Latest science news in Biology & Nature
Genetic mutations help MRSA to become highly resistant to antibiotics
Scientists have found that genetic mutations in MRSA allow it to evolve and become more resistant to antibiotics such as penicillin.
New CRISPR C-to-G DNA base editor expands the landscape of precision genome editing
The new base editing platform may help researchers understand and correct genetic diseases by selective editing of single DNA 'letters' across nucleobase classes.
Big brains and dexterous hands
Primates with large brains can master more complex hand movements than those with smaller brains. However, fine motor skills such as using tools can take time to learn, and humans...
Antiviral method against herpes paves the way for combating incurable viral infections
Researchers have discovered a new method to treat human herpes viruses. The new broad-spectrum method targets physical properties in the genome of the virus rather than viral proteins, which have...
New native Hawaiian land snail species discovered, first in 60 years
Auriculella gagneorum, a small candy-striped snail from Oahu's Waianae Mountains, represents the first new species of a living Hawaiian land snail described in 60 years.
Screen legend Olivia de Havilland dead at 104
"Gone with the Wind" and "The Heiress" star Olivia de Havilland, one of the last luminaries from Hollywood's Golden Age, died in Paris at age 104.
Invasion! Asian giant hornets have arrived
They can grow as large as 2½ inches and can slaughter a colony of thousands of honeybees in a matter of hours. And their sting? It's one of the most...
National Zoo reopens for the first time in 19 weeks
After shutting down due to the coronavirus pandemic, the National Zoo in Washington, D.C. reopened to the public for the first time in 19 weeks. Some indoor exhibits still remain...
Highly stable amyloid protein aggregates may help plant seeds last longer
Highly stable polymeric ''amyloid'' proteins, best known for their role in Alzheimer's disease, have been mostly studied in animals. But a new study on the garden pea shows that they...
PolyA-miner assesses the effect of alternative polyadenylation on gene expression
Meet PolyA-miner, a new computational tool that enables scientists to evaluate the contribution of alternative polyadenylation to gene regulation in health and disease.
Two distinct circuits drive inhibition in the sensory thalamus of the brain
The thalamus is a 'Grand Central Station' for sensory information coming to our brains. Almost every sight, sound, taste and touch travels to our brain's cortex via the thalamus. Researchers...
Screen legend Olivia de Havilland dead at 104
"Gone with the Wind" and "The Heiress" star Olivia de Havilland, one of the last luminaries from Hollywood's Golden Age, died in Paris at age 104.
Genome-mapping reveals 'supermutation' resulting in cryptic coloration in stick insects
Biologists discuss findings from an investigation of genetic mutations in seven species of North American stick insects (Timema) resulting in cryptic coloration.
'Self-eating' process of stem cells may be the key to new regenerative therapies
The self-eating process in embryonic stem cells known as chaperone-mediated autophagy (CMA) and a related metabolite may serve as promising new therapeutic targets to repair or regenerate damaged cells and...
New cell profiling method could speed TB drug discovery
A new cell profiling technology combines high throughput imaging and machine learning to provide a rapid, cost-effective way to determine how specific compounds act to destroy the bacterium that causes...
African vulture poisoning has global disease and biodiversity implications
Researchers have produced recommendations for vulture poisoning control in Southern Africa. Vultures act as nature's most critical scavengers, working as ecosystem garbage disposals and disinfectors to maintain animal, environmental, and...
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...
Dual role discovered for molecule involved in autoimmune eye disease
The inflammatory molecule interleukin-17A (IL-17A) triggers immune cells that in turn reduce IL-17A's pro-inflammatory activity, according to a new study.
Battling harmful algae blooms
In two recent studies, marine biologists looked at why one species of algae has some strains that can cause fish kills and others that are non-toxic, while examining an algicidal...
How SARS-CoV-2 stops cells producing protein
Cryo-EM shows how the new coronavirus stops the ribosome producing immune system proteins
Cells react differently to genomic imprinting
We inherit half of our genes from each parent. For their function of most genes, it doesn't matter which parent a gene comes from. But this is not true for...
TV personality Regis Philbin dead at 88
Longtime television host Regis Philbin died Friday of natural causes, family members said. He was 88.
Juice WRLD's 'Legends Never Die' tops the U.S. album chart
Rapper Juice WRLD's "Legends Never Die" is the No. 1 album in the United States.
Rosalind Franklin centenary: 'She would have been totally amazed'
The sister of Rosalind Franklin says she would be surprised to be a "feminist icon" 100 years on.
Summer toxic algae blooms may be growing threat to health
Toxic algae blooms in local ponds, lakes and waterways are known to be dangerous to human and animal health, but a new study suggests they might be even more harmful...
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.
Clifford Brangwynne and William Dichtel win Blavatnik Awards
$250,000 prize recognizes promising young researchers
Even in a pandemic, the Kobe mystique thrives with 303 tribute murals ... and counting
When Kobe Bryant, his daughter Gianna and seven others were killed in a helicopter crash on Jan. 26, artistic fans expressed their grief by creating huge tribute murals days after...