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Biology news
The genomic journey of modern and archaic humans may be older than we thought
Research conducted at the Department of Biology, University of Padova, has identified critical genomic milestones in the evolution of Homo sapiens, including key chromosomal rearrangements and specific gene variants that ...
Introducing perceptein, a protein-based artificial neural network in living cells
Westlake University in China and the California Institute of Technology have designed a protein-based system inside living cells that can process multiple signals and make decisions based on them.
How can I keep my cat happy? Five tips from a vet to help your feline friend live their best life
Around one third of Australian households live with at least one cat, yet surveys tell us the cats' needs are not being met.
Plants & Animals
12 hours ago
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Bottlenose dolphins smile at each other when they play—new study reveals how and why
Dolphins have an irresistible charm for people. They are extremely playful at all ages and often play alone, surfing the waves, leaping into the air, performing flips and striking the water with their tail flukes.
Plants & Animals
12 hours ago
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Giant sloths and mastodons lived with humans for millennia in the Americas, new discoveries suggest
Sloths weren't always slow-moving, furry tree-dwellers. Their prehistoric ancestors were huge—up to 4 tons (3.6 metric tons)—and when startled, they brandished immense claws.
Paleontology & Fossils
Dec 20, 2024
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Simulations of hominin Lucy help show how long distance running evolved in modern humans
A team of natural scientists, musculoskeletal specialists, and evolutionary biologists affiliated with several institutions in the U.K., working with a colleague from the Netherlands, has found via simulations, that the famous ...
Heterogeneous host populations drive evolution of more virulent pathogens, modeling study shows
The evolution of pathogens has received attention in a wide range of scientific fields, such as epidemiology, demography, and evolutionary ecology. Understanding pathogen evolution is particularly urgent for rapidly evolving ...
Evolution
Dec 20, 2024
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Discovery of enzyme pathway may lead to lifesaving leishmaniasis treatments
A breakthrough in understanding how a single-cell parasite makes ergosterol (its version of cholesterol) could lead to more effective drugs for human leishmaniasis, a parasitic disease that afflicts about 1 million people ...
Cell & Microbiology
Dec 20, 2024
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'Living' ceramics utilize bacteria for gas sensing and carbon capture
A team of materials scientists and chemists at ETH Zürich has developed a way to make "living" ceramics that can detect small amounts of formaldehyde and capture carbon dioxide from the air. In their project, reported in ...
Study reveals right whales live 130 years—or more
New research published in Science Advances reveals that right whales can survive for more than 130 years—almost twice as long as previously understood.
Plants & Animals
Dec 20, 2024
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138
Cyanobacteria research unlocks potential for renewable plastics from carbon dioxide
Scientists at The University of Manchester have achieved a significant breakthrough in using cyanobacteria—commonly known as "blue-green algae"—to convert carbon dioxide (CO2) into valuable bio-based materials.
Cell & Microbiology
Dec 20, 2024
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131
Wireless antennas harness light to decode cellular communication signals
Monitoring electrical signals in biological systems helps scientists understand how cells communicate, which can aid in the diagnosis and treatment of conditions like arrhythmia and Alzheimer's.
Cell & Microbiology
Dec 20, 2024
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Scientists steer the development of stem cells to regenerate and repair organs
Investigators from Cedars-Sinai and the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) have identified a new way to deliver instructions that tell stem cells to grow into specific bodily structures, a critical step in eventually ...
Cell & Microbiology
Dec 20, 2024
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Ferns' ancient resilience aids modern ecosystem recovery after disasters
Scientists have suggested an updated framework for the role of ferns in environmental recovery from disaster. Instead of competing with other organisms, ferns may act as facilitators that ease the way for other plants and ...
Ecology
Dec 20, 2024
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Global study reveals phenological divergence between plants and animals under climate change
A collaborative study reveals the distinct mechanisms by which plants and animals respond to climate change in their life-cycle phenology. This research, led by Piao Shilong's team and Zhang Yao's team from the Institute ...
Plants & Animals
Dec 20, 2024
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The secret life of ALAS1: Basic science discovery could the pave way for better small interfering RNA therapies
In everyday life, when things turn out the opposite of what you expect, it's usually a cause for frustration. In science, it's often the starting point for discovery.
Molecular & Computational biology
Dec 20, 2024
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The science behind Christmas trees: How conifers brave winter's worst
As the festive season approaches, evergreen conifers like spruce and pine adorn homes worldwide. But while Christmas trees bring warmth and joy into our lives, they endure some of the harshest conditions on Earth in their ...
Plants & Animals
Dec 20, 2024
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Programming cells: New RNA tool enhances precision in synthetic genetic circuits
Researchers have successfully developed a modular synthetic translational coupling element (SynTCE), significantly enhancing the precision and integration density of genetic circuits in synthetic biology. Their study was ...
Biotechnology
Dec 20, 2024
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Growing safer spuds: Removing toxins from potatoes
Scientists have discovered a way to remove toxic compounds from potatoes, making them safer to eat and easier to store. The breakthrough could cut food waste and enhance crop farming in space and other extreme environments.
Biotechnology
Dec 20, 2024
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Genetically encoded biosensors measure living cells' charge in real time
Biological cells have many vital functions in the organism. For example, they produce proteins, carbohydrates and fats. But they are also responsible for detoxifying harmful molecules and transmitting signals and immune defense ...
Cell & Microbiology
Dec 20, 2024
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Top 10 plant and fungal species named new to science in 2024
Molecular gardening: New enzymes discovered for protein modification pruning
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Near-extinct Caribbean reptile makes epic comeback
Intense ribbons of rain also bring the heat, scientists say
Miniature sensor that detects toxic gas shows promising results in the lab
