Latest science news in Biology & Nature
Migratory behaviour affects the size of brains in birds
Researchers at Centre for Ecological Research and Forestry Applications (CREAF, a Universitat Autonoma de Barcelona-affiliated centre) shed new light on the evolution of brain size in birds. Scientists have known...
New research about human genetic diseases and human development
The density of transposable (jumping) elements between sex chromosomes in primates may have important consequences for the studies of human genetic diseases, say Penn State University researchers. Erika Kvikstad, a...
A clamp for emerging flu viruses: Researchers unravel secret of innate immune response
When the human body becomes infected with new influenza viruses, the immune system rapidly activates an inborn protective mechanism to inhibit the intruding pathogen. A protein known as Mx plays...
Fluorescent compounds make tumors glow
A series of novel imaging agents could light up tumors as they begin to form – before they turn deadly – and signal their transition to aggressive cancers.
New species of ancient flying reptile discovered
An ancient reptile with a 9-foot wingspan was soaring over the sea in what is now North Texas some 95 million years ago when — plop — it fell into...
Taliban leader in Pakistan was not killed by U.S. missile, sources say
Hakimullah Mahsud, believed dead after a January drone strike, is alive and hiding in Pakistan’s tribal areas. It’s a setback in the U.S. and Pakistani fight against the Taliban there. ...
In Pictures: Tiger heaven
Kaziranga National Park in India holds the highest density of tigers in the world, according to a new report.
Hypertensive rat genome sequence expected to uncover genetic basis of human hypertension
Chronic high blood pressure, also known as hypertension, is a serious health risk factor that afflicts more than 25% of all adults worldwide, but the molecular basis of the disease...
How nerve cells distinguish odours
Whether different odours can be quickly distinguished depends on certain synapses in the brain that inhibit nerve stimulation. The researchers in Professor Dr Thomas Kuner's team at the Institute of...
Scripps Research scientists solve protein structure revealing secrets of cell membranes
A team of scientists at The Scripps Research Institute and the National Institutes of Health (NIH) has discovered the structure of a protein that pinches off tiny pouches from cells'...
Synthetic enzymes could help ID proteins
Using a rare metal that's not utilised by nature, Rice University chemists have created a synthetic enzyme that could help unlock the identities of thousands of difficult-to-study proteins, including many...
Chavez takes to Twitter to fight critics online
(AP) -- President Hugo Chavez has joined the ranks of those who say, "If you can't beat 'em, tweet 'em."
Neural mechanisms of abstract learning
A new study provides intriguing insight into the way that humans approach novel situations. The research, published by Cell Press in the April 29 issue of the journal Neuron, reveals...
New microscopy technique reveals mechanics of blood cell membranes
Thanks to an interdisciplinary team of researchers, scientists now have a more complete understanding of one of the human body's most vital structures: the red blood cell...
Antarctic conveyor belt revealed in detail
Researchers track Antarctic Bottom Water as it speeds northwards
Swedish scientists stop acorn barnacles
Marine organisms that fasten to the bottoms of ships have always been a scourge to seafaring. By monitoring how the larvae of acorn barnacles go about finding suitable spots to...
2 jail escapees are captured in Castaic
Authorities have captured two armed-robbery suspects who escaped early Wednesday from the Castaic jail where they were being held during trial.
Whaling Compromise Rejected
Exchanging verbal blows, Australia and Japan announced this week that neither country will accept...
Humans--Both Predators and Protectors--Will Decide Survival of Gray Wolves
Survival of the gray wolf in the northern Rocky Mountains of the United States depends not as much on the wolves as on people. Humans are both predators and protectors...
Natural compound speeds bone growth: report
WASHINGTON (Reuters) - A protein produced naturally by the body can speed up bone growth and may offer a route to fixing fractures more quickly, researchers reported on Wednesday.
Move aside, PCs, here come the tablets
My mom is anything but a technophile. Even though she and my dad have had a computer for more than 25 years, she's still intimidated by them, worrying she might...
Chickadees Tweet About Themselves
A short tweet from a chickadee can tell other birds their sex, species and geographic location, according to new research.
Twin study surveys genome for cause of multiple sclerosis
Mapping milestone emphasizes complexity of disease.
Extract of lethal frog could be lifesaver
Extract from the phantasmal poison frog produces a powerful painkiller which could save lives, say expertsA rare species of tiny, lethal frog normally found in South America has been bred at a British...
Oak disease 'threatens landscape'
A deadly disease that kills native species of oak trees is threatening to change the landscape, say tree groups.
U Alberta-led team studies T cell activation with nanoparticles
A University of Alberta-led research team has taken a major step forward in understanding how T cells are activated in the course of an immune response by combining nanotechnology and...
The International Society for Stem Cell Research SelectsYokohama, Japan for its 10th Annual Meeting; First in Asia
The International Society for Stem Cell Research (ISSCR) will hold its 10th annual meeting June 13-16, 2012, in Yokohama, Japan, at the PACIFICO Yokohama. The meeting is co-sponsored by Japan...
Generic beef, stroganoff mixes recalled
OAK PARK, Mich., April 28 (UPI) -- MiDAS Foods International announced the recall of its generic instant beef soup dry mix and instant beef stroganoff sauce mix due to...