to deliver, maintain, and control every aspect of life. And just as with humans, communication is a key to their success.
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 potentially deadly...
Proteins—and labs—coming together to prevent Rett syndrome
New discoveries about the disruption of condensates in the neurodevelopmental disorder Rett syndrome provide insights into how cells compartmentalize chromosomes as well as new potential paths for therapies.
Dalhousie study reveals sharks 'functionally extinct' in 20% of world's coral reefs
A new global study authored by a Dalhousie University professor has determined that sharks are "functionally extinct" in nearly 20 per cent of the world's coral reefs, raising concerns about...
Coronavirus: Cracking the secrets of how bats survive viruses
Bats' codes of life contain genetic clues to their "exceptional immunity", which protects them from viruses.
16% of U.S. museums say they risk closing forever in a prolonged pandemic
'Devastating': American Alliance of Museums survey reflects the financial threat to art museums, aquariums, botanical gardens and other institutions.