Snake sex chromosomes say less about sex and more about survival
Sex-specific chromosomes are a dangerous place to be, if you're a gene. Because these chromosomes—Y chromosomes, in humans—do not have a matching chromosome with which to exchange genetic information, they are prone to losing non-essential genes.....»»
Study quantifies link between greenhouse gases, polar bear survival
Polar bears have long symbolized the dangers posed by climate change, as rising temperatures melt away the Arctic sea ice they depend upon for survival......»»
"Suicidal" mechanism discovered in ion channel receptors enables the sensing of heat and pain
The ability to accurately detect heat and pain is critical to human survival, but scientists have struggled to understand on a molecular level exactly how our bodies sense these potential risks......»»
Study connects greenhouse gas emissions to polar bear population declines
New research from the University of Washington and Polar Bears International in Bozeman, Montana, quantifies the relationship between greenhouse gas emissions and the survival of polar bear populations. The paper, published online Aug. 31 in Science,.....»»
Woman’s mystery illness turns out to be 3-inch snake parasite in her brain
It's the first time the snake parasite has been seen in a human, let alone a brain. Enlarge / Detection of Ophidascaris robertsi nematode infection in a 64-year-old woman from southeastern New South Wales, Australia. A) Magnetic.....»»
How dangerous is extreme heat to humans?
The media reporting around heat waves that have hammered the northern hemisphere has been unequivocal: the simultaneous record-breaking heat has "pushed the limits of human survival.".....»»
Secrets of an octopus"s garden: Moms nest at thermal springs to give their young the best chance for survival
Two miles below the ocean surface off Monterey, California, warm water percolates from the seafloor at the base of an underwater mountain. It's a magical place, especially if you're an octopus......»»
"Society of the Snow" trailer recreates the real plane crash survival tale
Yellowjackets may be fiction, but this tale of survival actually happened. In Society of the Snow, The Impossible director J.A. Bayona delves into the plight of the survivors of Uruguayan Air Force Flight 571, which crashed in the snowy Andes on Oct......»»
Little African snake can swallow biggest prey relative to its size
Pythons have huge appetites, but which snake around the world would win an eating contest?.....»»
Stormwater biofiltration increases coho salmon hatchling survival
A relatively simple, inexpensive method of filtering urban stormwater runoff dramatically boosted survival of newly hatched coho salmon in an experimental study. That's the good news for the threatened species from the Washington State University-led.....»»
The failure of Luna 25 cements Putin’s role as a disastrous space leader
"There is no place for modernization, there is only the mission of survival." Vladimir Putin, center, and Dmitry Rogozin, far right, tour Russia's new Vostochny Cosmodrome in October 2015. (credit: Kremlin) On Saturday,.....»»
Researchers describe a "POT-hole" that protects our chromosome ends
Researchers have determined a new feature of how the natural ends of our chromosomes are protected from harmful outcomes......»»
New species of snake found in Peru named after Harrison Ford
Scientists working in Peru have named a new species of snake after Harrison Ford in honor of the "Indiana Jones" actor's support for conservation work......»»
Survival of this frog in California wildfire scar lends "some hope" for threatened species
Wildlife biologists reported finding a small population of California red-legged frogs within the burn scars of a Northern California wildfire that torched a large area of the Sierra foothills last year......»»
For two backyard bird species, more light pollution is linked to lower survival
Light pollution at night is known to be a deadly hazard for migratory birds, disorienting them and increasing collisions with buildings. Now a new study led by North Carolina State University researchers also finds artificial light at night also link.....»»
What do a jellyfish, a cat, a snake, and an astronaut have in common? Math.
Across the animal kingdom there are creatures that move through their environments not by walking or running or climbing but instead by simply changing the shape of their bodies. This kind of locomotion is found in snakes as they slither, in stingray.....»»
Understanding the role of sociality and implications for disease transmission among bighorn sheep populations
Sociality plays a pivotal role in the lives of many animal species, influencing mating success, survival rates, and susceptibility to diseases. In the challenging environment of bighorn sheep populations, sociality is believed to have evolved for its.....»»
Off Miami, scientists put corals to a heat-stress test. It"s survival of the fittest
With a gentle pat, Wajahat Shera cemented a four-inch staghorn coral fragment onto a patch of seafloor two miles east of Key Biscayne—one of many planted Friday as part of an unusual undersea experiment being run by University of Miami scientists......»»
Researchers are using monkey poop to learn how an endangered species chooses its mates
Northern muriquis, which live in the Atlantic forest of Brazil, are one of the most endangered species of monkey in the world. Choosing good mates and rearing thriving offspring are key to the species' long-term survival......»»
These Salamanders Steal Genes and Can Have up to Five Extra Sets of Chromosomes
Unisexual salamanders in the genus Ambystoma appear to be the only creatures in the world that reproduce the way they do. Researchers know how, but the why is still being figured out......»»
When cheating pays: Survival strategy of insect uncovered
Researchers have revealed the unique 'cheating' strategy a New Zealand insect has developed to avoid being eaten—mimicking a highly toxic species......»»