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| Biology articles |
Powerful molecular motor permits speedy assembly of viruses
A team of physicists at the University of California, San Diego and biologists at Catholic University of America, Washington D.C. has shown that a tiny viral motor generates twice as much power, relative to its size, as an automobile engine. The finding explains why even very large viruses can self-assemble so rapidly.
New type of retinal cell discovered in primates
Scientists are one step closer to understanding how the retinas of humans and primates turn incoming light into coded messages communicated to the brain. A team of researchers funded by the National Science Foundation (NSF) recently reported their discovery of a type of cell in the output (ganglion cell) layer of the retina that likely plays a key role in transforming visual images, received by the rods and cones, into coded messages headed to the brain. Ultimately, their research could help guide the design of devices to provide artificial sight to the blind.
Evidence of memory seen in cells & molecules
Research reported October 29 in the online version of the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS) provides evidence that some molecular interactions on cell surfaces may have a "memory" that affects their future interactions. The report could lead to a re-examination of results from certain single-molecule research.
Evolution in the nanoworld
Scientists have published images resolving molecules which have organized themselves into patterns according to size.
Scientists warn that species extinction could reduce productivity of plants on earth by half
An international team of scientists has published a new analysis showing that as plant species around the world go extinct, natural habitats become less productive and contain fewer total plants –– a situation that could ultimately compromise important benefits that humans get from nature.
Flying lemurs are the closest relatives of primates
While the human species is unquestionably a member of the primate group, the identity of the next closest group to primates within the entire class of living mammals has been hotly debated. Now, new molecular and genomic data gathered by a team including Webb Miller, a professor of biology and computer science and engineering at Penn State, has shown that the colugos -- nicknamed the flying lemurs -- is the closest group to the primates.
When animals evolve on islands, size doesn't matter
A theory explaining the evolution of giant rodents, miniature elephants, and even miniature humans on islands has been called into question by new research published in Proceedings of the Royal Society B: Biological Sciences.
Seaweed transformed into stem cell technology
Engineers at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute have transformed a polymer found in common brown seaweed into a device that can support the growth and release of stem cells at the sight of a bodily injury or at the source of a disease.
Could 'hairy roots' become biofactories?
Rice University bioengineers have reported an advance in tapping the immense potential of "hairy roots" as natural factories to produce medicines, food flavorings and other commercial products.
Human ancestors: more gatherers than hunters?
Chimpanzees crave roots and tubers even when food is plentiful above ground, according to a new study that raises questions about the relative importance of meat for brain evolution.
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Evolutionary biology research on plant shows significance of maternal effects
When habitat changes, animals migrate. But how do immobile organisms like plants cope when faced with alterations to their environment? This is an increasingly important question in light of new environmental conditions brought on by global climate change.
Scientists compare twelve fruit fly genomes
An international research consortium of scientists, supported by the National Human Genome Research Institute (NHGRI), part of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), announced publications comparing the genome sequences of 12 closely related fruit fly species, 10 of which were sequenced for the first time. The analyses identify thousands of novel genes and other functional elements in the insects' genomes, and describe how evolution has shaped the genomes of these important models for genetic research.
Time-sharing birds key to evolutionary mystery
Whereas most birds are sole proprietors of their nests, some tropical species "time share" together – a discovery that helps clear up a 150-year-old evolutionary mystery, says Biology professor Vicki Friesen.
Chocolate drinks - probably fermented ones - popular long before previously thought
Mesoamerican menus featured cacao beverages - probably fermented ones - at least as early as 1100 B.C., some 500 years earlier than previously documented anywhere, according to new research published in the latest issue of the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.
Ancient retroviruses spurred evolution of gene regulatory networks in primates
When ancient retroviruses slipped bits of their DNA into the primate genome millions of years ago, they successfully preserved their own genetic legacy. Today an estimated 8 percent of the human genetic code consists of endogenous retroviruses (ERVs)--the DNA remnants from these so-called "selfish parasites."
Simple recipe turns human skin cells into embryonic stem cell-like cells
A simple recipe—including just four ingredients—can transform adult human skin cells into cells that resemble embryonic stem cells, researchers report in an immediate early publication of the journal Cell, a publication of Cell Press. The converted cells have many of the physical, growth and genetic features typically found in embryonic stem cells and can differentiate to produce other tissue types, including neurons and heart tissue, according to the researchers.
Computational biologists use evolution-tracking method to discover 300 new human genes
Using supercomputers to compare portions of the human genome with those of other mammals, researchers at Cornell have discovered some 300 previously unidentified human genes, and found extensions of several hundred genes already known.
Evolution is deterministic, not random, biologists conclude from multi-species study
A multi-national team of biologists has concluded that developmental evolution is deterministic and orderly, rather than random, based on a study of different species of roundworms. The findings are reported in the latest issue of the journal Current Biology.
Bees are the new silkworms
Moths and butterflies, particularly silkworms, are well known producers of silk. And we all know spiders use it for their webs. But they are not the only invertebrates who make use of the strength and versatility of silk.
Food restriction increases dopamine receptor levels in obese rats
A brain-imaging study of genetically obese rats conducted at the U.S. Department of Energy's Brookhaven National Laboratory provides more evidence that dopamine - a brain chemical associated with reward, pleasure, movement, and motivation - plays a role in obesity.
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| Quotes | Ive always wanted to be a scientist. That way, I could get a bunch of grants and do research into whether money can really buy happiness.
Kyannke.
Ive always wanted to be somebody, but I see now I should have been more specific.
Lily Tomlin |
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