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Categories: Biology: General, Offbeat: Plants and Animals
Published How ribosomes in our cells enable protein folding
(via sciencedaily.com) Original source Scientists discovered a role played by ribosomes during the folding of new proteins in cells.
Published Asthma emergencies spike when allergenic pollen blooms
(via sciencedaily.com) Original source A new study that tracks how many asthma-related emergency room visits result from pollen in metropolitan areas highlights the importance of knowing local plants and the need for developing science-based pollen forecasts.
Published Viral defense protein speeds up female stem cell production
(via sciencedaily.com) Original source A viral defense mechanism can be used to accelerate the creation of female stem cell lines in mice. The findings can boost efforts in medical research, drug testing, and regenerative therapies, particularly for women and individuals with two X chromosomes.
Published Do smells prime our gut to fight off infection?
(via sciencedaily.com) Original source In nematodes and humans, mitochondrial stress in the nervous system initiates a whole-body response that is most pronounced in the gut. A recent study showed that in nematodes, the odor of a pathogen triggers the nervous system to broadcast this response to the rest of the organism, prepping mitochondria in intestinal cells to fight a bacterial infection. Humans, too, may be able to sense pathogenic odors that prepare the gut for an infection.
Published When mammoths roamed Vancouver Island
(via sciencedaily.com) Original source Mammoths, the massive pre-historic ice age cousins of the modern-day elephant, have always been understood to have inhabited parts of British Columbia, but the question of when has always been a bit woolly. Now, a new study has given scientists the clearest picture yet when the giant mammals roamed Vancouver Island.
Published Discovering how plants make life-and-death decisions
(via sciencedaily.com) Original source Researchers have discovered two proteins that work in tandem to control an important response to cell stress.
Published Cocaine discovery could pave way for treatment for substance abuse
(via sciencedaily.com) Original source Cocaine binds to a specific transporter in the brain that is responsible for regulating dopamine levels. Researchers have studied and described the process, producing new knowledge that may bring us a step closer to designing a drug for cocaine abuse.
Published Unexpected link between grooming and physiological stress in wild baboons
(via sciencedaily.com) Original source New research has found a surprising link between grooming and physiological stress in wild baboons. While grooming often calms, this study suggests it can sometimes elevate stress levels. This gives us an intriguing look into primate behavior and social dynamics.
Published Fishing is causing frightened fish to flee when they should flirt
(via sciencedaily.com) Original source Populations of squaretail grouper face an uncertain future as new research shows fishing that targets their spawning sites is causing males to be repeatedly scared away from their territories during their short mating meet-ups. By fleeing for safety, individuals are losing valuable time to catch the eye and court female fish.
Published Social rank may determine if animals live fast, die young
(via sciencedaily.com) Original source Social rank may determine whether animals prioritize immediate fitness over long-term health, according to a study. Researchers studied macaques on a Thai island and found that the animals' unusual habit of washing their food is in fact based on social rank. Dominant monkeys quickly brush their food on their fur before eating it, along with mouthfuls of tooth-degrading sand, while lower-ranked monkeys obsessively wash their food in the surf. Citing the disposable soma hypothesis, the researchers suggest that high-ranking macaques are looking to quickly consume energy to mate and fend off challengers. But food-washing monkeys may be preserving their long-term health to produce more offspring over time. The findings could shed light on how the wear observed in the fossilized teeth of early humans relates to social structure.
Published Plants offer fruit to insects to disperse dust-like seeds
(via sciencedaily.com) Original source Fruit exist to invite animals to disperse the swallowed seeds. A research team found that plants targeting insects rather than birds or mammals for this service are more common than previously thought. These plants produce dust-like seeds and fruit suitable for the minute, ground-dwelling animals.
Published Nasal microbiome: Depriving multi-resistant 'bugs' of iron
(via sciencedaily.com) Original source Whether dangerous staphylococci survive in the nose depends on what other bacteria are present -- and how they obtain iron.
Published Elephants on the move: Mapping connections across African landscapes
(via sciencedaily.com) Original source Elephant conservation is a major priority in southern Africa, but habitat loss and urbanization mean the far-ranging pachyderms are increasingly restricted to protected areas like game reserves. The risk? Contained populations could become genetically isolated over time, making elephants more vulnerable to disease and environmental change.
Published Living with a killer: How an unlikely mantis shrimp-clam association violates a biological principle
(via sciencedaily.com) Original source When clams gamble on living with a killer, sometimes their luck may run out, according to a new study.
Published Researchers find gene which determines marsupial fur color
(via sciencedaily.com) Original source Fur is a defining characteristic of mammals, coming in a wide variety of colors and patterns -- thanks to a world-first study, we now know which genes make a marsupial's coat black or grey.
Published The race to discover biodiversity: 11 new marine species and a new platform for rapid species description
(via sciencedaily.com) Original source A new paper describes a ground-breaking experiment that united 25 independent taxonomists from 10 countries. The initiative boasts the discovery of 11 new marine species from all over the globe, occurring at depths from 5.2 to 7081 meters. It also represents a significant step forward in accelerating the pace at which new marine species are described and published.
Published Ketogenic Diet may reduce friendly gut bacteria and raise cholesterol levels
(via sciencedaily.com) Original source A study reveals that ketogenic low-carbohydrate diets can increase cholesterol levels and reduce beneficial gut bacteria, specifically Bifidobacterium.
Published A new way of thinking about the economy could help protect the Amazon, and help its people thrive
(via sciencedaily.com) Original source To protect the Amazon and support the wellbeing of its people, its economy needs to shift from environmentally harmful production to a model built around the diversity of indigenous and rural communities, and standing forests.
Published Live longer, die healthier
(via sciencedaily.com) Original source Everyone wants to live to a ripe old age, but no one wants to be decrepit. Now, researchers demonstrated a treatment that could lengthen life -- and vigor -- up to the very end. Gerontologists describe how a group of mice lived 9% longer when they received monthly treatments, walking faster and gripping objects with greater strength than untreated mice of the same age.
Published Catching a new (sea) star
(via sciencedaily.com) Original source Researchers have discovered a new species of sea star (also known as starfish). The discovery came about thanks to collaborative work among researchers, fishers, and aquarium and museum staff. The starfish, which has been named Paragonaster hoeimaruae, belongs to the family Pseudarchasteridae. It is a distinctive red and beige color, with five arms and spans just over 10 centimeters.