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UC Riverside biologists study evolution of dorsal fin in molly and Limia fish

To female molly and Limia fish, nothing is hotter than a male with a large dorsal fin. But these fins aren't just decorations to attract females.

18 Jan 2019

New research provides better understanding of our early human ancestors

The fossil site of Malapa in the Cradle of Humankind, South Africa, discovered by Lee Berger of the University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, in August 2008, has been one of the most productive sites of the 21st century for fossils of early human ancestors or hominins.

18 Jan 2019

Behavioral experiments confirm that additional neurons improve brain function

Most neurons in the human brain are generated from neural stem cells during embryonic development. After birth, a small reservoir of stem cells remains in the brain that keeps on producing new neurons throughout life.

18 Jan 2019

Research finds large genome in tiny forest defoliator

The European gypsy moth is perhaps the country's most famous invasive insect - a nonnative species accidentally introduced to North America in the 1860s when a few escaped from a breeding experiment in suburban Boston.

16 Jan 2019

Truncal mutations study suggests new direction in origins of cancer

Cancers most commonly arise because of a series of two to five mutations in different genes that combine to cause a tumor.

16 Jan 2019

Study sheds light on the deadly venom of Mojave rattlesnakes

The Mojave rattlesnake, living in the deserts of the southwestern United States and central Mexico, is characterized by its lethal venom that can either shut down your body or tenderize your insides. Clemson University researchers say which one depends on where you're located.

16 Jan 2019

New understanding in the evolution of human feet

Scientists have made a step forward in understanding the evolution of human feet.

14 Jan 2019

Study shows how herpes viruses and tumors have learned to manipulate the same ancient RNA

Herpes viral infections use the ancient genetic material found in the human genome to proliferate, mimicking the same process tumors have been found to manipulate, Mount Sinai researchers have shown for the first time.

14 Jan 2019

Differences in geographic origin of genes may affect mitochondrial function

Differences in the geographic origin of genes may affect the function of human mitochondria--energy-generating organelles inside of cells--according to a new study.

14 Jan 2019

Molecular hallmarks of tumor hypoxia across 19 cancer types discovered

Unlike healthy tissues, tumors thrive in low-oxygen environments, often acquiring the ability to resist treatment and spread to other sites in the body. Despite being a well-known cause of therapy resistance and metastasis, the impact of low oxygen, known as hypoxia, on tumor cells is poorly understood.

14 Jan 2019

Study shows an unusual mechanism could have thwart the invasion of human genome by junk DNA

In the January 7th edition of Communications Biology, researchers at InsideOutBio argue that an unusual form of DNA with a reverse twist may have helped thwart the invasion of the human genome by junk DNA.

11 Jan 2019

Bacteria on the International Space Station are adapting to survive, not to harm

Mutant bacteria stranded in space by visiting astronauts have been adapting to survive in their new environment, according to a new study.

10 Jan 2019

Study explains why some drugs work well in ameliorating side effects of chemotherapy

Researchers at the University of Zurich have determined the three-dimensional structure of the receptor that causes nausea and vomiting as a result of cancer chemotherapy.

10 Jan 2019

NYSCF announce partnership with Ngene to develop new disease treatments

The New York Stem Cell Foundation Research Institute today announced a partnership with Ngene Therapeutics Inc. to develop new disease treatments that leverage human stem cell research and novel gene editing techniques.

10 Jan 2019

Study shows link between antibiotic resistance in the environment and fecal pollution

Increased levels of antibiotic-resistant bacteria in the environment may have different causes. It could be a consequence of on-site selection from antibiotic residues in the environment, hence promoting the evolution of new forms of resistance.

8 Jan 2019

Scientists identify evolutionary formula for monogamy

U.S. biologists have conducted a study showing that the evolution of a universal transcriptomic code underlies monogamous behavior in various species of vertebrates.

8 Jan 2019

Researchers shed new light on the body's largest cell receptor

A giant toadstool that swallow up vitamins and nutrients. This is how the receptor, which e.g. absorbs B12 vitamin, looks. For the first time, researchers have an insight into a biology which has survived millions of years.

3 Jan 2019

Fruit fly study sheds light on the evolution of metabolism

Diet choice of animal species is highly variable. Some are specialists feeding only on one food source, such as a sugar-rich fruit or protein-rich meat. Other species, like humans, are generalists that can feed on different kinds of food sources.

3 Jan 2019

Novel lung-inspired design converts water into fuel

Scientists at Stanford University have designed an electrocatalytic mechanism that works like a mammalian lung to convert water into fuel. Their research, published December 20 in the journal Joule, could help existing clean energy technologies run more efficiently.

27 Dec 2018

Himalayan marmot genome offers clues to high-altitude adaptation

Himalayan marmots can survive at altitudes up to 5,000 meters in the Himalayan regions of India, Nepal, and Pakistan and on the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau of China, where many of them face extreme cold, little oxygen, and few other resources.

27 Dec 2018