Latest science news in Biology & Nature
Here’s how flying snakes stay aloft
The movie Snakes on a Plane had it wrong. That’s not how snakes fly. Certain species of tree snakes can glide through the air, undulating their bodies as they soar from tree...
New 3-D model shows how the paradise tree snake uses aerial undulation to fly
When the paradise tree snake flies from one tall branch to another, its body ripples with waves like green cursive on a blank pad of blue sky. That movement, aerial...
Engineers use 'DNA origami' to identify vaccine design rules
By folding DNA into a virus-like structure, MIT researchers have designed HIV-like particles that provoke a strong immune response from human immune cells grown in a lab dish. Such particles...
Producing a gaseous messenger molecule inside the body, on demand
Nitric oxide is an important signaling molecule in the body, with a role in building nervous system connections that contribute to learning and memory. It also functions as a messenger...
Quiet Salish Sea gives scientists chance to study endangered killer whales
A significant drop in sea traffic brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic has created what scientists call a rare opportunity to study how quieter waters affect southern resident killer whales...
Structural evidence for a dynamic metallocofactor during dinitrogen reduction by Mo-nitrogenase
The enzyme nitrogenase is a biological catalyst that can reduce dinitrogen (N2) to ammonia in the presence of a suite of complex metallocofactors. However, the mechanistic details of the reaction...
New technique offers chemists unprecedented control in drug research
Leiden chemists have developed a new technique with which they can determine the role of kinases—a group of proteins—in a living cell. This technique makes it easier to find new...
Nico Young, Paige Sommers are Gatorade state athletes of the year in track and field
Newbury Park and Westlake athletes top California track and field performers.
Three new studies show unwanted changes in human embryo genome after CRISPR-Cas9 editing
Three teams working independently to test the possibility of using CRISPR–Cas9 gene editing to remove genetic defects in human embryos report finding unwanted changes in the genomes. The first team,...
Circular RNA found to make fruit flies live longer
Ribonucleic acid, or RNA, is part of our genetic code and present in every cell of our body. The best known form of RNA is a single linear strand, of...
Scientists examine the impact of a very specific defect in DNA replication
USC researchers peering deep inside a living cell have discovered something surprising: Its system for preventing genetic damage linked to diseases can fail so badly that the cell would be...
Banning trophy hunting amid COVID-19 threatens African wildlife and livelihoods
Griffith University scientists have revealed the devastating effects a trophy hunting ban will have on wildlife conservation and livelihoods in Africa. Although controversial, the practice of trophy hunting conserves land...
Misplaced Analogies: COVID-19 Is More like a Wildfire Than a Wave
Epidemiologist Sarah Cobey describes the massive epidemic as burning through the population -- Read more on ScientificAmerican.com
Hospitals Experiment with COVID-19 Treatments, Balancing Hope and Evidence
With little data on what works and what doesn't, doctors trade tips and argue about risks -- Read more on ScientificAmerican.com
Fish eggs can hatch after being eaten and pooped out by ducks
For fish eggs, getting gobbled by a duck kicks off a harrowing journey that includes a pummeling in the gizzard and an attack by stomach acids. But a few eggs can exit...
Panda gifted by China gives birth to second cub in Taiwan
A giant panda gifted by China to Taiwan has given birth to a second female cub after being artificially inseminated, Taipei Zoo announced Monday.
Patriots receive $1.1M fine, lose draft pick for illegally filming Bengals' sideline
The NFL fined the New England Patriots $1.1 million and stripped them of a third-round pick in the 2021 draft as part of the franchise's punishment for filming the Cincinnati...
Hernández: Boxing industry tries to recover from a strong uppercut delivered by COVID-19
Young fighters such as Vergil Ortiz Jr. have missed out on chances to raise their profiles, while top star Canelo Alvarez might be further sidelined.
Designer Milton Glaser dead at 91
Milton Glaser, a graphic designer remembered for brightly colored posters, magazines, book covers and record sleeves -- and the iconic "I ♥ NY" logo -- died on Friday, his 91st...
New protein complex gets chromosomes sorted
Researchers have identified a novel protein complex that regulates Aurora B localization to ensure that chromosomes are correctly separated during cell division. The complex, NWC, is made up of three...
Pattern analysis of phylogenetic trees could reveal connections between evolution, ecology
In biology, phylogenetic trees represent the evolutionary history and diversification of species -- the ''family tree'' of Life. Phylogenetic trees not only describe the evolution of a group of organisms...
Designer peptides show potential for blocking viruses, encourage future study
Chemically engineered peptides could prove valuable in the battle against some of the most persistent human health challenges. New findings demonstrate how researchers can engineer peptides capable of selectively and...
New study examines recursive thinking
A multi-institutional research team found the cognitive ability to represent recursive sequences occurs in humans and non-human primates across age, education, culture and species.
How one teaspoon of Amazon soil teems with fungal life
Scientists discover hundreds of different fungi in Amazonian soil, thought to play a vital role in nature.
Critical new allergy pathway
Researchers have identified the sequence of molecular events by which tiny, tick-like creatures called house dust mites trigger asthma and allergic rhinitis.
Comparing 13 different CRISPR-Cas9 DNA scissors
Scientists have achieved the most extensive high-throughput analysis of CRISPR-Cas9 activities. The team developed deep-learning-based computational models that predict the activities of SpCas9 variants for different DNA sequences. This study...
Microbiome of anticancer compound-producing marine invertebrate
Could the cure for melanoma - the most dangerous type of skin cancer -- be a compound derived from a marine invertebrate that lives at the bottom of the ocean?...
Scientists devise new 'bar code' method to identify critical cell types in the brain
A discovery could pave the way for future studies aimed at developing solutions to ALS and other vexing neuromuscular diseases.