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Examining embryo model ethics beyond box-checking

In science, ethical guidelines ensure that research takes place in a way that respects public trust and is conducted responsibly. Traditional ethics approval procedures work well for projects following established practices, ...

A 'stemness checkpoint' helps control stem cell identity

A study published in Cell Research advances a central idea in stem cell biology by identifying a checkpoint that controls the identity of many different types of stem cells across developmental stages. For nearly two decades, ...

Cell 'snowball' may be answer to large-scale tissue engineering

Cell cultures—single layers of cells grown in a small dish—have enabled researchers to study biological growth, develop or test drugs and even discover what causes some diseases. Cell spheroids, 3D versions of cell cultures ...

Stopping algae blooms with bacteria-busting buoys

Algae blooms make a pond's surface shine in mesmerizing green hues. But if the microorganisms responsible are cyanobacteria, they can also release toxins that harm humans and wildlife alike. A team reporting in ACS ES&T Water ...

Seed banks may complicate gene drives aimed at controlling weeds

Gene drives—a genetic engineering approach that quickly spreads specific genetic changes throughout a population, whether to kill it off or add a new trait—may have potential for controlling weeds. But so far, gene drives ...

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Biotechnology
Watering smarter, not more: A modern-day robotic divining rod
Biotechnology
Nature's photocopiers caught 'doodling'—scientists say it could revolutionize how DNA is written
Cell & Microbiology
SimCells successfully target and kill drug-resistant bacteria
Biotechnology
Introducing a new citizen science nature app that's geared towards the scientific community
Biotechnology
Unlocking designer roots for future cereal crops
Ecology
A new way to eavesdrop on ocean temperature in the Arctic
Biotechnology
Teaching robots to harvest asparagus
Biotechnology
Light switch for life: Controlling molecular droplets with UV
Cell & Microbiology
Soil bacteria break down toxic chemicals in the environment
Plants & Animals
Seals use whisker movement to follow underwater trails—an approach that could improve robotic sensing
Biotechnology
Who do you think you are? What DNA tests reveal—and what they don't
Cell & Microbiology
Implantable 'living pharmacy' produces multiple drugs inside the body
Biotechnology
Designing proteins by their motion, not just their shape
Biotechnology
Understanding protein motion could greatly aid new drug design
Biotechnology
Why use living cells? Researchers are making chemicals with enzymes alone
Cell & Microbiology
New synthetic origin of replication lets multiple plasmids coexist in one bacterial cell
Biotechnology
DNA shape explains crucial gene-therapy challenges
Biotechnology
AI tool can screen unknown bacteria for disease-linked genes, moving closer to preventing pandemics
Biotechnology
Researchers use quantum biosensors to peer into cells' inner workings
Biotechnology
One-pot process could convert sugarcane waste to jet fuel

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Biochemistry
How surface chemistry impacts the performance of malaria nets
Mathematics
Mathematical signature spots when competition is fair, winner-take-all, or too soft
Earth Sciences
Deadly heat thresholds have already being crossed in six recent heat waves, study shows
Archaeology
No more giants, no more heavy handaxes: Why early humans downsized their stone tools
Plants & Animals
Ant larvae control parental care by using odor signals
Evolution
Great apes mirror facial expressions with surprising precision, study shows
Earth Sciences
Rock bonding changes understanding of earthquake mechanics
Environment
High levels of forever chemicals found in Svalbard reindeer
Soft Matter
New AI method flags fluid flow tipping points before simulations break down
Astronomy
What if dark matter came in two states?
Evolution
From Asgard to Earth: Tiny tubes may reveal the moment complex life began
Archaeology
Ancient Māori remains point to largely plant-based diets before colonization
Evolution
Dragonflies share humans' red-light sensing trick, detecting wavelengths near 720 nm
Molecular & Computational biology
One DNA letter can trigger complete sex reversal
Optics & Photonics
Single-shot imaging captures more information about ultrafast microscopic processes than previously possible
Space Exploration
Houston, we have a problem ... with the toilet
Earth Sciences
Why treelines don't simply rise with the climate
Ecology
Soundscapes from nearby forests are more uplifting than those from faraway places, research suggests
Plants & Animals
The lengths male octopuses go to protect the arm they need to mate
General Physics
AI trained like a Rubik's Cube solver simplifies particle physics equations

Hydrogel cilia set new standard in microrobotics

Cilia are micrometer-sized biological structures that occur frequently in nature. Their characteristic high-frequency, three-dimensional beating motions (5–40 Hz) play indispensable roles inside the body.