Showing 20 articles starting at article 861
< Previous 20 articles Next 20 articles >
Categories: Biology: General, Biology: Marine
Published Older trees help to protect an endangered species
(via sciencedaily.com) Original source The oldest trees in the forest help to prevent the disappearance of endangered species in the natural environment, according to a new study. This is the case of the wolf lichen -- threatened throughout Europe --, which now finds refuge in the oldest trees in the high mountains of the Pyrenees. This study reveals for the first time the decisive role of the oldest trees in the conservation of other living beings thanks to their characteristic and unique physiology.
Published Scientists link certain gut bacteria to lower heart disease risk
(via sciencedaily.com) Original source Changes in the gut microbiome have been implicated in a range of diseases including type 2 diabetes, obesity, and inflammatory bowel disease. Now, a team of researchers has found that microbes in the gut may affect cardiovascular disease as well. The team has identified specific species of bacteria that consume cholesterol in the gut and may help lower cholesterol and heart disease risk in people.
Published We've had bird evolution all wrong
(via sciencedaily.com) Original source Genomic anamolies dating back to the time of the dinosaurs misled scientists about the evolutionary history of birds.
Published Computational tools fuel reconstruction of new and improved bird family tree
(via sciencedaily.com) Original source Using cutting-edge computational methods and supercomputing infrastructure, researchers have built the largest and most detailed bird family tree to date -- an intricate chart delineating 93 million years of evolutionary relationships between 363 bird species, representing 92% of all bird families. The updated tree reveals sharp increases in effective population size, substitution rates and relative brain size in early birds in the aftermath of the mass extinction event that wiped out the dinosaurs 66 million years ago. And by closely examining one of the branches of this tree, researchers found that flamingos and doves are more distantly related than previous genome-wide analyses had shown.
Published Canada lynx historic range in US likely wider than previously thought
(via sciencedaily.com) Original source A broader past could mean a brighter future for Canada lynx in the U.S., according to recent research. The study indicates that lynx might do well in the future in parts of Utah, central Idaho and the Yellowstone National Park region, even considering climate change and the lack of lynx in those areas now. Using a model validated by historic records, researchers first found that in 1900, Canada lynx had more suitable habitat in the U.S. than the few northern corners of the country where they are found currently. The study showed the elusive big cat likely roamed over a larger area in the Pacific Northwest, Rocky Mountains, Great Lakes region and parts of New England.
Published Machine learning provides a new picture of the great gray owl
(via sciencedaily.com) Original source Researchers upend the notion that the iconic great gray owl -- known as the phantom of the North -- lives far from cities, towns and other markers of human density.
Published Mosquito detectives track malaria's history
(via sciencedaily.com) Original source A group of researchers is calling on colleagues around the world to join them in what they call 'pathogen prospecting' by tracking down archival specimens of mosquitoes in museums and other collections to examine them for pathogens that would have infected people with malaria while feeding on their blood.
Published When inequality is more than 'skin-deep': Social status leaves traces in the epigenome of spotted hyenas in Tanzania
(via sciencedaily.com) Original source A research consortium provides evidence that social behavior and social status are reflected at the molecular level of gene activation (epigenome) in juvenile and adult free-ranging spotted hyenas. They analyzed non-invasively collected gut epithelium samples from both high-ranking and low-ranking female hyenas and showed that rank differences were associated with epigenetic signatures of social inequality, i.e., the pattern of activation or switching off of genes that regulate important physiological processes such as energy conversion and immune response in several genome regions.
Published How the Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever virus enters our cells
(via sciencedaily.com) Original source Researchers have identified how the tick-borne Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever virus enters our cells. The results are an important step in the development of drugs against the deadly disease.
Published Genomic research may help explain cancer resistance in Tasmanian devils
(via sciencedaily.com) Original source Through DNA sequencing of Tasmanian devils and their tumors, researchers have tracked the genomic interactions between the animals and the cancer.
Published New imaging method illuminates oxygen's journey in the brain
(via sciencedaily.com) Original source A new bioluminescence imaging technique has created highly detailed, and visually striking, images of the movement of oxygen in the brains of mice. The method, which can be easily replicated by other labs, will enable researchers to more precisely study forms of hypoxia in the brain, such as the denial of oxygen to the brain that occurs during a stroke or heart attack. The new research tool is already providing insight into why a sedentary lifestyle may increase risk for diseases like Alzheimer's.
Published Researchers discover key gene for toxic alkaloid in barley
(via sciencedaily.com) Original source Barley is one of the most important cereal crops on a global scale. Many barley cultivars produce a toxic alkaloid called gramine that affects the suitability of barley as fodder, but also helps to protect barley from pathogens. So far, the potential of manipulating gramine levels has not been harnessed for plant breeding, because the genetic basis of gramine production has been unresolved. Research groups now disclose the complete biosynthetic pathway of gramine and demonstrate how gramine biosynthesis can be introduced into model organisms or removed from barley.
Published Cell division quality control 'stopwatch' uncovered
(via sciencedaily.com) Original source Biologists have uncovered a quality control timing mechanism tied to cell division. The 'stopwatch' function keeps track of mitosis and acts as a protective measure when the process takes too long, preventing the formation of cancerous cells.
Published Synaptic protein change during development offers clues on evolution and disease
(via sciencedaily.com) Original source An analysis of how synaptic proteins change during early development reveals differences between mice and marmosets but also what's different in individuals with autism spectrum disorders. The findings offer first insights into the mechanism behind synaptic development and open up routes for research on possible treatments.
Published Going 'back to the future' to forecast the fate of a dead Florida coral reef
(via sciencedaily.com) Original source How coral populations expand into new areas and sustain themselves over time is limited by the scope of modern observations. Going back thousands of years, a study provides geological insights into coral range expansions by reconstructing the composition of a Late Holocene-aged subfossil coral death assemblage in an unusual location in Southeast Florida and comparing it to modern reefs throughout the region. Findings offer a unique glimpse into what was once a vibrant coral reef assemblage and discover if history can repeat itself in the face of climate change.
Published A combination of approved drugs enhances the delivery of anti-bacterial medications to treat tuberculosis
(via sciencedaily.com) Original source Researchers have found that approved drugs that were originally shown to normalize blood vessels surrounding tumors (to improve drug delivery to cancer cells) can enhance the delivery of anti-microbial medications to kill tuberculosis bacteria residing in the lungs.
Published North American cities may see a major species turnover by the end of the century
(via sciencedaily.com) Original source Climate change may dramatically affect the animal species observed in North American cities, according to a new study.
Published Sweet success: Sugarcane's complex genetic code cracked
(via sciencedaily.com) Original source Scientists created a highly accurate reference genome for one of the most important modern crops and found a rare example of how genes confer disease resistance in plants. Exploring sugarcane's genetic code could help researchers develop more resilient and productive crops, with implications for both sugar production and biofuels.
Published Rock-wallaby bite size ‘packs a punch’
(via sciencedaily.com) Original source Australian rock-wallabies are 'little Napoleons' when it comes to compensating for small size, packing much more punch into their bite than larger relatives. Researchers made the discovery while investigating how two dwarf species of rock-wallaby are able to feed themselves on the same kinds of foods as their much larger cousins.
Published Scientists extract genetic secrets from 4,000-year-old teeth to illuminate the impact of changing human diets over the centuries
(via sciencedaily.com) Original source Researchers have recovered remarkably preserved microbiomes from two teeth dating back 4,000 years, found in an Irish limestone cave. Genetic analyses of these microbiomes reveal major changes in the oral microenvironment from the Bronze Age to today. The teeth both belonged to the same male individual and also provided a snapshot of his oral health.