Latest science news in Biology & Nature
CRISPR-Cas{Phi} from huge phages is a hypercompact genome editor
CRISPR-Cas systems are found widely in prokaryotes, where they provide adaptive immunity against virus infection and plasmid transformation. We describe a minimal functional CRISPR-Cas system, comprising a single ~70-kilodalton protein,...
A programmable fate decision landscape underlies single-cell aging in yeast
Chromatin instability and mitochondrial decline are conserved processes that contribute to cellular aging. Although both processes have been explored individually in the context of their distinct signaling pathways, the mechanism...
A brainwide atlas of synapses across the mouse life span
Synapses connect neurons together to form the circuits of the brain, and their molecular composition controls innate and learned behavior. We analyzed the molecular and morphological diversity of 5 billion...
Estimating the maximum number of hot dogs that can possibly be eaten in 10 minutes
James Smoliga, a physical therapist at High Point University, has developed a computer model that not only shows the rate of improvement in hot dog eating contestants, but provides a...
Timing key in understanding plant microbiomes
Oregon State University researchers have made a key advance in understanding how timing impacts the way microorganisms colonize plants, a step that could provide farmers an important tool to boost...
Sea turtles' impressive navigation feats rely on surprisingly crude 'map'
Since the time of Charles Darwin, scientists have marveled at sea turtles' impressive ability to make their way—often over thousands of kilometers—through the open ocean and back to the very...
Liquid-repelling substance works on all surfaces
Acting like an invisible force field, a new liquid coating may provide an extra layer of protection for front-line workers. Researchers have developed a coating that repels nearly all substances...
Genome guardians stop and reel in DNA to correct replication errors
New research shows how proofreading proteins prevent DNA replication errors by creating an immobile structure that calls more proteins to the site to repair the error. This structure could also...
How nutrient-starved cells recycle internal components
Researchers systematically surveyed the entire protein landscape of normal and nutrient-deprived cells to identify which proteins and organelles are degraded by autophagy.
Henry Golding joins animated adaptation of 'The Tiger's Apprentice'
Henry Golding has signed on to star in Paramount's upcoming animated adaptation of author Laurence Yep's fantasy children's book, "The Tiger's Apprentice."
Ex-Lakers trainer Gary Vitti sees a level playing field in the NBA's Orlando bubble
COVID-19 did not alter the NBA's competitive balance, says longtime Lakers trainer Gary Vitti on the Legends of Sport: Restarting the Clock podcast.
Scientists discover how deep-sea, ultra-black fish disappear
Deep in the ocean, where sunlight barely reaches, Smithsonian scientists and a team of collaborators have discovered one of the blackest materials known: the skin of certain fish. These ultra-black...
Dehydration increases amphibian vulnerability to climate change
Amphibians have few options to avoid the under-appreciated one-two punch of climate change, according to a new study from Simon Fraser University researchers and others.
Blue light assists a night hunt for bugs
A blue flashlight that makes corals shine in the sea can help spot insects in nighttime forests, according to a recent Texas A&M AgriLife study. The peer-reviewed study suggests that...
Invasive hedgehogs and ferrets habituate to and categorize smells
A new study examines how invasive mammalian predators both habituate to and generalize avian prey cues.
Botany: Slow growth the key to long term cold sensing
Researchers show that slow growth is used as a signal to sense long-term changes in temperature.
Sea turtles' impressive navigation feats rely on surprisingly crude 'map'
Since the time of Charles Darwin, scientists have marvelled at sea turtles' impressive ability to make their way -- often over thousands of kilometers -- through the open ocean and...
Ultra-black skin allows some fish to lurk unseen
Scientists report that at least 16 species of deep-sea fish have evolved ultra-black skin that absorbs more than 99.5% of the light that hits them, making them nearly impossible to...
Florida sees record 156 COVID-19 deaths; 66K new U.S. cases
A number of states are ramping up efforts to control COVID-19 as the United States reported another 66,000 cases on Thursday.
L.A. Latino, Black students suffered deep disparities in online learning, records show
A first-of-its-kind LAUSD analysis of distance learning shows deep disparities in online learning.
How some superblack fish disappear into the darkness of the deep sea
In the depths of the ocean, it might take more than a little light to illuminate some of the planet’s darkest fish. Some deep-sea fish have ultrablack skin capable of soaking up...
Wonders of animal migration: How sea turtles find small, isolated islands
One of Charles Darwin's long-standing questions on how turtles find their way to islands has been answered thanks to a pioneering study by scientists.
Bacteria with Metal Diet Discovered in Dirty Glassware
Caltech microbiologists have discovered bacteria that feed on manganese and use the metal as their source of calories. Such microbes were predicted to exist over a century ago, but none...
Synthetic mRNAs modified with sulfur atoms boost efficient protein synthesis
Since mRNAs play a key role in protein synthesis in vivo, the use of mRNAs as medicines and for in vitro protein synthesis has been desired. In particular, mRNA therapeutics...
How proteins regulate the outer envelope of bacterial cells
Like all cells, bacteria have a membrane that shields them from the outside like a skin. This barrier is not static, but has to allow transport of substances in and...
New hope for rare breeds as a healthy filly foal is born from sexed semen
It's the first time in the world that this technique has been used to support the survival of rare breeds.
Fish reef domes a boon for environment, recreational fishing
In a boost for both recreational fishing and the environment, new UNSW research shows that artificial reefs can increase fish abundance in estuaries with little natural reef.
Eight ways to repel insects without bug spray
Neither bugs nor the chemical smell of commercial repellent are invited to this relaxing evening by the water. (Julie Rotter/Unsplash/)This story was originally featured on Outdoor Life.Unless you’re an entomologist (and on the...