Latest science news in Biology & Nature
Scientists use viruses to split water
CAMBRIDGE, Mass., April 14 (UPI) -- U.S. scientists say they have found a way to use viruses in mimicking the process plants use to split water and make chemical...
Scientists develop a new computational method to uncover gene regulation
(PhysOrg.com) -- Researchers from Aalto University (Finland), European Molecular Biology Laboratory Heidelberg (Germany) and the University of Manchester (UK) have developed a new computational method to identify targets of regulator...
Harnessing the Web and supercomputers to track pathogens as they evolve
Pathogens can now be easily tracked in time and space as they evolve, an advance that could revolutionise both public health and inform national security in the fight against infectious...
Artificial light at night disrupts cell division
Just one 'pulse' of artificial light at night disrupts circadian cell division, reveals a new study carried out by Dr Rachel Ben-Shlomo of the University of Haifa-Oranim Department of Environmental...
Cortical response to biliary sensation
Elevated pressure of the extrahepatic bile duct may elicit a variety of symptoms ranging from various degrees of abdominal distention, discomfort, dyspepsia, and pain. A study group from Japan used...
Key protein aids in DNA repair
Chapel Hill, NC – Scientists have shown in multiple contexts that DNA damage over our lifetimes is a key mechanism behind the development of cancer and other age-related diseases. ...
Elastography: A useful method in depicting liver hardness
Elasticity measurements have been reported to be useful for the diagnosis and differentiation of many tumors, which are usually harder than normal surrounding tissues. Recently, trans-abdominal real-time elastography was proposed...
Brain parts found in ancient human ancestor
Electromagnetic radiation revealed parts of the 1.9-million-year-old brain, as well as eggs of insects that fed on it. Electromagnetic radiation - Environment - Energy - Electromagnetic...
Video: Caterpillars Talk With Their Butts
Hind-end scraping warns off intruders-and may have evolved from walking
Clouded leopard caught on camera
Researcher in Indonesia captures rare photograph of tree-dwelling clouded leopard on the groundA rare image of a clouded leopard on the ground has been captured by a researcher in Indonesia who was trying...
Obesity Clue In View
Structural Biology: Close-up of methyl-clipping enzyme might help probe its obesity connection.
Mutant gene linked to motor neuron disease
LONDON, April 12 (UPI) -- British scientists say they've found a fifth genetic mutation linked to motor neuron disease that has similar pathological effects of other genetic mutations.
New probe technology illuminates the activation of light-sensing cells
(PhysOrg.com) -- Through ingenious combinations of roughly 20 amino acids, the basic building blocks of life, genes can build the proteins that comprise everything from the simplest bacteria to the...
Biological link between stress, anxiety and depression identified for the first time
Scientists at The University of Western Ontario have discovered the biological link between stress, anxiety and depression. By identifying the connecting mechanism in the brain, this high impact research led...
Brain drain, low investment hamper African science
LONDON (Reuters) - Africa's contribution to the global body of scientific research is very small and does little to benefit its own populations, according to a report from Thomson Reuters...
Humboldt Squid Acquitted; Colossal Squid On Tour
So it looks like Humboldt squid don't kill divers after all. At least, they haven't done so yet. read more
Moray eels: The most cosmopolitan of reef fish, but why?
Genetic variations among moray eels don't show any geographic patterning, apparently because a long-lived larval form called a leptocephalus maintains gene flow among populations. With geographic isolation off the table,...
Tiny gold probes give scientists a sense of how disease develops
Tiny chemical sensors implanted into patients could help diagnose disease and track its progress, following a development by scientists.
Video: Will Monarch Butterflies Survive?
The annual migration of the Monarch butterfly leaves anyone who sees it All a-flutter, but how much longer this rite of spring will continue no one knows. It's...
The assembly of protein strands into fibrils
Researchers at ETH Zurich, EPF Lausanne and at the University of Fribourg have evidenced a basic general mechanism describing how filamentous proteins assemble into ribbon like structures, the so-called Amyloid...
Black snakes cultivate algae
Extensive testing has found that black areas on sea snakes collect more algae, creating drag and slowing them down.
Scientists track variant of gene-regulating protein in embryonic stem cells
The journey from embryonic stem cell to a fully developed liver, heart or muscle cell requires not only the right genes, but genes that are turned on and off at...
U of T engineers honoured for Apollo 13 aid
A team from the University of Toronto Institute of Aerospace Studies is about to receive special recognition for the crucial role it played in the rescue of three Apollo 13...
Are eggs truly bad for the heart?
Cholesterol-rich eggs were assumed to increase heart disease risk. But research tells a different story — except for those with diabetes. ...
Are patients misserved by patents on human genes?
Some tests can be obtained from just one source because of limitations. A look at both sides of the issue. Inside every cell of your body are 23 tightly packed strands of...
Alaska eagle survives plunge after mating dance
(AP) -- An acrobatic display of passion proved too much for a pair of eagles engaged in a mating dance over Alaska's Prince William Sound.
Octopus vs. Sea Lion—First Ever Video
It's a first. Outfitted with a Crittercam, an Australian sea lion has filmed itself hunting, and eating, a large octopus. Video.
Carnivorous plants' diets may be a danger
Eating insects that contain high levels of trace metals can hinder growth for North American pitcher plants, a study finds. One expert says habitat loss is still the plants' biggest threat. Carnivorous plants...