Latest science news in Biology & Nature

U.N. convention on biodiversity convenes

13 years ago from UPI

NAGOYA, Japan, Oct. 18 (UPI) -- The loss of global biodiversity is threatening human societies as well as the natural world, a United Nations convention in Japan has been...

Scientists find signals that make cell nucleus blow up like a balloon

13 years ago from Science Daily

The size of a cell's nucleus varies from one species to another, in different cell types and at different stages of development, and even with disease: many cancer cells develop...

Body clock set by temperature shifts: study

13 years ago from CBC: Health

Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas have shed light into what makes a person's internal clock tick.

Seals and gliders help unlock ocean secrets

13 years ago from MSNBC: Science

Scientists are outfitting elephant seals and self-propelled water gliders with monitoring equipment to unlock the oceans' secrets and boost understanding of the impacts of climate change.

Color of turbines a factor in bird deaths

13 years ago from UPI

LONDON, Oct. 15 (UPI) -- The color of a wind turbine affects how many insects it attracts, revealing why birds and bats are sometimes killed by the turbines, a...

Biologists find genetic explanation for evolutionary change: Location

13 years ago from

A gene's location on a chromosome plays a significant role in shaping how an organism's traits vary and evolve, according to findings by genome biologists at New York University's Centre...

Study links immune protein to abnormal brain development

13 years ago from

UCLA scientists have discovered that exposing foetal neurones to higher than normal levels of a common immune protein leads to abnormal brain development in mice...

Researcher find fats galore in human plasma

13 years ago from

Human blood is famously fraught with fats; now researchers have a specific idea of just how numerous and diverse these lipids actually are. A national research team, led by scientists...

In childhood obesity, gene variants raise risk

13 years ago from

A new study by paediatric researchers has added to the evidence that genes have a strong influence on childhood obesity. The study team searched across the whole genomes of thousands...

Molecular switch controls melanin production, may allow true sunless tanning

13 years ago from

Discovery of a molecular switch that turns off the natural process of skin pigmentation may lead to a novel way of protecting the skin - activating the tanning process without...

Orchid tricks hoverflies

13 years ago from

Even Darwin was a self-admitted orchid lover. Dictionaries describe orchids as exotic ornamentals. Indeed, these plants - more than 30000 different species are thought to exist - are exotic due...

New look at multitalented protein sheds light on mysteries of HIV

13 years ago from

New insights into the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection process, which leads to acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS), may now be possible through a research method recently developed in part at...

Humidity makes gecko feet stickier

13 years ago from

Human adhesives are famed for their fallibility. Gooey glues soon lose their grip, are easily contaminated and leave residues behind. But not gecko feet. Geckos can cling on repeatedly to...

Is black the new grey for squirrels?

13 years ago from BBC News: Science & Nature

It is often heard that the British red squirrel is being wiped out by its American cousin but now the grey squirrel could be replaced by another breed.

Denver Zoo hatches 4 Komodo dragons

13 years ago from Physorg

(AP) -- The Denver Zoo says it's become the only zoo in the world to hatch endangered Komodo dragons for a third time.

When Birds and Planes Collide

13 years ago from The Guardian - Science

This video is an interesting interview with Carla Dove, a forensic ornithologist at the Smithsonian Institute's Bird Lab, where she works to help improve aviation safetyCarla Dove, a forensic ornithologist...

Post-Recalls, a New Way to Clean the Greens

13 years ago from NY Times Health

After three recalls this year, Fresh Express has begun washing lettuce, spinach and other greens with a new mix that it said was far better at attacking bacteria.

Human microbe projects get $14M from Ottawa

13 years ago from CBC: Health

More than $14 million in federal funding over five years will support research into the trillions of microbes that both help keep people healthy and cause disease.

Dead animals are Exhibit A in Gulf investigation

13 years ago from Physorg

(AP) -- Dead birds are wrapped in foil or paper, then sealed in plastic bags to avoid cross contamination. Dolphin tissue samples and dead sea turtles are kept in...

The risks and benefits of using poplars for biofuels

13 years ago from Physorg

A potential solution for global energy demands is the use of Poplar, a fast-growing tree with high yields, for biofuels. To get the most out of Poplar plantations, varieties that...

Cancer Chief Varmus Draws Up a List of Unsolved Mysteries

13 years ago from Science NOW

Harold Varmus has made a start on one of his first priorities as chief...

Researchers to sequence genome of flowering plants' ancient living relative

13 years ago from Physorg

University of Florida researchers are part of a nationwide team preparing to open a door into better understanding plant evolution by sequencing the genome of the single living sister species...

PiggyBac joins armory in fight against cancer

13 years ago from Physorg

Researchers have developed a genetic tool in mice to speed the discovery of novel genes involved in cancer. The system – called PiggyBac – has already been used by the...

Possible geoglyphs spotted in Peru

13 years ago from MSNBC: Science

An Italian researcher may have discovered a huge network of earthworks representing birds, snakes and other animals in Peru, according to a study published on the Cornell University physics website...

Cystine Imposters Curb Crystallization

13 years ago from C&EN

Crystal Engineering: Molecular mimics suggest therapeutic strategy for rare kidney disease.

Of worms and women: Common causes for reproductive decline with age

13 years ago from Physorg

In worms as in women, fertility declines at a rate that far exceeds the onset of other aging signs. And now a new report in the October 15th issue of...

Stem Cell Paper Retracted

13 years ago from Science NOW

Three stem cell scientists have retracted a paper they published early this year in...

Salmon 'losing genetic character'

13 years ago from BBC News: Science & Nature

The distinct genetic characteristics of salmon populations in Spain are being lost as a result of climate change and human interference, a study warns.