Latest science news in Biology & Nature

Whitefish decline a 'big' problem in Great Lakes, biologist says

1 year ago from

The story of Great Lakes whitefish is not a happy one, state fish biologist Stephen Lenart warned on July 10, but it needs to be told as their numbers decline.

Artificial sweeteners leave bitter aftertaste for the environment

1 year ago from

New research has found increasing levels of artificial sweeteners in wastewater treatment plants, with downstream impacts on the environment.

How the genome defends itself against internal enemies

1 year ago from

An international research team has deciphered a mechanism of the evolutionary arms race in human cells. The findings provide insights into how mobile elements in DNA hijack cellular functions—and how...

Some sharks in the north Atlantic may delay their fall migrations south

1 year ago from

Certain migratory species of sharks may remain swimming and feeding in Atlantic Ocean waters in areas of the northeast coast for longer periods of time later into fall before they...

Sled dog genetic history sheds light on human migration patterns into Greenland

1 year ago from

The histories of sled dogs and humans in the Arctic have been intricately linked for thousands of years, so it is no surprise that the migration patterns of these dogs...

Exploring animal life in the radioactive shadows of Chornobyl and Fukushima

1 year ago from

A team of researchers in France are building on fundamental experimental research undertaken in the Ukrainian Chornobyl exclusion zone with a new project in the Japanese Fukushima Prefecture to further...

Cutting to the core of how 3D structure shapes gene activity

1 year ago from

In biology textbooks and beyond, the human genome and DNA therein typically are taught in only one dimension. While it can be helpful for learners to begin with the linear...

These sea spiders use the bacteria on their bodies to turn methane into food

1 year ago from

Scientists discovered three new species of sea spiders that live near the ocean floor and feast on bacteria that convert methane. Scientists say the finding gives them a deeper understanding...

These bird moms lay their eggs in other species' nest, and never come back for them

1 year ago from

When a female cowbird is ready to have a baby, she’ll stake out another bird’s nest, wait until the coast is clear, then slip in, stealthily lay her egg and...

Wildfire fighter attacked by grizzly bear while on the job in northern B.C.

1 year ago from

The man was released from hospital with minor injuries. The bear was protecting its young and won't be destroyed, the Conservation Officer Service says.

10-metre member of 'mysterious' shark species spotted off P.E.I.'s North Shore

1 year ago from

One of the world's second-largest species of fish was spotted off the coast of P.E.I. by a group of people returning from a deep-sea fishing trip on July 3.

Orcas off B.C. coast face 'high probability of extinction' if conditions don't change: report

1 year ago from

There is an "urgent need for more robust actions" to save the southern resident killer whales from extinction, says the report released by the David Suzuki Foundation and Raincoast Conservation...

SeaWorld veterinarians euthanize orca that had lung disease

1 year ago from

SAN DIEGO (AP) -- SeaWorld euthanized one of the entertainment company's last killer whales to come from the wild, marking the third orca...

Science Says: DNA test results may not change health habits

1 year ago from

NEW YORK (AP) -- If you learned your DNA made you more susceptible to getting a disease, wouldn't you work to stay healthy?...

Weird 'Obelisks' Found in Human Gut May be Virus-Like Entities

1 year ago from

Rod-shaped fragments of RNA called “obelisks” were discovered in gut and mouth bacteria for the first time

What Apple's New Vision Pro Headset Might Do to Our Brain

1 year ago from

The release of Apple’s mixed-reality headset raises questions about hours spent in a virtual replacement of our world

Chimpanzees and Bonobos Have Surprisingly Different Parenting Styles

1 year ago from

Chimpanzee “helicopter moms” often protect their offspring from bullies, but bonobo moms are more hands-off

An Evolutionary 'Big Bang' Explains Why Snakes Come in So Many Strange Varieties

1 year ago from

Snakes saw a burst of adaptation about 128 million years ago that led to them exploding in diversity and evolving up to three times faster than lizards

Mystery deepens as another dead whale washes ashore in Southern California

1 year ago from

A 50-foot gray whale washed ashore in Huntington Beach on Friday. Nonprofit workers say the young adult female showed no signs of physical injury.

Are salmon sperm facials really good for your skin?

1 year ago from

Med spas all over Los Angeles now offer what they call salmon DNA facials. Does the trendy social media-approved treatment actually work?

Mosquitoes are breeding in pools in the Eaton fire area. Officials may not be able to control them much longer

1 year ago from

Unmaintained swimming pools where mosquito breeding has occurred will get a first treatment, but there's currently no money for additional treatments, according to vector control officials.

Lethal algae bloom is over, but sickened marine mammals aren't safe yet

1 year ago from

It was one of the longest and deadliest ever recorded in Southern California.

Union presses California's key bird flu testing lab for records

1 year ago from

The union representing workers at a UC Davis lab key to California's efforts to test and track bird flu infections in livestock has sued the university,

The numbers of gray whales migrating along the California coast continue to plummet

1 year ago from

Federal officials are reporting the lowest numbers of gray whales counted since the 1970s. More than 20 have died in S.F. Bay this year.

Measles on the rise in California: More cases so far this year than all of 2024

1 year ago from

California has already reported more measles cases this year than in all of 2024, a worrisome development that comes as the nation is suffering its largest outbreak of the super-infectious...

Hardcore birders and casual sparrow spotters: Science needs you

1 year ago from

Ornithologists are seeking volunteers in California, Oregon and Washington for Project Phoenix, a multiyear project exploring birds' response to wildfire.

Foreign, feral honeybees are crowding out native bee species in southern California

1 year ago from

Non-native, feral honeybees are crowding out native bee species in southern California — and it could have knock-on effects on local plants in need of pollination.

Great white sharks tracked off the Carolina coast

1 year ago from

A group of migrating great white sharks are suddenly acting like tourists along the Carolina coast. But apparently there's nothing to fear. Meg Oliver explains.