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Biology news
Supergene research solves the mystery of tiny ant queens
An ant colony is sustained through complex social dynamics, with each member—the queen, males and workers (sterile females)—contributing to the greater community. Some species add complexity to this dynamic with the addition ...
Ecology
8 hours ago
0
130
Small birds spice up the already diverse diet of spotted hyenas in Namibia
Spotted hyenas are known for hunting (or scavenging) larger mammals such as antelopes and occasionally feed on smaller mammals and reptiles. Being flexible in the choice of prey is a strategy of generalists—and this even ...
Plants & Animals
9 hours ago
0
86
Comprehensive study explores influence of gene expression on primate brain evolution
An interdisciplinary team of researchers led by biologists at the University of Massachusetts Amherst recently published the results of a first-of-its-kind study investigating the links between gene expression and brain evolution ...
Evolution
8 hours ago
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148
Discovering van Gogh in the wild: Scientists unveil a new gecko species
You've probably seen nature depicted in art, but how often do you see an artwork hiding in nature?
Plants & Animals
10 hours ago
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103
Study suggests starvation decimated gray whales off the Pacific Coast: Can the giants ever recover?
When large numbers of gray whales began washing up along North America's Pacific Coast nearly six years ago, marine scientists could only speculate on the reason: Was it disease? Ocean pollution? Increasing ship collisions?
Plants & Animals
10 hours ago
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40
The lyrebird synchronizes elements of its mating dance
To woo a mate, the Albert's lyrebird of Australia first chooses a stage of entangled vines, then in performance he shakes the vines as part of his courtship footwork, synchronizing each shake with the beat of his striking ...
Plants & Animals
11 hours ago
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93
Researchers discover key gene for toxic alkaloid in barley
All plants mediate their environmental interactions via chemical signals. An example is the alkaloid gramine produced by barley, one of the world's most widely-grown cereals. Gramine provides protection against herbivorous ...
Molecular & Computational biology
11 hours ago
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4
Tuberculosis vaccine may enable elimination of the disease in cattle by reducing its spread
Vaccination not only reduces the severity of TB in infected cattle, but reduces its spread in dairy herds by 89%, research finds. The research, led by the University of Cambridge and Penn State University, improves prospects ...
Veterinary medicine
11 hours ago
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21
Memories of mitosis: Molecular mechanism that detects defects during cell division could aid cancer treatment
Every day, our cells are hard at work multiplying. Cell division is a precise process, but sometimes this process is impaired and diseases like cancer occur. Mitosis is one of the most important phases in the cell cycle. ...
Cell & Microbiology
11 hours ago
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1
Study finds wild nematode worms learn to avoid harmful bacteria—and their offspring inherit this knowledge
The nematode worm C. elegans will stay away from dangerous bacteria in its environment when exposed to certain bacterial RNAs—and can transmit that learned behavior to future generations. A team led by Coleen Murphy at ...
Plants & Animals
11 hours ago
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0
When inequality is more than 'skin-deep': Social status leaves traces in the epigenome of spotted hyenas in Tanzania
In mammals, social behavior and social status can substantially influence the survival, reproductive performance, and health of individuals. However, it is not yet fully understood how the translation of social and environmental ...
Plants & Animals
13 hours ago
0
15
Cross-species insights: Study finds calcium link in plant and animal immunity
A new study provides insights into how a family of immune proteins in plants confers disease resistance. The study builds on previous research by the same research group, which highlighted the structural similarities of this ...
Molecular & Computational biology
13 hours ago
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5
Going 'back to the future' to forecast the fate of a dead Florida coral reef
Rising temperatures and disease outbreaks are decimating coral reefs throughout the tropics. Evidence suggests that higher latitude marine environments may provide crucial refuges for many at-risk, temperature-sensitive coral ...
Ecology
14 hours ago
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17
Scientists confirm that methane-processing microbes produce a fossil record
Communities of microbes that live in ocean sediments can consume methane. In oxygen-deprived sediments these microbes form clusters, called aggregates, that can have deposits of silica on their surfaces. It is not clear if ...
Cell & Microbiology
14 hours ago
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1
Model suggests how ancient RNA may have gained self-cutting ability essential for life
Scientists have long pondered the beginnings of life on Earth. One theory is that RNA, which is ubiquitous across all domains of life, played a central role in early life. Similar to DNA, RNA possesses the ability to store ...
Evolution
14 hours ago
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10
A new coordinate system allows researchers to compare how limbs develop in chicks and frogs
To shed light on the principles that govern tissue dynamics across species, RIKEN biologists have developed a new method for analyzing the development of vertebrate limbs. These principles could help guide the development ...
Biotechnology
14 hours ago
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1
Sawfish are spinning, and dying, in Florida waters as rescue effort begins
Endangered smalltooth sawfish, marine creatures virtually unchanged for millions of years, are exhibiting erratic spinning behavior and dying in unusual numbers in Florida waters. Federal and state wildlife agencies are beginning ...
Ecology
9 hours ago
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9
New research reveals full diversity of killer whales as two species come into view on Pacific Coast
Scientists have resolved one of the outstanding questions about one of the world's most recognizable creatures, identifying two well-known killer whales in the North Pacific Ocean as separate species. The research is published ...
Plants & Animals
16 hours ago
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6
Researchers uncover regulatory system that regulates branching patterns in lung epithelial tissue
Branching patterns are prevalent in our natural environment and the human body, such as in the lungs and kidneys. For example, specific genes that express growth factor proteins are known to influence the development of the ...
Cell & Microbiology
14 hours ago
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1
Cats with MDR1 mutation at risk of severe reactions to popular medication
More than half a million cats in the United States could be at risk of a severe or even fatal neurological reaction to the active ingredient in some top-selling parasite preventatives for felines.
Plants & Animals
9 hours ago
0
21