Latest science news in Biology & Nature
Ecologists Link Early Malnutrition, Arthritis in Moose
In a report just published in Ecology Letters, wildlife ecologists from Michigan Technological University identify a link between malnutrition early in a moose's life and development of osteoarthritis as the...
Solar-Powered Plane Makes 24-Hour Test Flight
"Crucial" Success in Trial for Team Hoping to Fly Around the World on Power of Sun Alone 3 Years from Now
Flowers Could Become Extinct Before They're Even Discovered
Thousands of rare flowering plants still undiscovered.
Genetically reprogrammed HSV given systemically shrinks distant sarcomas
Scientists have used a genetically reprogrammed herpes virus and an anti-vascular drug to shrink spreading distant sarcomas designed to model metastatic disease in mice - still an elusive goal when...
A risk factor of gallstone formation after radical gastrectomy
The cause of higher incidence of gallstone after radical gastrectomy still remains unknown. Almost all previous studies have attributed gallstone formation to gallbladder motility disorder after gastrectomy, But this theory...
Intrahepatic clear cell cholangiocarcinoma
Intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC) is a cancer of the bile duct in the liver. The clear cell subtype of ICC is a rare cancer; until now, only 8 cases have been...
First research trip across western Amazon yields surprising results
During his unprecedented expedition into the heart of the Amazon, Michigan State University geographer Bob Walker discovered surprising evidence that many of the Brazilian government's efforts to protect the environment...
Say what?! Whales shout over noise pollution
Just like a New Yorker shouting to be heard in a crowded deli, whales must shout to be heard in ever noisier ocean waters, a new study suggests. ...
No substantial quality difference between organically and conventionally produced eggs, study finds
There's no substantial quality difference between organically and conventionally produced eggs. That's one of a number of findings in a new agricultural study examining various aspects of egg quality.
New computer program accurately simulates protein folding dramatically faster than previous methods
A new computer program accurately simulates protein folding dramatically faster than previous methods. It will allow scientists to peer deeper into the roots of diseases caused by proteins that fold...
Autism-related study discovers how drug interferes with neuronal cell function
A new study has shown for the first time how the drug misoprostol, linked to neurodevelopmental defects associated with autism, interferes with neuronal cell function. It is an important finding...
Taiwan group plans sanctuary for endangered dolphin
A Taiwanese conservation group said Wednesday it plans to set up a sanctuary for the endangered Indo-Pacific humpback dolphin, using proceeds from the island's first environmental trust fund.
EU wants ban on cloned animal meat
The European Parliament has called for a ban on meat from cloned animals, saying more tests are needed to prove it is safe for humans to eat.
Demand growing for accurate GM testing
While the development of genetically modified crops is on the rise, a universal GMO detection method is proving a challenge, experts say.
Cell development: How do plants and animals end up with right number of cells in all the right places?
How do plants and animals end up with right number of cells in all the right places? For the first time, scientists have gained insight into how this process is...
How active immune tolerance makes pregnancy possible
How a pregnant body tolerates a fetus that is biologically distinct from its mother has long been a mystery. Now, a pair of scientists have shown that females actively produce...
Behavioural studies need more diverse subjects
Joseph Henrich and colleagues call on behavioural scientists to stop doing most of their experiments on Westerners.
Bilingualism associated with brain reorganization involving better efficiency in executive functions, research finds
Researchers in Spain report that bilinguals are faster and more efficient in certain tasks in which executive functions are used due to a different form of cerebral control.
Russia to create new national parks and reserves nearly size of Switzerland
Polar bears, walruses, sea otters, and other endangered species are all set to benefit from a Russian decision to boost its national protected areas to nearly 3 percent of its...
The Adaptive Brain In Action
Neural circuitry is constantly changing to meet the challenges of its environment and ahead of his presentation on July 6th, sponsored by The Kavli Foundation , at the 7th FENS...
Super squid sex organ discovered
The mating habits of deep-sea squid have been revealed for the first time, after the discovery of a male squid with a huge elongated and erect penis.
Chip aids sickle cell study
A microfluidic device that mimics physiological conditions in blood cells could aid the study of sickle cell anaemia
How T cells make a commitment
When does a cell decide its particular identity? According to biologists, in the case of T cells -- immune system cells that help destroy invading pathogens -- the answer is...
Deaths in the family cause bacteria to flee
The deaths of nearby relatives has a curious effect on the bacterium Caulobacter crescentus -- surviving cells lose their stickiness. Biologists report that exposure to the extracellular DNA released by...
Brain's energy restored during sleep, suggests animal study
In the initial stages of sleep, energy levels increase dramatically in brain regions found to be active during waking hours, according to new research. These results suggest that a surge...
Your Brain On Exercise
A number of new studies have begun to tease out the specific mechanisms and, in the process, raised new questions about just how exercise remolds the brain.
Deep Seafloor Surprisingly Alive, Discoveries Reveal
At least ten creatures that possibly represent new species were discovered during the six-week journey aboard the U.K. research vessel the James Cook.
U.S. songbirds carry low-risk bird flu, study finds
WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Songbirds such as sparrows and thrushes carry various forms of bird flu and could potentially spread the viruses to pigs and poultry, U.S. researchers reported on Tuesday.