Latest science news in Biology & Nature
Internal bone structure reveals loading and walking behavior
The form and structure of bones change as a result of the forces to which they are subjected. Researchers have used this fact to determine the load using the bone...
Best Science Pictures of 2012 Announced
A troubled brain, a sea urchin tooth, and maneuvering mollusks are among the winning images in a challenge to bring science to life.
'Mountain devil' may join US endangered list
The tenacious wolverine, a snow-loving carnivore sometimes called the "mountain devil," could soon join the list of species threatened by climate change.
A Bioelectric Signal For Early Detection Of Cancer
Biologists have discovered a bioelectric signal that can identify cells that are likely to develop into tumors. The researchers also found that they could lower the incidence of cancerous cells...
Engineered oncolytic herpes virus inhibits ovarian and breast cancer metastases
A genetically reprogrammed Herpes simplex virus (HSV) can cure metastatic diffusion of human cancer cells in the abdomen of laboratory mice, according to a new study.
New look at cell membrane reveals surprising organization
Sight would dramatically alter a blind man’s understanding of an elephant, according to the old story. Now, a look directly [...]
Mapping the living cell: New technique pinpoints protein locations, helping scientists figure out their functions
To get a clear picture of what's happening inside a cell, scientists need to know the locations of thousands of proteins and other molecules. MIT chemists have now developed a...
Genetic markers offer hope for tackling drug-resistant malaria
Newly discovered markers that appear to be linked to a hard-to-treat form of malaria could aid efforts to eliminate the disease before it can spread.
'Psychic cells': Scientists discover cells can communicate through physical barriers
(Phys.org)—Scientists at UCLA and Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science have discovered a possible method by which cancer cells and dying cells communicate with nearby normal nerve cells...
New target for treating wide range of cancers: Promising binding site on mutant p53 protein
Biologists, chemists and computer scientists have identified an elusive pocket on the surface of the p53 protein that can be targeted by cancer-fighting drugs. The finding heralds a new treatment...
Promiscuous females are trying to avoid selfish genes
So-called 'selfish genes' may make females more promiscuous and also lower male fertility.
Understanding 'master regulator' genes could lead to better cancer treatments
A pair of genes work together as "master regulators" in cell division to keep the correct number of chromosomes in each daughter cell. Ipl1 and Mps1 work to hook and...
The effective collective: Grouping could ensure animals find their way in a changing environment
Researchers report that collective intelligence is vital to certain animals' ability to evaluate and respond to their environment. The results should prompt a close examination of how endangered group or...
Genome-wide atlas of gene enhancers in the brain online
Researchers have unveiled a first-of-its-kind atlas of gene-enhancers in the brain that should greatly benefit future research into the underlying causes of neurological disorders such as autism, epilepsy and schizophrenia.
Sequencing hundreds of chloroplast genomes now possible
Researchers have developed a sequencing method that allows potentially hundreds of plant chloroplast genomes to be sequenced at once, facilitating studies of molecular biology and evolution in plants. This method...
How owls swivel their heads
Scientists detail the smart bone and vascular structures that enable an owl to turn its head almost a full circle.
VIDEO: Struggle to save birds from mystery oil
The birds, which are mostly guillemots, have been discovered on beaches from Hampshire to Cornwall.
Habitat loss hits UK moth numbers
Two-thirds of Britain's 337 species of common and widespread larger moths have experienced a significant decline over the past four decade, a survey shows.
Pigeon DNA gives up fancy secrets
Scientists sequence the genome of the pigeon and pinpoint the DNA responsible for the head-crests seen in some fancy birds.
More DNA Problems Found in New York City Crime Lab
The failure to send dozens of samples to a state database has led to the discipline of two officials and was discovered during a review stemming from other errors in...
PepsiCo To Pull Brominated Vegetable Oil Out Of Gatorade
Soft Drinks: Plans to replace ingredient come on tails of negative perception, online petition
News in Brief: As fish watch prey, researchers watch fish's brains
Nerve cells glow, allowing real-time observations
How owls can spin their heads around
Owls don't need eyes in the back of their heads to see what's behind them — they can just swivel their heads all the way around. In fact, many owl...
Nanoparticles that look, act like cells
(Phys.org)—By cloaking nanoparticles in the membranes of white blood cells, scientists at The Methodist Hospital Research Institute may have found a way to prevent the body from recognizing and destroying...
New device traps particulates, kills airborne pathogens
A new device called a soft X-ray electrostatic precipitator protected immunocompromised mice from airborne pathogenic bacteria, viruses, ultrafine particles, and allergens, according to a new article.
Mexico releases 100,000 endangered sea turtles
A Mexican conservation group released more than 100,000 sea turtles into the ocean last year, in an effort to save a species threatened by egg poachers and fishing nets.
Sea Urchin Teeth & Trippy Clamshell Snag Science Visualization Awards
From a trippy photo of a living clam to a computer simulation of a beating heart, here are some of the most amazing science images of 2012
Pigeon DNA proves Darwin right
Genome sequencing supports theory that all domestic breeds descend from wild rock dove.Nature News doi: 10.1038/nature.2013.12334