Research reveals why the zebra got its stripes
Why do zebras have stripes? A study published in PLOS ONE today takes us another step closer to answering this puzzling question and to understanding how stripes actually work.
Biology news
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Mega experiment shows species interact more towards tropics and lowlands
One of the largest field experiments ever conducted is providing the best evidence yet in support of a key Darwinian theory—that interactions between species are stronger toward the tropics and at lower elevations.
Lack of sleep is not necessarily fatal for flies
Male flies kept awake do not die earlier than those allowed to sleep, leading researchers to question whether sleep, in flies at least, is essential for staying alive.
Researchers discover a flipping crab feeding on methane seeps
Researchers have documented a group of tanner crabs vigorously feeding at a methane seep on the seafloor off British Columbia—one of the first times a commercially harvested species has been seen using this energy source.
Massive database traces mammal organ development, cell by single cell
The very early days of growth, long before we are born, are a time of incredible development. In a relatively short period of time, we and other mammals create our bodies' dozens of different organs from a few thin layers ...
Establishing the molecular blueprint of early embryo development
A team of biologists, physicists and mathematical modellers in Cambridge have studied the genetic activity of over 100,000 embryonic cells to establish the molecular blueprint of mouse early embryo development. This new research ...
Scientists identify genetic mechanism involved in how females inherit traits
As many know, females have two X chromosome while males have one X and one Y chromosome.
Crocodile face off: Study examines how developmental changes resulted in changes to crocodile snouts
The story that's often told about crocodiles is that they're among the most perfectly adapted creatures on the planet—living fossils that have remained virtually unchanged for millions of years.
Protecting small forests fails to protect bird biodiversity
Simply protecting small forests will not maintain the diversity of the birds they support over the long run, a Rutgers-led study says. Forests need to be carefully monitored and managed to maintain their ecological integrity.
City bees' favourite flowers, according to our DNA tracking experiment
As cities get bigger and cover more land, the need to make space for wildlife – including insects – in urban areas has become more pressing. Research has shown that cites may not be such a bad place for pollinating insects ...
