Latest science news in Biology & Nature
Modelling parasitic worm metabolism suggests strategy for developing new drugs against infection
Scientists have revealed a way to eradicate parasitic worms by stopping them from using alternative metabolism pathways provided by bacteria that live within them, according to new findings.
Protein uses two antiviral strategies to ward off infections
To protect humans against infection, a protein called MARCH8 tags the vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV) for destruction while it merely holds HIV hostage, a new study shows.
In Photos: Viola Davis turns 55: a look back
Oscar-winning actress Viola Davis turns 55 on August 11, 2020. Here's a look back at her career through the years.
Why does COVID-19 impact only some organs, not others?
COVID-19 proliferates through a receptor present in most of the human body. But if the receptor is so pervasive, why does the virus seem to target only specific organs?
First oral anthrax vaccine for livestock, wildlife
There may soon be a new weapon in the centuries-old battle against anthrax in wildlife.
Justice Dept. lawyer: AG William Barr may have had secret info on Michael Flynn case
A Justice Department attorney told a federal appeals court that Attorney General William Barr may have had secret information that led him to request that charges against Michael Flynn be...
Primate voice boxes are evolving at rapid pace
Scientists have discovered that the larynx, or voice box, of primates is significantly larger relative to body size, has greater variation, and is under faster rates of evolution than in...
Pasteurization inactivates COVID-19 virus in human milk: new research
A new study has confirmed what researchers already suspected to be the case: heat inactivates SARS-CoV-2 in human milk.
Research exposes new vulnerability for SARS-CoV-2
Using nanometer-level simulations, researchers have discovered a positively charged site (known as the polybasic cleavage site) located 10 nanometers from the actual binding site on the spike protein. The positively...
Researchers developing first oral anthrax vaccine for livestock, wildlife
There may soon be a new weapon in the centuries-old battle against anthrax in wildlife thanks to groundbreaking work at the Texas A&M University College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical...
A century ago, it was a Florida landscape shrub. Now, it's a pest plant that keeps spreading
Decorative landscaping in the early 1900s introduced a new shrub to Florida whose young leaves were pink and whose berries were a deep purple. The plant, called shoebutton ardisia, started...
Modelling parasitic worm metabolism suggests strategy for developing new drugs against infection
Scientists have revealed a way to eradicate parasitic worms by stopping them from using alternative metabolism pathways provided by bacteria that live within them, according to new findings published today...
Recipe for success: Interaction proteomics become a household item
Proteins in human cells do not function in isolation and their interactions with other proteins define their cellular functions. Therefore, detailed understanding of protein-protein interactions (PPIs) is the key for...
Protein uses two antiviral strategies to ward off infections
To protect humans against infection, a protein called MARCH8 tags the vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV) for destruction while it merely holds HIV hostage, a new study in eLife shows.
Researchers find clues to clarify why cohesine has a role in cancer and cardiac development
Ana Losada, from the Spanish National Cancer Research Centre (CNIO), is the scientist who identified cohesin in vertebrates, a protein that is essential in cell division. Losada has studied cohesin...
Coronavirus strikes indoor mushroom farms
Coronavirus outbreaks struck at least a half dozen mushroom farms in Washington, Tennessee, Colorado and Pennsylvania, sickening scores of workers.
The Moon and stars are a compass for nocturnal animals – but light pollution is leading them astray
Many nocturnal animal species use light from the moon and stars to migrate at night in search of food, shelter or mates. But in our recent study we uncovered how...
Gluten in wheat: What has changed during 120 years of breeding?
In recent years, the number of people affected by celiac disease, wheat allergy or gluten or wheat sensitivity has risen sharply. But why is this the case? Could it be...
Singapore crushes ivory from around 300 elephants to deter illegal trade
Singapore started crushing nine tonnes of elephant ivory on Tuesday as part of its ongoing fight against illegal trade in wildlife.
Dolphin study shows mammals age at different rates
A team of researchers from Epitracker, Inc. and Seraphina Therapeutics, Inc., working with the U.S. Navy Marine Mammal Program, has found that dolphins age at different rates. In their paper...
The structural basis of focal adhesion kinase activation on lipid membranes unravelled
A research team led by Daniel Lietha has just published in The EMBO Journal the mechanistic details of the activation of the focal adhesion kinase (FAK) on lipid membranes. Lietha...
Bees use shark 'supersense' to help find food
Flying insects such as bees and moths have secret senses that allow them to 'feel' nearby flowers and navigate over long distances, according to new research.
Kenya's coast is losing huge amounts of seagrass. But all isn't lost
The UN environmental program has released a report warning that fishing trawlers, seaweed farming, and tourism off the coast of Kenya is threatening the survival of seagrasses. Moina Spooner, from...
Targeting the bacteria inside insects for improved pest management
Any home gardener knows of the long-running battle against insect pests.
Use of neonicotinoids found to reduce some bird populations
A trio of researchers, two with the University of Illinois, the other Auburn University, has found that the use of neonicotinoid pesticides on farm crops leads to reductions in some...
Avian tree of life better resolved
Researchers led by Manfred Gahr of the Max Planck Institute for Ornithology in Seewiesen have investigated the relationship of bird families. For the first time, they have been able to...
Bees use shark ‘supersense’ to help find food
Flying insects such as bees and moths have secret senses that allow them to ‘feel’ nearby flowers and navigate over long distances, according to new research. Armed with sensitive antennae...
New shrimp species discovered in Panama's Coiba National Park
John Steinbeck wrote Log From the Sea of Cortez in 1951, his chronicle of an expedition with marine biologist Ed Ricketts along the coast of California and Mexico. Ricketts named...