Using the genomic shortcut to predict bacterial behavior
How do you study a pathogen that can't survive outside its host's cells? In a new study published in the open access journal PLoS Biology, Hiroyuki Ogata and colleagues show that sequencing and analyzing the genome of the bacteria Rickettsia felis provide valuable insights into the biology and behavior of this intracellular pathogen. view more (2005-07-05)
The case of the snuggling skunks — Is it better to brave winter alone or in a group?
A fascinating new study in the January/February 2007 issue of Physiological and Biochemical Zoology looks at the benefits of huddling vs. solitude, comparing strategies used by striped skunks to get through long, cold winters in northern climates. While most male skunks den underground alone during the winter, a group of female skunks will often... view more... (2006-12-20)
Ancient DNA confirms single origin of Malagasy primates
Yale biologists have managed to extract and analyze DNA from giant, extinct lemurs, according to a Yale study published in a recent issue of the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. view more (2005-06-07)
Steel tools built using "salami tactics"
Gazing through a car showroom window, have you ever asked yourself how they manage to make such a variety of different models? One thing's for sure: The days of "any color as long as it's black" and one model for all have gone forever. The new buzzword not only in the car industry is mass customization - still mass production, but... view more... (2002-11-27)
Ancient DNA traces the woolly mammoth's disappearance
Some ancient-DNA evidence has offered new clues to a very cold case: the disappearance of the last woolly mammoths, one of the most iconic of all Ice Age giants, according to a June 7th report published online in Current Biology, a publication of Cell Press. view more (2007-06-08)
New reagent delivers a chemical breakthrough at FSU
"Build a better mousetrap," the saying goes, "and the world will beat a path to your door." In the complex field of organic chemistry, that path leads to Florida State University, where a newly developed substance could make the jobs of scientists throughout the world a little easier as they work to develop new drugs and other... view more... (2007-03-16)
Greater Yellowstone elk suffer worse nutrition and lower birth rates due to wolves
Wolves have caused elk in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem to change their behavior and foraging habits so much so that herds are having fewer calves, mainly due to changes in their nutrition. view more (2009-07-20)
Scientists debate the neurobiological underpinnings of amnesia
A first kiss, an exotic vacation, a sports team championship, a child's first words: all are memorable events. But when someone has amnesia, have the memories been completely purged from the brain or are they simply irretrievable? Is amnesia a defect in memory storage, or memory recovery? view more (2006-10-04)
The roots of grammar: New study shows children innately prepared to learn language
To learn a language, a child must learn a set of all-purpose rules, such as "a sentence can be formed by combining a subject, a verb and an object" that can be used in an infinite number of ways. view more (2007-06-06)
What scents did the ancient Egyptians use?
Pharaoh Hatshepsut was a power-conscious woman who assumed the reins of government in Egypt around the year 1479 B.C. In actual fact, she was only supposed to represent her step-son Thutmose III, who was three years old at the time, until he was old enough to take over. view more (2009-03-16)
Pregnancies from frozen eggs may help couples trapped by Italian law
Berlin, Germany: Five children have been born conceived from previously isolated and frozen egg cells, Italian scientists announced today (Wednesday 30 June 2004) at the 20th annual conference of the European Society for Human Reproduction and Embryology. The method bears great promise for patients who live in countries where embryo... view more... (2004-06-29)
Synthetic biology: The next biotech revolution is brewing
The safety of early applications of synthetic biology may be adequately addressed by the existing regulatory framework for biotechnology, especially in contained laboratories and manufacturing facilities. view more (2009-03-25)
Muscle atrophy through thick but not thin
During desperate times, such as fasting, or muscle wasting that afflicts cancer or AIDS patients, the body cannibalizes itself, atrophying and breaking down skeletal muscle proteins to liberate amino acids. view more (2009-06-08)
Climate change isolates Rocky Mountain butterflies
Expanding forests in the Canadian Rocky Mountains are slowly isolating groups of alpine butterflies from each other, which may lead to the extinction of the colourful insects in some areas, says a new study from the University of Alberta. view more (2007-08-14)
Ground breaking Research Into Effect Of Millimetric Waveband (MMW) Frequencies On Human Skin
Ground breaking research in understanding the characteristics of human skin at millimetric waveband (MMW) frequencies is being conducted at Cranfield University - academic partner to the Royal Military College of Science at Shrivenham, Oxfordshire. view more (2004-12-06)
The Viability of Hydrogen Transportation Markets: Chicken or Egg?
Hydrogen may well be the new gasoline. But where's the nearest "gas" station where you can pull up and refuel your energy-efficient vehicle? Will hydrogen stations be strategically convenient-located on street corners and travel-stop locations around the globe? view more (2008-09-12)
Vive the vole!
The gathering of data for research involving an animal usually involves invasive procedures or death for the experimental animals. But critical data may now be collected through a nonlethal procedure, according to a new paper for the forthcoming issue of Physiological and Biochemical Zoology. view more (2008-04-01)
Scat sniffing dogs detecting rare California carnivores
Scientists at the U.S. Forest Service Redwood Sciences Lab and University of Vermont found scat sniffing dogs might be the best way to confirm the presence of rare carnivores in forested areas like the Southern Sierra Nevada Mountains. view more (2007-12-12)
|
|
