Researchers discover human immune system has emergency backup plan
New research by scientists at the University of California, San Diego School of Medicine and Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences reveals that the immune system has an effective backup plan to protect the body from infection when the "master regulator" of the body's innate immune system fails.
Life on Earth Began Three Billion Years Ago
A mathematical model dates back the evolution of genes critical to life to three billion years ago.
Component in common dairy foods may cut diabetes risk
Scientists at the Harvard School of Public Health (HSPH) and collaborators from other institutions have identified a natural substance in dairy fat that may substantially reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes.
Meat-eating dinosaurs not so carnivorous after all
New research on dinosaur diet reveals that most bird-like dinosaurs were eating plants
New research shows virus previously linked to chronic fatigue syndrome is a lab contaminant
A virus previously thought to be associated with chronic fatigue syndrome is not the cause of the disease, a detailed study has shown. The research shows that cell samples used in previous research were contaminated with the virus identified as XMRV and that XMRV is present in the mouse genome.
Young female chimpanzees appear to treat sticks as dolls
Finding adds to growing evidence of a biological basis for gender-specific play in humans
Rodents were diverse and abundant in prehistoric Africa when our human ancestors evolved
Analysis documents more than 130 formally named genera, which can help shed light on human evolution
Age plays too big a role in prostate cancer treatment decisions
Older men with high-risk prostate cancer frequently are offered fewer – and less effective – choices of treatment than younger men, potentially resulting in earlier deaths, according to a new UCSF study.
Seeing double: Africa's 2 elephant species
Contrary to the belief of many scientists (as well as many members of the public), new research confirms that Africa has two―not one―species of elephant.
'Chocolate cough remedy' in sight
A chemical in cocoa could soon be turned into a medicine for persistent cough, researchers claim.
Dust mites 'swarm' around houses
Dust mites "swarm" around houses, migrating as a group in search of moisture, according to a new study.
Thinnest ever camera sees like a trilobite
An unusual arthropod eye design that maximises image resolution has inspired the design of the thinnest stills and video camera yet made.
Researchers find gene that protects against dementia in high-risk individuals
Neuroscientists had assumed that a mutation in the progranulin gene was sufficient to produce a kind of dementia known as frontotemporal lobar degeneration (FTLD). But now an international team of scientists have found another genetic factor they say appears to protect against the disorder in progranulin mutation carriers.
High red blood cell folate levels linked to silenced tumor-suppressors
Study examines effects of supplementation, other factors, on gene methylation
Pterygotid sea scorpions: No longer terror of the ancient seas?
Experiments by a team of researchers in New York and New Jersey have generated evidence that questions the common belief that the pterygotid eurypterids ("sea scorpions") were high-level predators in the Paleozoic oceans.
Genome of extinct Siberian cave-dweller linked to modern-day humans
Sequencing of ancient DNA reveals new hominin population that is neither Neanderthal nor modern human
Ever-sharp urchin teeth may yield tools that never need honing
To survive in a tumultuous environment, sea urchins literally eat through stone, using their teeth to carve out nooks where the spiny creatures hide from predators and protect themselves from the crashing surf on the rocky shores and tide pools where they live.
Placebos work -- even without deception
For most of us, the "placebo effect" is synonymous with the power of positive thinking; it works because you believe you're taking a real drug. But a new study rattles this assumption.
Arsenic agent shuts down 2 hard-to-treat cancers in animal experiments
The drug is already FDA-approved for one kind of cancer. Researchers say immediate clinical applications to treat other cancers is possible
Record time limit
When will runners and swimmers reach their physical limit
Cold Winters Driven By Global Warming
Melting Arctic ice is to blame for the change in weather patterns, scientists say.
Solar-Powered Hornet Found; Turns Light Into Electricity
In an animal kingdom first, insect's "skin" pigments convert sunlight into energy.
Love thy lab neighbour
Getting closer to your collaborators boosts a paper's citations.
GPs report flu cases have doubled in one week
Officials are urging patients in high-risk groups to get immunised
Disaster Doctors May Be Using the Wrong Drugs
Study of Haiti earthquake victims shows most wounds infected with Gram-negative, not Gram-positive, bacteria.
Gene alteration in mice mimics heart-building effect of exercise
Suggests potential strategy for repairing injured hearts
Biochar: Running the numbers
Richard Black By Richard Black Environment correspondent, BBC News
In search of a "magic bullet" for climate change that will simultaneously help with the growing problem of feeding the world, gurus from James Lovelock downwards have praised the potential of biochar.
Did 'Martian' methane signal come from Earth?
* 11:46 23 December 2010 by Rachel Courtland
Claims that Mars's atmosphere contains methane, which have fuelled speculations that the planet hosts life, may be premature.
Could the ingestion of 'modified' starch be a new malaria vaccine strategy?
There is no efficient vaccine against malaria, although nasal and oral vaccination seems to be the most promising and suitable solution. Researchers from two laboratories in northern France have successfully vaccinated and protected mice by feeding them starch derived from green algae and genetically modified to carry vaccine proteins.
New solar fuel machine 'mimics plant life'
A prototype solar device has been unveiled which mimics plant life, turning the Sun's energy into fuel.
Discovery of new molecule can lead to more efficient rocket fuel
Trinitramid – that's the name of the new molecule that may be a component in future rocket fuel. This fuel could be 20-30 percent more efficient in comparison with the best rocket fuels we have today
Why is the north magnetic pole racing toward Siberia?
Finding Santa Claus's home at the North Pole is easy on a globe―just look for the point on top where all the lines of longitude meet. Let us rejoice that Santa Claus did not choose the magnetic pole for his home, for he would have to spend as much time moving as delivering presents.
A Supplement to Stop Seizures
A restrictive high-fat, low-carbohydrate regimen known as the ketogenic diet is far more difficult than any weight-loss plan. Someday, however, they may be able to control seizures with a simple supplement instead, if a new finding in mice holds up in humans.
Structure deep within the brain may contribute to a rich, varied social life
Scientists have discovered that the amygdala, a small almond shaped structure deep within the temporal lobe, is important to a rich and varied social life among humans.
Georgia Tech team helps decode newly sequenced strawberry genome
An international research consortium has sequenced the genome of the woodland strawberry
'Food of the gods' genome sequence could make finest chocolate better
The production of high quality chocolate, and the farmers who grow it, will benefit from the recent sequencing and assembly of the chocolate tree genome