Latest science news in Biology & Nature
Researchers Block Transmission Of Malaria In Animal Tests
By disrupting the potassium channel of the malaria parasite, a team of researchers has been able to prevent new malaria parasites from forming in mosquitoes and has thereby broken the...
Brain stem cells can be awakened, say Schepens scientists
Boston, MA-Scientists at Schepens Eye Research Institute have identified specific molecules in the brain that are responsible for awakening and putting to sleep brain stem cells, which, when activated, can...
Salmonella In Garden Birds Responsive To Antibiotics
Scientists have found that salmonella bacteria found in garden birds are sensitive to antibiotics, suggesting that the infection is unlike the bacteria found in livestock and humans.
Feather colors can affect bird physiology
TEMPE, Ariz., June 4 (UPI) -- U.S. scientists say they've discovered the color of a male barn swallow's breast feathers can significantly affect the bird's physiology.
Anchovies: Key to marine mammal deaths?
SAN LUIS OBISPO, Calif., June 5 (UPI) -- U.S. scientists say they may have discovered how marine mammals are being killed by a parasite typically associated with cats...
Scientists Uncover How Plant Roots Respond To Physical Forces Such As Gravity, Pressure, Or Touch
Researchers have identified two proteins responsible for mechanosensitive ion channel activities in plant roots. Scientists have long known that plant cells respond to physical forces. Until now, however, the proteins...
New ballast treatment could protect Great Lakes fish
A Michigan Technological University professor has developed a new water treatment that could help keep a deadly fish disease out of Lake Superior.
Mother Nature's Antibacterial Dyes: Bright Colors And A Knockout Punch For Germs
A strain of marine bacteria produces large amounts of bright red pigments that can be used as a natural dye for wool, nylon, silk and other fabrics, scientists in California...
New genetic insight offered into ALS
TOKYO, June 3 (UPI) -- Japanese researchers say they've gained valuable insight into the genetics of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, or ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig's disease.
Humans Have Ten Times More Bacteria Than Human Cells: How Do Microbial Communities Affect Human Health?
The number of bacteria living within the body of the average healthy adult human are estimated to outnumber human cells 10 to one. Changes in these microbial communities may be...
Toad research could leapfrog to new muscle model
A cane toad from Suriname is helping Northern Arizona University researcher Kiisa Nishikawa understand the speed, power and energy behind the toad's ability to capture prey with its tongue. Her...
How to construct a 'firefly' worm
Research describing a new modified luminescent worm that allows, for the first time, to measure, in real time, the metabolism of an entire living organism has just been published in...
Discovery of new family of genetic mutations involved in inflammatory intestinal disease
The discovery of new genetic mutations involved in inflammatory intestinal disorders could lead to a better understanding of these common conditions, two scientists told the annual conference of the European...
Brown Argus butterfly sees positive effects of climate change
The Brown Argus butterfly Aricia agestis has expanded northwards in Britain during the last 30 years. It is thought that the recent expansion of the species is due to the...
Western U.S. Forests At Risk: Complex Dynamics Underlie Bark Beetle Eruptions
Biological interactions involving fungi as well as trees and competing insects drive bark beetle outbreaks. The processes are sensitive to a forest's condition and the local climate, but prediction is...
Potential Treatments From Cryptic Genes
Big pharma gave up on soil bacteria as a source of antibiotics too soon, according to research in Microbiology. Scientists have been mining microbial genomes for new natural products that...
'Mythical' moth rescued from web
An insect found only four times previously since 1853 is discovered close to site of original sighting.
Fruit Fly Protein Acts As Decoy To Capture Tumor Growth Factors
Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine have shown how Argos, a fruit fly protein, acts as a "decoy" receptor, binding growth factors that promote the progression of...
All-fours study links gene to upright gait
Scientists claim to have discovered gene that helps humans walk upright, after studying families who 'bear crawl'
Experts may clone dead people's tissue
LONDON, June 1 (UPI) -- British government officials say they are considering legal action to allow scientists to use dead donors' tissue in stem cell cloning research.
Bees genes best carried by siblings
Researchers have revealed that insects often raise their siblings, instead of reproducing themselves, as it gives them the best chance of passing on their genes.
Malaysians patrol turtle sites after 4,000 eggs stolen: report
Malaysian authorities are carrying out night patrols near endangered Hawksbill turtle nesting sites after 4,000 eggs were stolen, according to reports Sunday.
Organic Corn: Increasing Rotation Complexity Increases Yields Substantially
Researchers investigated the impact of increasing crop rotation length and complexity on crop yields in organic agricultural systems over a ten year period. They found that longer, more complex rotations...
It's love or bust for Yangtze turtles
International experts are trying to mate two aged reptiles in a last bid to save their species
Students skip slime, stink with virtual dissection
(AP) -- It's not just concern for the squeamish biology students who wince at the feel and smell of cutting into a formaldehyde-soaked animal. Think about the frog. The...
Taxonomists Describe The Top 10 Most Surprising Species Discovered In 2007
Each year the scientific community identifies around 17,000 new animals and plants. To attract people's attention on the discovery of species, a key for their evolution, survival and conservation, an...
Plant Foods For Preserving Muscle Mass
Fruits and vegetables contain essential vitamins, minerals and fiber that are key to good health. Now, new research suggests plant foods also may help preserve muscle mass in older men...
Caring or cruel? Inside the primate laboratory
The Guardian is given access to an animal research facility and talks to the scientists