Latest science news in Biology & Nature
Human Impact on Critically Endangered Waterbird Beneficial
Human impact on one of the world's most threatened bird species can be beneficial rather than destructive -- and could even save it from extinction -- according to counterintuitive new...
Researchers rapidly turn bacteria into biotech factories
High-throughput sequencing has turned biologists into voracious genome readers, enabling them to scan millions of DNA letters, or bases, per hour. When revising a genome, however, they struggle, suffering from...
An 'eye catching' vision discovery
Nearly all species have some ability to detect light. At least three types of cells in the retina allow us to see images or distinguish between night and day. Now,...
Heat may speed up evolution
Mammals living in the tropics are evolving up to 50 per cent faster than their cool-weather counterparts, research has found.
Scientists Explore "Living Lights" on the Deep Sea Floor
Bioluminescence is a fascinating phenomenon that is found only in a few species on land, but is common in all the world's oceans. If you have ever seen a firefly,...
Paradigm Shift in Cancer Research? Focusing on Tumour Stem Cells and Their Formation
A research project is currently in progress that focuses on tumour stem cells and their division. Until recently, no one had any idea of the existence of these types of...
Researchers Look To Imprinted Genes For Clues To Fetal Growth Restriction In Cloned Swine
Researchers have found that intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR), which results in low birth weight and long-term deleterious health effects in cloned swine, is linked to a type of gene --...
Parasitic Worms Make Sex Worthwhile
The coevolutionary struggle between a New Zealand snail and its worm parasite makes sex advantageous for the snail, whose females favor asexual reproduction in the absence of parasites, say biologists.
Active Genes Discovered In The Developing Mammal Brain
New information about the genes involved in a mammal's early brain development, including those that contribute to neurological disorders such as autism and mental retardation, has been discovered. The study...
Study links metabolic and immune diseases
CAMBRIDGE, Mass., July 26 (UPI) -- Researchers in Cambridge, Mass., found a link between metabolic and immunologic conditions, they said in papers published Sunday in the journal Nature Medicine.
Scientists Closer To Making Implantable Bone Material
Scientists are closer to understanding how to grow replacement bones with stem cell technology.
Researchers Rapidly Turn Bacteria Into Biotech Factories
Using a novel cell programming method that retools evolution to generate genetic diversity at an unprecedented rate, a research team turned self-serving bacteria into efficient factories for making a variety...
Dry cleaning solvent a danger in Illinois
CHICAGO, July 26 (UPI) -- Use of the dry cleaning solvent perchloroethylene at certain Illinois sites has left state residents facing cancer and other ailments, scientists say.
Scientists: Firefly numbers on the decline
COLUMBUS, Ohio, July 26 (UPI) -- The number of fireflies lighting up the night throughout the United States appears to be declining, scientists say.
Wedding dance video goes viral
A Minnesota couple's joyous wedding dance featuring the bride and groom boogieing down the aisle to the altar has become a Web sensation, racking up millions of views on YouTube.
Trees use camouflage too
Scientists have found that a New Zealand tree camouflaged itself to avoid an extinct bird, the first example of colour defense in plants.
Lobsters' colour trick found
Australian scientists have uncovered the unique way that lobsters, prawns and other crustaceans create their colour.
'Ballooning' Spiders Grounded By Infection
Money spiders infected with Rickettsia bacteria are less likely to 'balloon' -- that is, to use their silk as sails to catch gusts of wind and travel long distances. Researchers...
Inbred Bumblebees Less Successful Due To 'Inefficient' Males
Declining bumblebee populations are at greater risk of inbreeding, which can trigger a downward spiral of further decline. Researchers have provided the first proof that inbreeding reduces colony fitness under...
Mutation Causing One Type Of Male Infertility Found
A genetic mutation that lies behind one type of male infertility has been discovered. The discover may provide a new approach to help some couples that have been unsuccessful in...
The Lab Coat Is on the Hook in the Fight Against Germs
The American Medical Association is studying a proposal that doctors hang up their lab coats — for good.
Scientists Identify Weevil As Biocontrol For Invasive Garlic Mustard
A promising biocontrol agent for garlic mustard, one of the most problematic invaders of temperate forests in North America, has been identified.
Twitter schools businesses in benefits of microblogging
Twitter is wooing businesses with a "Twitter 101" online course in how the hot microblogging service can be used to boost bottom lines.
New clip-on mosquito repellent has drawbacks
Off! Clip-on uses a fan to surround the user with protection without having to spray it on the skin, but the device doesn't work well in heavy concentrations of pests. Sometimes it's hard...
U.S. Turtle Demand Booming in China
Millions of farmed and wild freshwater turtles end up in China every year, where they are eaten or used in medicine. A new Florida law aims to protect the reptiles in the...
UPI NewsTrack Health and Science News
H1N1 vaccine testing takes on urgency ... Sea food = 'see' food for elderly ... Study profiles response during pandemic ... Tiny ancient mammal tracks found in Utah ... Health/Science...
Tenure awarded to RNA researcher Thomas Tuschl
The university promotes a biochemist who researches RNA interference (RNAi), the process by which small RNA molecules interfere with gene expression.
New Nanoparticles Could Revolutionize Therapeutic Drug Discovery
Understanding the structure of proteins is a vital first step in developing new drugs, but to date, researchers have had difficulty studying the large number of proteins that are normally...