Protein adaptation shows that life on early earth lived in a hot, acidic environment
A new study reveals that a group of ancient enzymes adapted to substantial changes in ocean temperature and acidity during the last four billion years, providing evidence that life on Early Earth evolved from a much hotter, more acidic environment to the cooler, less acidic global environment that exists today.
Researchers link herpes to Alzheimer's disease
'Cold sores' connected to cognitive decline
Autistic brains "organised differently" say scientists
People with autism use their brains differently from other people, which may explain why some have extraordinary abilities to remember and draw objects in detail, according to new research.
Algae that live inside the cells of salamanders are the first known vertebrate endosymbionts
A species of algae long known to associate with spotted salamanders has been discovered to live inside the cells of developing embryos, say scientists from the U.S. and Canada, who report their findings in this week's Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.
Facial structure of men and women has become more similar over time
Research from North Carolina State University shows that they really don't make women like they used to, at least in Spain.
Starting periods before the age of 10 increases risk of lung complaints in future
Women who suffer from asthma or poor lung function as adults generally started their periods at the age of 10 or before.
Substance in tangerines fights obesity and protects against heart disease
New research from The University of Western Ontario has discovered a substance in tangerines not only prevents obesity, but also offers protection against type 2 diabetes, and even atherosclerosis, the underlying disease responsible for most heart attacks and strokes.
Some diabetes drugs are better than others, according to new study
New research suggests that several commonly prescribed drugs for type 2 diabetes may not be as effective at preventing death and cardiovascular diseases, such as heart attacks and stroke, as the oral anti-diabetic drug, metformin.
Regular retail therapy prolongs life
Frequent shopping by men and women increases survival in the older Taiwanese population
Breast cancer patients' persistent fatigue is real, may actually speed up aging
The persistent fatigue that plagues one out of every three breast cancer survivors may be caused by one part of the autonomic nervous system running in overdrive, while the other part fails to slow it down.
Common nanoparticles found to be highly toxic to Arctic ecosystem
Queen's researchers have discovered that nanoparticles, which are now present in everything from socks to salad dressing and suntan lotion, may have irreparably damaging effects on soil systems and the environment.
New prostate cancer test gives more accurate diagnosis
New screening test better detects aggressive cancer, reduces false positives
At Particle Lab, a Tantalizing Glimpse Has Physicists Holding Their Breaths
Physicists at the Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory are planning to announce Wednesday that they have found a suspicious bump in their data that could be evidence of a new elementary particle or even, some say, a new force of nature.
'Tree of lice' suggests mammals did OK under dinos
They may be irritating and harmful, but lice have their uses. A study of their evolution suggests that the parasitic lice that plague modern birds and mammals began diversifying while dinosaurs ruled the Earth.
Monkeys provide malaria reservoir for human disease in Southeast Asia
Monkeys infected with an emerging malaria strain are providing a reservoir for human disease in Southeast Asia, according to research published today. The Wellcome Trust funded study confirms that the species has not yet adapted to humans and that monkeys are the main source of infection.
Political views are reflected in brain structure
We all know that people at opposite ends of the political spectrum often really can't see eye to eye. Now, a new report published online on April 7th in Current Biology, a Cell Press publication, reveals that those differences in political orientation are tied to differences in the very structures of our brains.
Male victims of 'intimate terrorism' can experience damaging psychological effects
First study of post-traumatic stress examines impact on men who sustain partner abuse
Caffeine and diabetes -- helpful or harmful?
Latest findings presented in the premier issue of Journal of Caffeine Research
Dig for Mona Lisa's Bones to Begin
Historians are resorting to grave-digging in an effort to learn the true identity of the woman in the iconic painting.
The Curse of the Mummies' Arteries
In the ancient tomb paintings of the Nile Valley, Egypt's nobility often appears lithe, beautiful, and, above all, healthy. But researchers have long doubted that life at the top of the social pyramid in ancient Egypt was quite so rosy.
Neanderthals: Bad luck and its part in their downfall
AS OUR ancestors moved north out of Africa and onto the doorstep to the rest of the world, they came across their long-lost cousins: the Neanderthals.
A world first: The discovery of a common genetic cause of autism and epilepsy
Montreal, Canada Researchers from the CHUM Research Centre (CRCHUM) have identified a new gene that predisposes people to both autism and epilepsy.
Scientists develop 'universal' virus-free method to turn blood cells into 'beating' heart cells
Johns Hopkins scientists have developed a simplified, cheaper, all-purpose method they say can be used by scientists around the globe to more safely turn blood cells into heart cells.
From Safe Distance, U.S.-Japanese Team Draws Up Plan to Demolish Reactors
Hydrogen explosions. High levels of radiation. Thousands of gallons of contaminated water dumped into the sea. With the drumbeat of bad news, including another powerful aftershock on Thursday, it will take months, if not years, to stabilize the reactors and spent fuel pools that were damaged in last month’s earthquake and tsunami at the Fukushima Daiichi plant.
Drinking over recommended limit 'raises cancer risk'
Drinking more than a pint of beer a day can substantially increase the risk of some cancers, research suggests.
Cold asteroids may have a soft heart
A new analysis of one of the most well-known meteorites on Earth provides strong evidence that the prevailing view of many asteroids is wrong.
Gut instinct: We can identify criminals on sight, study finds
A woman walking her dog encounters a man. She has an instant, visceral reaction to him and screams. The next day, she sees his picture in the newspaper; he has been charged with rape.
Exo-evolution: Aliens who hide, survive
Has ET evolved to be discreet? An evolutionary tendency for inconspicuous aliens would solve a nagging paradox – and also suggest that we Earthlings should think twice before advertising our own existence.