Low genetic diversity in two manatee species off South America
Worldwide, marine megafauna are at risk of extinction due to climate change, habitat loss, pollution, overhunting, population fragmentation, and hybridization with related species in areas disturbed by humans. Genetic studies can help determine the c.....»»
Genes of ancient animal relatives used to grow a mouse: Study reveals hidden history of stem cells
An international team of researchers has achieved an unprecedented milestone: the creation of mouse stem cells capable of generating a fully developed mouse using genetic tools from a unicellular organism, with which we share a common ancestor that p.....»»
Cross-species transplantation: Generation of rat offspring from ovarian oocytes in mice
The idea of maturing oocytes in the ovary to produce offspring has been implemented in various ways. One such method, ovarian transplantation, is a relatively simple procedure for obtaining eggs, compared to in vitro culture of ovaries and follicles......»»
Evo—an AI-based model for deciphering and designing genetic sequences
Computer scientists, bioengineers and AI specialists from the Arc Institute and Stanford University have developed an AI-based model capable of decoding and designing genetic sequences. In their paper published in the journal Science, the group descr.....»»
Troubled waters: How to stop Australia"s freshwater fish species from going extinct
Three-quarters of Australia's freshwater fish species are found nowhere else on the planet. This makes us the sole custodians of remarkable creatures such as the ornate rainbowfish, the ancient Australian lungfish and the magnificently named longnose.....»»
Study confirms Egyptians drank hallucinogenic cocktails in ancient rituals
A University of South Florida professor found the first-ever physical evidence of hallucinogens in an Egyptian mug, validating written records and centuries-old myths of ancient Egyptian rituals and practices. Through advanced chemical analyses, Davi.....»»
Curly-Tailed Cats Communicate with an ‘Accent’
A genetic mutation makes some cats’ tail curl over their back, giving them something akin to an accent when they communicate with other kitties.....»»
One year after the end of Apple leather iPhone cases, what do you use? [Poll]
I’m fairly firmly convinced that people who don’t keep their iPhone in a case are from an entirely different species to me. While I don’t make a habit of dropping mine, I don’t think there has been a year in which I haven’t dropped or knock.....»»
Toxin was released into the Congaree River in South Carolina: Agencies did little to stop it, greens say
High amounts of a toxic chemical are being discharged into the Congaree and Cooper rivers from plastics factories in South Carolina, but state and federal regulators are doing little to control the pollution, a new report says......»»
Climate change: Women"s role in the economy is key to a just transition
The realities of climate change are hitting home for many people living in the Global South. Food security, water access and health have been jeopardized by increased temperatures, extreme weather events and sea level rise......»»
Using genetic code expansion to study membrane proteins
Over the years, chemical biology methods have made an important contribution to the study of integral membrane proteins. A key modern approach is genetic code expansion (GCE), which makes it possible to modify proteins directly in living cells to giv.....»»
Poor teacher training partly to blame for stalled engineering diversity goals
Diversifying the science, technology, engineering and math fields has long been a top priority of many universities and tech companies. It's also a goal of the National Science Foundation, the biggest funder of university-led research and development.....»»
Untreated sewage and fertilizer runoff threaten the Florida manatee"s main food source, contributing to malnutrition
The gentle, slow-moving Florida manatee has no natural predators......»»
Q&A: Holobiont biology, a new concept for exploring how microbiome shapes evolution of visible life
Microorganisms—bacteria, viruses and other tiny life forms—may drive biological variation in visible life as much, if not more, than genetic mutations, creating new lineages and even new species of animals and plants, according to Seth Bordenstei.....»»
New York drought conditions fan flames, spur water saving
New York has urged its 8.5 million residents to save water as America's biggest city endures an unprecedented period without significant rainfall, creating potentially dangerous drought conditions and fanning the flames of deadly wildfires......»»
Ocean warming and acidification threaten key ocean plankton groups, study warns
According to a recent study published in Nature, many planktonic foraminifera species may face unprecedented environmental conditions by the end of this century, potentially surpassing their survival thresholds. Planktonic foraminifera are single-cel.....»»
Is South Africa one of the most politically polarized countries in the world? No, it"s not, says sociologist
A number of reports have called South Africa a politically polarized society. This may seem uncontroversial, given the country's history of dispossession and discrimination during colonialism and apartheid, and their continuing legacy after 30 years.....»»
Prime time for cicadas: What a once-in-1,547-year bug population surge tells us about the nature of reality
It's a big year in America—for wildlife as well as for politics. I'm talking about periodical cicadas......»»
From swamps to Appalachia, how South of Midnight captures a seldom-seen America
We got a much closer look at Xbox's upcoming South of Midnight, giving us a better feel of how its bringing the American south to life......»»
Bioengineered yeast mass produces herbal medicine
Herbal medicine is difficult to produce on an industrial scale. A team of Kobe University bioengineers manipulated the cellular machinery in a species of yeast so that one such molecule can now be produced in a fermenter at unprecedented concentratio.....»»
Using CRISPR to decipher whether gene variants lead to cancer
In recent years, scientists have created a range of new methods based on CRISPR-Cas technology for precisely editing the genetic material of living organisms. One application is in cell therapy: A patient's immune cells can be specifically reprogramm.....»»