Showing 20 articles starting at article 2021
< Previous 20 articles Next 20 articles >
Categories: Biology: General, Mathematics: Puzzles
Published Scientists unveil RNA-guided mechanisms driving cell fate
(via sciencedaily.com) Original source The early stages of embryonic development contain many of life's mysteries. Unlocking these mysteries can help us better understand early development and birth defects, and help develop new regenerative medicine treatments. Researchers have now characterized a critical time in mammalian embryonic development using powerful and innovative imaging techniques.
Published Quarter-ton marsupial roamed long distances across Australia's arid interior
(via sciencedaily.com) Original source One of Australia's first long-distance walkers has been described after palaeontologists used advanced 3D scans and other technology to take a new look at the partial remains of a 3.5 million year old marsupial from central Australia. They have named a new genus of diprotodontid Ambulator, meaning walker or wanderer, because the locomotory adaptations of the legs and feet of this quarter-tonne animal would have made it well suited to roam long distances in search of food and water when compared to earlier relatives.
Published Evolution driving improvements in racehorse speed
(via sciencedaily.com) Original source A new study has found that genetic improvement is underlying the increasing speed of Britain's thoroughbreds. This contrasts with earlier studies that suggested racehorses were showing no genetic improvement in response to selection by breeders.
Published 4,000-year-old plague DNA found -- the oldest cases to date in Britain
(via sciencedaily.com) Original source Researchers have identified three 4,000-year-old British cases of Yersinia pestis, the bacteria causing the plague -- the oldest evidence of the plague in Britain to date.
Published Groundbreaking images of root chemicals offer new insights on plant growth
(via sciencedaily.com) Original source Applying imaging technology to plant roots, researchers have developed a new understanding of chemicals that are responsible for plant growth. The chemical 'roadmap' identifies where key molecules are distributed along corn roots and how their placement factors into the plant's maturation.
Published Nanorobotic system presents new options for targeting fungal infections
(via sciencedaily.com) Researchers have developed a nanorobot system that targets fungal infections in the mouth.
Published Protein-based nano-'computer' evolves in ability to influence cell behavior
(via sciencedaily.com) Original source The first protein-based nano-computing agent that functions as a circuit has been created. The milestone puts them one step closer to developing next-generation cell-based therapies to treat diseases like diabetes and cancer.
Published Research offers clues for potential widespread HIV cure in people
(via sciencedaily.com) Original source New animal research is helping explain why at least five people have become HIV-free after receiving a stem cell transplant, and may bring scientists closer to developing what they hope will be a widespread cure for the virus that causes AIDS. A new study describes how two nonhuman primates were cured of the monkey form of HIV after receiving a stem cell transplant. It also reveals that two circumstances must co-exist for a cure to occur and documents the order in which HIV is cleared from the body.
Published Arctic ground squirrels changing hibernation patterns
(via sciencedaily.com) Original source New research analyzes more than 25 years of climate and biological data. The findings include shorter hibernation periods in arctic ground squirrels, as well as differences between male and female hibernation periods.
Published River erosion can shape fish evolution
(via sciencedaily.com) Original source A new study of the freshwater greenfin darter fish suggests river erosion can be a driver of biodiversity in tectonically inactive regions.
Published How sweet it is: The fruit fly gut influences reproduction by 'tasting' fructose
(via sciencedaily.com) Original source A research group has found that in fruit flies (Drosophila melanogaster), circulating fructose derived from dietary sugar is needed for enhanced egg production after mating. In this species, circulating fructose is required for an increase in germline stem cells, which divide into reproductive cells. This increase leads to enhanced post-mating egg production. These findings may help to determine whether fructose influences the reproduction of mammals, including humans.
Published Researchers successfully induce primate oocytes in the lab
(via sciencedaily.com) Original source The many types of cells in the human body are produced through the process of differentiation, in which stem cells are converted to more specialized types. Currently, it is challenging for researchers to control the differentiation of stem cells in the lab (in vitro). Of particular interest are oocytes, which are female germ cells that develop into eggs. Understanding their development could have far-ranging impacts, from infertility treatment to conservation of endangered species. A new study has successfully induced meiotic (dividing) oocytes from the embryonic stem cells of cynomolgus monkeys, which share many physiological traits with humans. By establishing a culture method for inducing the differentiation of meiotic oocytes, the researchers aimed to shed light on germ cell development in both humans and other primates.
Published The fast and the fibrous: Developing the muscles you need for speed
(via sciencedaily.com) Original source Researchers have identified the role of the large Maf transcription factor family in regulating fast twitch muscle fibers. A mouse model lacking Maf expression in the skeletal muscles exhibited a significant loss of type IIb myofibers, a subtype of fast twitch fibers. Overexpression of large Mafs promoted type IIb muscle fiber induction. The large Maf family may represent potential targets for developing treatments for muscular disorders involving fast twitch fibers.
Published Weevils, long-nosed beetles, are unsung heroes of pollination
(via sciencedaily.com) Original source Some of nature's most diverse pollinators often go unnoticed, even by scientists: long-snouted beetles called weevils. A new study provides a deep dive into the more than 600 species of weevils, including ones whose entire life cycles are interwoven with a specific plant that they help pollinate.
Published Deep sea surveys detect over five thousand new species in future mining hotspot
(via sciencedaily.com) Original source There is a massive, mineral-rich region in the Pacific Ocean -- about twice the size of India -- called the Clarion-Clipperton Zone (CCZ), which has already been divided up and assigned to companies for future deep-sea mining. To better understand what may be at risk once companies start mining, a team of biologists has built the first 'CCZ checklist' by compiling all the species records from previous research expeditions to the region. Their estimates of the species diversity of the CCZ included a total of 5,578 different species, an estimated 88% - 92% of which are entirely new to science.
Published Deadly virus structures point toward new avenues for vaccine design
(via sciencedaily.com) Original source By comparing the structures of protein complexes from different lineages of the dangerous Lassa virus, a team identified new antibodies and vaccine targets.
Published Most effective ways of foraging can attract predators
(via sciencedaily.com) Original source Animals using the most of efficient methods of searching for resources may well pay with their lives, scientists have discovered.
Published How tasty is the food?
(via sciencedaily.com) Original source A hormone and specialized brain cells regulate feeding behavior in mice.
Published Failed antibiotic now a game changing weed killer for farmers
(via sciencedaily.com) Original source Weed killers of the future could soon be based on failed antibiotics. Researchers have found a molecule which was initially developed to treat tuberculosis but failed to progress out of the lab as an antibiotic is now showing promise as a powerful foe for weeds that invade our gardens and cost farmers billions of dollars each year.
Published Global macrogenetic map of marine habitat-forming species
(via sciencedaily.com) Original source Species known as marine habitat-forming species -- gorgonians, corals, algae, seaweeds, marine phanerogams, etc.-- are organisms that help generate and structure the underwater landscapes. These are natural refuges for other species, and provide biomass and complexity to the seabeds. But these key species in marine ecosystems are currently threatened by climate change and other perturbations derived from human activity. Now, a study warns that even in the marine protected areas (MPAs) the genetic diversity of structural species is not protected, although it is essential for the response and adaptation of populations to changes that alter the natural environment.