Latest science news in Biology & Nature
Underwater noise shown to disturb feeding behavior of marine organisms
Many marine organisms, such as fish, marine mammals and crustaceans, produce and use sound to navigate, reproduce, detect prey and avoid predators. However, anthropogenic sound, for example from the construction...
New study takes a high-level look at Nazca boobies' breeding
Nazca boobies can live to 28 years of age, but in their late teens, their ability to raise chicks declines substantially. Why their breeding drops in old age has plagued...
Help, bees have colonized the walls of my house! Why are they there and what should I do?
Have you spotted a swarm of flying insects emerging from a wall? Or noticed a buzzing noise coming from inside the house?
Invasive oak processionary moth caterpillars cause concern for England's trees
An insect that can be hazardous to human health is spreading across southeast England.
Watch: California researchers encounter unusually large group of orcas
Marine researchers in California were treated to a unique experience when they came across an unusually large pod of orcas composed of up to 24 killer whales.
Northern bettong genes reveal low genetic diversity, complicating protection measures
Scientists surveying the endangered northern bettong have discovered one particular sub-population of the species is in significant trouble and needs urgent help.
More than 50 chemicals discovered in water off Hampshire and West Sussex coasts
An ongoing study looking at water quality in and around Chichester and Langstone harbors has revealed high levels of potentially harmful chemicals.
Influenced by light, biological rhythms say a lot about animal (and human) health
Life patterns help humans and other animals stay in sync with nature and in good form.
Wolves in Minnesota switch to fish as a main source of food in the spring
A team of wildlife specialists from the University of Minnesota, the University of Manitoba and Voyageurs National Park has found that wild wolves living in Minnesota tend to switch from...
Study finds the best plants and bee hotels for boosting urban bee numbers
The presence of more native Australian flowering plants in urban areas can help boost declining bee numbers, with new Curtin University research finding them to be the preferred source of...
Taiwan sent mosquito-fighting robots into its sewers
Mosquito larvae could be hiding out in sewers. Denny Müller / Unsplash Mosquitoes are a problem, especially when they’re carrying viruses like dengue and zika that they can pass to unsuspecting humans with...
The coronavirus has made itself at home in animals. Why that ramps up the risk for people
Coronavirus infections have been found in at least 32 animal species in 39 countries. Some can transmit the virus to humans.
Why elephants have whiskers on their trunks
A team of zoologists from the Bernstein Center for Computational Neuroscience Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, the Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research and Berlin Zoological Garden has discovered the...
Study provides genomic resources to help boost climate resilience of fisheries
Candidate genes that could help fish to tolerate warmer and saltier water have been identified in new research from the Earlham Institute, potentially providing a vital resource to guide breeding...
Daily supplements of amino acid taurine slowed aging in study of lab mice
An amino acid found in meat, fish and energy drinks might be a key regulator of aging in animals, a new study suggests.
NY sues radical anti-abortion group to block members from clinics
New York is suing a radical anti-abortion organization to prevent its members from coming within 30 feet of any reproductive healthcare facility in the state.
New model offers a way to speed up drug discovery
Huge libraries of drug compounds may hold potential treatments for a variety of diseases, such as cancer or heart disease. Ideally, scientists would like to experimentally test each of these...
Researchers create engineered human tissue to study mosquito bites, disease
A UCF research team has engineered tissue with human cells that mosquitoes love to bite and feed upon—with the goal of helping fight deadly diseases transmitted by the biting insects.
First Saimaa ringed seals successfully translocated within Lake Saimaa in Finland
In Finland, two adult Saimaa ringed seals were successfully translocated from Pihlajavesi basin to Kolovesi basin and to the southern part of Lake Saimaa in late May. The seals, known...
Mass spectrometry uncovers actions of protein 'glues'
A screening technique commonly used in drug discovery can yield important details about the actions of molecular 'glues' in protein interactions.
Amino acid taurine can slow aging in animals, but we don't know if it works in people
Experiments suggest that taurine, an unusual amino acid, can extend some animals' life spans, but it's unclear if it would work in humans.
Octopuses Redesign Their Own Brains When They Get Chilly
Hyperintelligent octopuses just got weirder, when scientists found they can recode their brains when temperatures change
Joran van der Sloot on way to United States from Peru to face extortion charges
FBI agents are taking Joran van der Sloot from his prison in Peru back to the United States on Thursday to face extortion charges in connection with the 2005 Natalee...
Curly hair kept early humans cool
Tightly curled scalp hair protected early humans from the sun's radiative heat, allowing their brains to grow to sizes comparable to those of modern humans. Loughborough University researchers in the...
Lingering effects of Neanderthal DNA found in modern humans
Recent scientific discoveries have shown that Neanderthal genes comprise some 1 to 4% of the genome of present-day humans whose ancestors migrated out of Africa, but the question remained open...
Gradual supported release of primates into the wild shown as effective
Gradually re-introducing primates into the wild with post-release support has, for the first time, been scientifically shown to improve their well-being.
Taurine slows aging in mice. Will it ever work for people?
An ingredient common in energy drinks and baby formula makes mice healthier and extends their lifespans. It also appears to make worms live longer and improves the health of middle-aged monkeys, a large...
New study shows land mammals traveled farther during severe COVID-19 lockdowns
Human behavior changed dramatically during lockdowns in the first months of the global COVID-19 pandemic, resulting in behavioral changes of land mammals. This is according to a study published in...