Latest science news in Biology & Nature
Gene finding could see male contraceptive
EDINBURGH, Scotland, May 25 (UPI) -- A gene identified as critical for the production of healthy sperm could lead to a male contraceptive pill, researchers in Scotland say.
Record number of young scallops in Mid-Atlantic
Recent surveys reveal an unprecedented number of young scallops in two fishery management areas off the mid-Atlantic coast. The results bode well for the continued success of the commercial fishery.
Gene therapy can correct forms of severe combined immunodeficiency, study suggests
Scientists found that loss of the ADA gene directly contributes to B cell tolerance problems and that these defects are mostly corrected after gene therapy.
Knowing genetic makeup may not significantly improve disease risk prediction
Researchers have found that detailed knowledge about your genetic makeup -- the interplay between genetic variants and other genetic variants, or between genetic variants and environmental risk factors -- may...
As D-Day anniversary approaches, new geological insights
Two geology professors have discovered tiny bits of shrapnel and other microscopic remnants of the D-Day invasion in samples of sand collected on Omaha Beach in Normandy, France. The scientists...
Like curry? New biological role identified for compound used in ancient medicine
Scientists have just identified a new reason why some curry dishes, made with spices humans have used for thousands of years, might be good for you. They have discovered that...
Once-rare argus butterfly thriving thanks to climate change
Man-made climate change is threatening the existence of many species, such as the giant polar bear, but in the case of Britain's brown argus butterfly, it took a species in...
Researchers demonstrate possible primitive mechanism of chemical info self-replication
(Phys.org) -- When scientists think about the replication of information in chemistry, they usually have in mind something akin to what happens in living organisms when DNA gets copied: a...
Researchers discover drug destroys human cancer stem cells but not healthy ones
A team of scientists at McMaster has discovered that the drug thioridazine successfully kills cancer stem cells in humans while [...]
Tropical fruit to tackle obesity
Chemicals in mango peel prevent fat accumulating in the body
NamibRand nature reserve becomes Africa's first international Dark Sky reserve
Namibiaʼs NamibRand Nature Reserve, one of Africaʼs largest private nature reserves, has expanded its conservation role to include preserving the star-filled nighttime skies that shine above its dunes and mountains....
'Personality genes' may help account for longevity
Researchers have found that personality traits like being extroverted, enjoying laughter and staying engaged may also be part of the longevity genes mix that allows some people to reach age...
Hundreds of antelope die in Kazakhstan
ASTANA, Kazakhstan, May 24 (UPI) -- Hundreds of extremely endangered antelopes have died in northern Kazakhstan, agricultural officials said.
Seaweed could yield useful medicines
SAN DIEGO, May 24 (UPI) -- Seaweed considered a threat to the healthy growth of coral reefs in Hawaii produces substances that could one day treat human diseases, researchers...
New speaker can recreate dolphin sounds
TOKYO, May 24 (UPI) -- A new device that can mimic the sound of dolphins could one day help humans talk with the remarkably intelligent creatures, scientists say.
Marine reserves help restock fish
Marine reserves can help restock exploited fish populations on neighbouring reefs which are open to both commercial and recreational fishing. Image: Tammy616/iStockphoto An international team of scientists has gathered the first conclusive evidence...
Rare Arabian leopard in need of safe corridors
Arabian leopard near for release into wild after breeding programme
New clues about cancer cell metabolism: Smallest amino acid, glycine, implicated in cancer cell proliferation
Researchers have looked across 60 well-studied cancer cell lines, analyzing which of more than 200 metabolites were consumed or released by the fastest dividing cells. Their research yields the first...
Deep-Sea Dive Picks Up Up Extreme-Living Stowaways
Dramatic changes in pressure did not appear to harm hitchhiking mollusks.
Dollars and Scents: The Chemistry of a Delicious Tomato
The typical supermarket tomato: ripe red, firm to the touch, free of blemishes--and of flavor. Since at least the 1970s, U.S. consumers have lamented the beautiful but bland fruits that farmers breed not...
'Safe' stem cell discovery unveiled in Calgary
Scientists in Calgary say they have discovered a way to create stem cells by the millions more quickly and safely than ever before.
Brightly colored bird bills indicate good health
Troy Murphy has found female bill colour reflects the health of the bird. Females with more colourful bills have higher antibody levels, indicating greater strength and the ability to fight...
Family labels framed similarly across cultures
Descriptions of kin reflect trade-off between simplicity and utility
Rockefeller scientists pioneer new methodology to determine mechanisms of drug action
Researchers led by Tarun Kapoor at The Rockefeller University in collaboration with Olivier Elemento at Weill Cornell Medical College have hit on a new method for determining a drug’s molecular...
Male fertility genes discovered
A new study has revealed previously undiscovered genetic variants that influence fertility in men. The findings shed much-needed light on human reproduction and might provide answers for countless men suffering...
Newly modified nanoparticle opens window on future gene editing technologies
Researchers are using nanoparticles to simultaneously deliver proteins and DNA into plant cells. The technology could allow more sophisticated and targeted editing of plant genomes. And that could help researchers...
Malaria vaccine candidate 'could be grown at home'
A novel malaria vaccine candidate could be grown at home, by cultivating algae in the backyard, say researchers.
Snakehead 'frankenfish' search unsuccessful in Burnaby park
The hunt for a snakehead fish believed to be in a pond at a Metro Vancouver park has failed to turn up any sign of the invasive and predatory species...