Latest science news in Biology & Nature
Fungus genome boosts fight to save North American forests
DNA sequence could advance efforts to control pine beetle infestations.
DNA 'barcodes' tackle African bush meat trade
Researchers have developed a new way of tracking the origins of bush meat and other animal products, using DNA "barcodes".
New Insights Into Cardiac Aging
Researchers have found that the conserved protein d4eBP modulates cardiac aging in Drosophila (fruit flies). The team also found that d4eBP, which binds to the protein dEif4e, protects heart function...
Creating 'Schrödinger's virus' in the lab
Experiment would hold living creature in a quantum superposition
Genetic Secrets Of Date Palm Unlocked
Researchers have mapped a draft version of the date palm genome, unlocking many of its genetic secrets.
Insecticide-free Method Studied For Control Of Soybean Aphids
Researchers are looking at a way to genetically modify soybeans to prevent damage from aphids. If successful, soybeans will carry in-plant protection from aphids, similar to the way genetically modified...
Gene may be linked with male infertility
RICHMOND, Va., Sept. 16 (UPI) -- U.S. scientists say they've identified a gene linked to sperm production that may contribute to male infertility and lead to new male contraception...
Study looks at sheep personality variants
MONTREAL, Sept. 16 (UPI) -- Canadian scientists say they have completed a study that links personality, survival and reproductive success in male bighorn sheep.
Dartmouth researchers get personal with genetics
Two recent studies by Dartmouth researchers use individual genetic data to reveal the powers and limits of our current understanding of how the genome influences human health and what genes...
When You've Doubled Your Genes, What's One Chromosome More Or Less? How Polyploidy And Genomic Change Can Lead To Evolutionary Change
For animals, an extra chromosome can result in major problems, but plants are another matter. Many plants can survive an extra copy of their entire genome (polyploidy), and this process...
Researcher Trips Amputees In Effort To Develop Improved Prosthetic Legs
An engineer has been tripping amputees in a laboratory study that seeks to improve the safety of prosthetic legs by developing a reliable and responsive stumble detection system.
One in six Mediterranean mammals face extinction
One in six Mediterranean mammals is threatened with extinction at the regional level, mainly due to the destruction of their habitat from urbanization, agriculture and climate change, nature body IUCN...
Scale of gorilla poaching exposed
An undercover investigation by a conservation organisation reveals the extent of gorilla poaching in the Republic of Congo.
Evidence points to conscious 'metacognition' in some nonhuman animals
J. David Smith, a comparative psychologist at the University at Buffalo who has conducted extensive studies in animal cognition, says there is growing evidence that animals share functional parallels with...
Neurones found to be similar to Electoral College
A tiny neurone is a very complicated structure. Its complex network of dendrites, axons and synapses is constantly dealing with information, deciding whether or not to send a nerve impulse,...
New function for the protein Bcl-xL: It prevents bone breakdown
In blood cells, the protein Bcl-xL has a well-characterised role in preventing cell death by a process known as apoptosis. However, its function(s) in osteoclasts, cells that slowly breakdown bone...
Gene affects hepatitis cure
The usual treatment for hepatitis C only works for some people, but recent genetic research has found out why – and who.
Figuring out the heads or tails decision in regeneration
Amputations trigger a molecular response that determines if a head or tail will be regrown in planaria, a flatworm commonly studied for its regenerative capabilities. Until now, no molecular connection...
Can parasites cause anaemia and undernutrition in Northern Rwanda?
Northern Rwandan inhabitants infected with more than two species of parasitic worm are more likely to be underweight than those with just one or with no infection, according to new...
Humpback whale found dead in Thames
28ft carcass of juvenile off Gravesend was first ever found in river
RNA Interference Found In Budding Yeasts
Some budding yeast species have the ability to silence genes using RNA interference (RNAi), new research shows. Until now, most researchers thought that no budding yeasts possess the RNAi pathway...
Engineered Pea Seeds Protect Against Parasites
A breed of pea seeds has been created that contains antibodies against coccidiosis, a disease caused by a parasite that attacks chickens. Researchers describe the development of the GM seeds,...
AMPA Receptors On Cell Membrane Make Us Smarter
AMPA receptors are an important regulating factor in the connection between our nerve cells. However, researchers have demonstrated that it is not the amount of AMPA receptors inside the cell...
New Clues to Sex Anomalies in How Y Chromosomes Are Copied
The Y chromosome has an Achilles’ heel that leads to a wide variety of sexual disorders.
Tiny Bacteria Secret to Cicada's Success
(PhysOrg.com) -- John McCutcheon remembers the song of the cicada - the loudest song in the insect world - as the sound track to countless summer hours spent playing outside...
Bathing, but Not Alone
A deluge of bacteria hit your face and flow deep into your lungs in the morning shower.
Giant pandas’ sex talk revealed
Discovery: Giant panda bleat calls, often emitted during the panda's mating season, have just been deciphered, according to new research.
Showerheads may harbor bacteria dangerous to some
WASHINGTON (AP) -- In what may be the scariest shower news since Alfred Hitchcock's "Psycho," a study says showerheads can harbor tiny bacteria that come spraying...