Latest science news in Biology & Nature
Cells In Developing Tissue Consider Their History Of Signaling Exposure To Determine Location
Researchers have proposed a novel model that differs from a widely held hypothesis about the mechanisms by which developing animals pattern their tissues and structures.
Scientist builds better cancer cell imager
CLEVELAND, Sept. 29 (UPI) -- A Case Western Reserve University professor says he has developed an imager than can identify and locate individual cancer cells.
UCLA study identifies 2 chemicals that could lead to new drugs for genetic disorders
UCLA scientists have identified two chemicals that convince cells to ignore premature signals to stop producing important proteins. Published in the 28 September edition of the Journal of Experimental Medicine,...
Study finds origins of prion disease gene
TORONTO, Sept. 29 (UPI) -- A University of Toronto-led team of scientists says it has determined the evolutionary origin of the prion gene.
Gerton Lab determines the composition of centromeric chromatin
The Stowers Institute's Gerton Lab has provided new evidence to clarify the structure of nucleosomes containing Cse4, a centromere-specific histone protein required for proper kinetochore function, which plays a critical...
Unlocking The Mystery Of European Eel Migrations
Scientist have revealed the first stage of the European eels mysterious migration to the Sargasso Sea by attaching pop up satellite tags to eels.
Fish go mad for ginger gene
There may be plenty of fish in the sea but the medaka knows what it likes. A new study published in the open access journal BMC Biology shows how a...
Light, photosynthesis help bacteria invade fresh produce
Exposure to light and possibly photosynthesis itself could be helping disease-causing bacteria to be internalised by lettuce leaves, making them impervious to washing, according to research published in the October...
Electric Fish Equipped With 'Dimmer' Switch
Electric fish are equipped with a dimmer switch to save energy.
Researchers unravel brain's wiring to understand memory
Using a powerful microscope, Karel Svoboda, a brain scientist at the Janelia Farm Research Campus in Ashburn, Va., peers through a plastic window in the top of a mouse's head...
Feds to decide on listing ice seals as threatened
(AP) -- A federal agency must decide within three weeks whether spotted seals, which depend on sea ice off Alaska's coast, should be listed as a threatened or endangered...
Butterfly experiment a prairie masterpiece in the making
After waiting for a warm, summery day, biologist Doug Taron and a handful of colleagues fanned out through a thousand acres of restored prairie this month, stroking plants with delicate...
Basics: Give Birds a Break. Lock Up the Cat.
Free-ranging felines do a lot of damage to the baby bird populations in neighborhoods.
Champagne bubbles' flavour fizz
Scientists find that the bubbles in champagne contain high concentrations of chemicals that give the drink its flavour.
Study: Life and death during the Great Depression
The Great Depression had a silver lining: During that hard time, U.S. life expectancy actually increased by 6.2 years, according to a University of Michigan study published in the current...
Can Evolution Run in Reverse? A Study Says It’s a One-Way Street
A team of scientists said new mutations make it practically impossible for evolution to reverse direction.
Fungi beat insecticide resistance in mosquitoes
Scientists have found that infecting mosquitoes with fungi can reverse insecticide resistance, but large-scale testing is some way off.
Man facing tests after climbing into bear exhibit
A 21-year-old man is undergoing a mental evaluation after climbing into the San Francisco Zoo's grizzly bear enclosure while the two bears were on display.
Shovelnose sturgeon may receive protection
ALTON, Ill., Sept. 28 (UPI) -- The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service says the shovelnose sturgeon should receive protection as a threatened species in certain areas because of its...
New study resolves the mysterious origin of Merkel cells
A new study resolves a 130-year-old mystery over the developmental origin of specialized skin cells involved in touch sensation. The findings will appear in the October 5, 2009 issue of...
Canker disease in eucalyptus in the Basque Country
The first experiences with exotic species in the Basque Country, and alternative to Pinus radiata, were undertaken in 1957, concretely in Laukiz, Lezama and Alonsotegui (Muro, 1975) where the eucalyptus,...
RNA-Powered Nanomotor Leads To Artificial Pores
An RNA-powered nanomotor has become the engine for an artificial pore able to transmit nanoscale material through a membrane, the next step in research on using nanomotors to package and deliver...
How Did Evolution Begin?
(PhysOrg.com) -- Life's ability to replicate itself is essential for evolution, yet even the simplest kind of replication requires a relatively complex system. So what kind of non-replicating system might...
Nanotech 'an environment risk'
Nanoparticles are quickly building up in, and potentially harming, the environment, and no one knows how to stop them, an expert has warned.
Scientists create super pyjamas
New Zealand researchers have created a textile that is chemical-free, maintains temperature and helps wearers to sleep.
Attenborough's classics go online
Sir David Attenborough selects 50 of his most memorable natural history moments.
India turns to cow dung power for 'eco-cremations'
The BBC's Amarnath Tewary examines a new mode of cremation in India's Bihar state.
More protection for Scottish seabirds
Seabirds are being given greater protection in Scottish waters as part of efforts to halt declining numbers.