Latest science news in Biology & Nature
Well-traveled wasps provide hope for vanishing species
They may only be 1.5mm in size, but the tiny wasps that pollinate fig trees can travel over 160km in less than 48 hours, according to research from scientists at...
Scientists successfully reprogram blood cells
Researchers have transplanted genetically modified hematopoietic stem cells into mice so that their developing red blood cells produce a critical lysosomal enzyme -preventing or reducing organ and central nervous system...
Artificial Penis Tissue Proves Promising in Lab Tests
After implantation with replacement tissue, lab rabbits that once had damaged penises had working organs and could produce offspring.
Study uncovers new fact of coral spawning
MELBOURNE, Fla., Nov. 9 (UPI) -- U.S. scientists say they have determined why corals spawn for just a few nights in some locations, but elsewhere the spawning continues for...
African academies show how science can save lives
First joint report highlights importance of African scientists' advice to policy-makers.
Cultured pearls produced from queen conch
BOCA RATON, Fla., Nov. 9 (UPI) -- U.S. scientists say they have, for the first time, produced beaded and non-beaded cultured pearls from the queen conch (Strombus gigas).
Studies show marine reserves can be an effective tool for managing fisheries
Studies conducted in California and elsewhere provide support for the use of marine reserves as a tool for managing fisheries and protecting marine habitats, according to biologists at the University...
Newly Discovered Fat Molecule: An Undersea Killer With An Upside
A chemical culprit responsible for the rapid, mysterious death of phytoplankton in the North Atlantic Ocean has been found. This same chemical may hold unexpected promise in cancer research.
Notion That Amputee Runners Gain Advantage From Protheses Further Disputed
A new study shows that amputees who use running-specific prosthetic legs have no performance advantage over counterparts who use their biological legs.
Dolphins blamed for dead porpoises
SALINAS, Calif., Nov. 9 (UPI) -- Bottlenose dolphins are likely responsible for the growing number of dead porpoises appearing on California beaches, marine biologists said.
Researchers complete draft genome sequence for cassava
A team of academic, government and industry researchers has completed a first draft of the cassava (Manihot esculenta) genome. The project is an important first step in accelerating the pace...
What is the meaning of 'one'?
Rice University evolutionary biologists David Queller and Joan Strassmann argue in a new paper that high cooperation and low conflict between components, from the genetic level on up, give a...
Self-cleaning silicone gel insect wings
Researchers in Australia and the UK are flying the idea that insect wings could act as a model for making self-cleaning, frictionless, and superhydrophobic materials. They discuss the latest developments...
Drought resistance explained
Much as adrenaline coursing through our veins drives our body's reactions to stress, the plant hormone abscisic acid (ABA) is behind plants' responses to stressful situations such as drought, but...
Squeak, squeak -- can you hear me now?
What do you get when you cross a mouse with poor hearing and a mouse with even worse hearing? Ironically, a new strain of mice with "golden ears" – mice...
Researchers show how to divide and conquer 'social network' of cells
On Noah's Ark animals came in twos: male and female. In human bodies trillions of cells are coupled, too, and so are the molecules from which they are composed. ...
Learning How Animals Regenerate Body Parts
Salk Institute scientists found that dual-purpose switches controlled many of the genes activated in the regenerating cells of a zebra fish’s tail.
Instant insight: Reactions in droplets
Microfluidic droplets could become the reaction vessels of choice for much of biological research say Yolanda Schaerli and Florian Hollfelder
Genetic tests help track food web, climate change
BARCELONA, Spain (Reuters) - New uses of genetic testing can help track how animal diets may change due to global warming and are helping crack down on wildlife smuggling, experts...
Bill Would Limit Needle Exchanges
The provision would ban federally financed needle exchanges from being within 1,000 feet of any place children might gather, and would apply to most of the exchanges.
Great news, Ratty! Study shows UK has a whole load of voles
Water voles - one of the UK's fastest declining mammals - enjoyed a "bumper year" in 2009, a study says.
Nutritional Value Of Andalusian Lupins Revealed
Researchers in Spain have found that several species of lupins from the mountains of Andalusia have a protein content similar to that of other cultivated legumes.
Gene Therapy Stalls Development Of Huntington's Disease In Mice
Researchers at the California Institute of Technology have shown that a highly specific intrabody (an antibody fragment that works against a target inside a cell) is capable of stalling the...
Feature: Frogs near freeway croak it
Why amorous urban frogs are thwarted by traffic noise - it's not as simple as you may think.
Early life stress 'changes' genes
A study in mice has shown how stress in early life can have a long-term impact on genes and on behaviour.
Scientists visualize how bacteria talk to one another
Using imaging mass spectrometry, researchers at the University of California, San Diego have developed tools that will enable scientists to visualize how different cell populations of cells communicate. Their...
Developmental delay could stem from nicotinic receptor deletion
The loss of a gene through deletion of genetic material on chromosome 15 is associated with significant abnormalities in learning and behavior, said a consortium of researchers led by Baylor...
Ants Save Mates Trapped in Sand
Ants attempt to rescue their nestmates from a strange trap.