Changes in 300 genes could contribute to the maternal behaviour of mice
A research team from the University of Valencia and the Jaume I University of Castellón shows an increase in the expression of 197 genes in mother mice, and a decrease of 99, when compared with virgin females in contact with offspring. These results.....»»
Large herbivores such as elephants, bison and moose shown to contribute to tree diversity
Using global satellite data, a research team has mapped the tree cover of the world's protected areas. The study shows that regions with abundant large herbivores in many settings have a more variable tree cover, which is expected to benefit biodiver.....»»
Stem cell research paves way toward regenerating skeletal muscle
Researchers at the Eli and Edythe Broad Center of Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cell Research at UCLA are one step closer to developing stem cell therapies to regenerate skeletal muscle in humans. Working in mice, the UCLA team discovered how to mak.....»»
How social media can contribute to species conservation
Photos of plants and animals posted on social media can help protect biodiversity, especially in tropical regions. This is the conclusion of a team of researchers led by the German Center for Integrative Biodiversity Research (iDiv), the Helmholtz Ce.....»»
Apple Research app now lets users share family health history with studies
Apple on Wednesday released a new version of its Apple Research app, which is aimed at letting users contribute to scientific health research using their Apple devices. With version 5.0, users can now share family health history with studies. Read on.....»»
How do kingfishers avoid concussions when diving? It might be in their genes
Mutations in the MAPT gene associated with tau proteins seem to play a significant role. Enlarge / Fish-eating kingfishers execute plunging dives into the water to capture prey, yet never seem to get concussed. (credit: Richard T.....»»
New methods for effective transport of large genes in gene therapy
One problem in gene therapy is that not all genes transfer equally well into the target cells. UZH researchers have now developed a flexible method to transfer large genes efficiently and without significant side effects. The approach has strong pote.....»»
Finding the genes that help kingfishers dive without hurting their brains
If you've ever belly-flopped into a pool, then you know: water can be surprisingly hard if you hit it at the wrong angle. But many species of kingfishers dive headfirst into water to catch their fishy prey. In a new study in the journal Communication.....»»
Researchers discover genes responsible for low and ultra-low glycemic index in rice
The International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) announced they achieved a scientific milestone with the discovery of the genes responsible for low and ultra-low glycemic index (GI) in rice......»»
Study shows maternal microbiota can affect fetal development
In a Finnish study, significant differences in the gene activity of the fetal intestine, brain and placenta were identified, depending on the microbes in the mother's body and the compounds produced by them. The findings indicate that maternal microb.....»»
Stolen genes allow parasitic control of behavior of host
A team led by Tappei Mishina at the RIKEN Center for Biosystems Dynamics Research (BDR) has discovered that parasites manipulate their hosts using stolen genes that they likely acquired through a phenomenon called horizontal gene transfer. The study.....»»
New noble-metal-free electrocatalyst decreases the energy required to generate hydrogen gas from water
As a combustible fuel, the burning of hydrogen gas does not contribute to global warming. Today, the majority of hydrogen gas is generated from fossil fuels, however, and this process releases greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. Generating hydrogen.....»»
Baby birds hatch with ability to mimic mom
Singing a gentle lullaby can help put a human baby to sleep but its usefulness in the low grassland swaying nests of Australian songbirds takes maternal 'singing' to even greater heights......»»
Study demonstrates antimicrobial action of polyalthic acid from copaiba oil
Polyalthic acid from copaiba oil is an effective antibacterial and should be used to develop alternative medications that can contribute to the effort to overcome antimicrobial resistance ("superbugs"), according to an article by researchers based in.....»»
How clouds protect coral reefs, but will not be enough to save them from us
Coral reefs are vital ecosystems for people and coastal communities. They provide food and livelihoods and protect coastlines from storms, contribute to local economies and preserve cultural heritage......»»
Examining immunoglobulin heavy chain genes and alcohol metabolism-related genes in the Han Chinese population
Understanding the traits that have undergone positive selection during human evolution can provide insight into the events that have shaped our species, as well as into the diseases that continue to plague us today. As the most populated ethnic group.....»»
New research finds that reducing antibiotic usage in animal feed is not enough to combat antibiotic resistance
A new study led by the University of Oxford has found that natural evolution of antibiotic resistance genes has maintained resistance in bacteria despite a reduction in the use of antibiotics. The findings demonstrate the importance of understanding.....»»
How male mosquitoes compensate for having only one X chromosome
The research group of Dr. Claudia Keller Valsecchi (Institute of Molecular Biology, Mainz, Germany) and their collaborators have discovered the master regulator responsible for balancing the expression of X chromosome genes between males and females.....»»
Digitizing UK natural history collections is vital to understand life on Earth, says report
A new report, published in Zenodo, has evaluated the use and impact of digitized natural science collections held in the UK and how they contribute to scientific, commercial and societal benefits......»»
Earthworms contribute to 6.5% of world grain production: study
Most gardeners know that earthworms help keep soils healthy, now scientists have assessed just how important their underground activities are to global food production—and how to protect them......»»
How disordered proteins contribute to the properties of the rabies virus
A large team of international researchers have used techniques at ANSTO's Australian Synchrotron to understand how key proteins contribute to the virulence of the rabies virus, sometimes called the "zombie virus.".....»»