Grazing animals help spread plant disease
Researchers have discovered that grazing animals such as deer and rabbits are actually helping to spread plant disease - quadrupling its prevalence in some cases - and encouraging an invasion of annual grasses that threaten more than 20 million acres of native grasslands in California. view more (2008-12-30)
EPA should pursue cumulative risk assessment of phthalates and other chemicals
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency should examine whether combined exposures to chemicals known as phthalates could cause adverse health effects in humans. view more (2008-12-19)
Stress relief: Lab mice that exercise control may be more normal
Purdue University scientists found that mice raised in cages may relieve stress with behaviors associated with mice in the wild. And for researchers using lab mice, this may mean that by allowing mice to express these behaviors they can conduct research with animals that act and respond more naturally, hopefully making research data more reliable. view more (2008-12-09)
Solar-Powered Sea Slugs Live Like Plants
The lowly sea slug, "Elysia chlorotica," may not seem like the most exciting of creatures, but don't be fooled: it behaves like a plant and is solar-powered, says a Texas A&M University biologist who has been studying these tiny creatures for the past decade and, along with collaborators from several universities, has identified a... view more... (2008-11-26)
First live rhinoceros birth from frozen-thawed semen
There may be less than 20,000 rhinoceros in the world, with one species perhaps already extinct and another with possibly only four animals remaining in the wild. view more (2008-11-13)
6,000km trip to reveal clues to ancient migration
wo Durham University scientists are to play a key part in a 6000km trip following the migration route of ancient Pacific cultures. view more (2008-11-07)
Drug mimics low-cal diet to ward off weight gain, boost running endurance
A drug designed to specifically hit a protein linked to the life-extending benefits of a meager diet can essentially trick the body into believing food is scarce even when it isn't, suggests a new report in the November Cell Metabolism. view more (2008-11-05)
West Nile's North American spread described
The rapid spread of West Nile virus in North America over the past decade is likely to have long-lasting ecological consequences throughout the continent, according to an article in the November issue of BioScience. view more (2008-11-03)
Study rules out inbreeding as cause of amphibian deformities
Although research has linked inbreeding with elevated rates of deformity in a wide variety of animals, a new study finds it plays no part in the high incidence of malformation among salamanders. view more (2008-10-29)
The Marine Mammal Center begins new leptospirosis study in California
The Marine Mammal Center is seeing a large number of leptospirosis cases in California sea lions this year and is leading a study to determine when and why the sea lions contract this disease. view more (2008-10-23)
Study of polar dinosaur migration questions whether dinosaurs were truly the first great migrators
Contrary to popular belief, polar dinosaurs may not have traveled nearly as far as originally thought when making their bi-annual migration. view more (2008-10-22)
Farmers can spot lame sheep, but fail to prevent footrot spread
Sheep farmers are highly able to spot even mildly lame sheep, but many do not take steps to prevent the spread of lameness in their flocks by catching and treating these animals. view more (2008-10-14)
Short RNAs show a long history
MicroRNAs, the tiny molecules that fine-tune gene expression, were first discovered in 1993. But it turns out they've been around for a billion years. view more (2008-10-02)
Extinct may not be forever for some species of Galapagos tortoises
Yale scientists report that genetic traces of extinct species of Galapagos tortoises exist in descendants now living in the wild, a finding that could spur breeding programs to restore the species, The report appears in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. view more (2008-09-23)
Changes in urine could lead to BSE test for live animals
Researchers have demonstrated that protein levels in urine samples can indicate both the presence and progress of Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy (BSE) disease in cattle. view more (2008-09-08)
Old before their time? Aging in flies under natural vs. laboratory conditions
Evolutionary studies of aging typically utilize small, short-lived animals (insects, worms, mice) under benign conditions - constant temperature and humidity, no parasites, superabundant food - in the laboratory. Oddly enough, very little is known about aging in such animals in their harsh, stressful natural environments. Could it be that these... view more... (2008-09-08)
Milk may help bacteria survive against low levels of antibiotics
Milk may help prevent potentially dangerous bacteria like Staphylococcus from being killed by antibiotics used to treat animals, scientists heard today (Monday 8 September 2008) at the Society for General Microbiology's Autumn meeting being held this week at Trinity College, Dublin. view more (2008-09-08)
Trichoplax genome sequenced -- 'rosetta stone' for understanding evolution
Yale molecular and evolutionary biologists in collaboration with Department of Energy scientists produced the full genome sequence of Trichoplax, one of nature's most primitive multicellular organisms, providing a new insight into the evolution of all higher animals. view more (2008-09-04)
Study says eyes evolved for X-Ray vision
The advantage of using two eyes to see the world around us has long been associated solely with our capacity to see in 3-D. Now, a new study from a scientist at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute has uncovered a truly eye-opening advantage to binocular vision: our ability to see through things. view more (2008-08-29)
Exploring the function of sleep
Is sleep essential? Ask that question to a sleep-deprived new parent or a student who has just pulled an "all-nighter," and the answer will be a grouchy, "Of course!" view more (2008-08-26)
|
|
