Biology
Tiny marine microbe sheds new light on how little genetic machinery a cell needs to survive
Scientists have discovered a previously unknown microorganism that has the smallest genome ever found and may be able to replicate and express its own genetic information.
From bogong moths to Christmas beetles—how to slow down and spot more insects
Millions of people worldwide watched as the Sydney Olympics came to a close in 2000. Meanwhile, thousands of bogong moths (Agrotis infusa) were airborne, making their annual migra…
Why you've probably been thinking about narcolepsy all wrong
The sleep disorder has been the butt of jokes and a comedic plot point, but the reality of living with narcolepsy is anything but funny. Things could be about to change for people…
New research reveals surprising link in ocean carbon cycle: Swimming sea cucumbers
New MBARI research has revealed that the sea cucumber Pelagothuria natatrix plays an important and unexpected role in the ocean's carbon cycle. In a new article published in the j…
Walking through flames: Orangutans rescued in Indonesia fires
The orangutan clings to the top of a mostly leafless tree in Indonesia's portion of Borneo as waves of thick smoke from the forest fires burning below waft over her.
Seals and sea lions get their hearing tested at Australia Zoo
Scientists in Australia trained sea lions and seals to respond to a hearing test for research into how the marine mammals are affected by human-made noise.
Fish may look fine in urban waters but their genes tell a different story
Blue damselfish, with their striking blue hue, are easy to spot, even along Okinawa's heavily urbanized coastlines. But while abundant, their gene activity reveals a hidden cost t…
3D genome 'entanglement' may explain how cephalopods evolved complex brains
Octopuses, squid and cuttlefish, collectively known as coleoid cephalopods, have evolved exceptionally large and elaborately structured nervous systems capable of complex behavior…
British households would be £5,000 richer if we were more innovative. Let’s unleash our talents | Gordon Brown
We have a deep reservoir of assets, but struggle to turn small companies into global success stories. Innovation needs to be at the heart of government policyGordon Brown was UK p…
Study documents beef industry group's early efforts to counter climate concerns
A leading U.S. beef industry trade association knew by 1989 that cattle contributed to global warming but focused its response on protecting consumer demand through public relatio…
Only 9% of major companies use biodiversity indicators, study finds
Biodiversity indicators can help companies make more sustainable decisions. But only 9% of the world's largest companies in sectors with a major impact on biodiversity use such in…
The genetic switch behind the butterfly's enhanced visual world of color
Many insects see the world through hundreds of tiny lenses that are grouped together in a visual organ known as the compound eye. Behind each lens sits a cluster of eight light-de…
Cows deliver healthy calves without embryonic protein long thought essential for pregnancy
For decades, scientists have believed that a protein called interferon tau (IFNT) is indispensable for pregnancy in cattle. Produced by the early embryo, it was thought to signal …
Chance Instagram sighting leads to discovery of rare giant water lily in Colombia
A new paper published in the journal Phytotaxa describes a new species in the genus Victoria, the Colombian giant water lily (Victoria colombiana). With only three other known spe…
Bees struggle to smell flowers when air pollutants combine
Bees, moths and other pollinating insects have a harder time smelling flowers in polluted air, according to research led by the University of Reading. Scientists analyzed 22 exper…
Fossil bite marks suggest first evidence of a small raptor feeding on an apex predator
A prehistoric cold case near Drumheller reveals either a small-time raptor scavenged on an apex predator, or a baby Albertosaurus engaged in a shocking act of cannibalism. These t…
New 'computational microscope' simulates DNA packaging at more than ten times previous scale
The DNA in our cells wraps around proteins called histones to form nucleosomes, which organize into chromatin. This organization helps pack genetic material into the nucleus and i…
Nitrogen fixation 'off switch' discovery could one day help crops make their own fertilizer
Nitrogen is essential for life. It's needed to build proteins, DNA and many other components of cells. Although nitrogen gas makes up almost 80% of Earth's atmosphere, most organi…
How enzyme activity can accelerate molecular movement inside cells
A cell sitting in fluid looks like one of the most passive things in biology. Nutrients drift toward it on the aimless currents of molecular motion, and now and then one bumps int…
Tracking down cellular gene functions with AI and microscopy
A new technology promises to enable more comprehensive investigations into how individual genes determine the appearance and behavior of cells. Researchers led by professor Veit H…
3D-printed inserts bring single-objective light sheet microscopy to commercial sample chambers
Light sheet microscopy allows biologists to selectively light up a thin slice of a sample. This method can improve image contrast by reducing background light while remaining gent…
Hearing tests reveal how sea lions and fur seals hear human-made noise
Curtin University and Taronga Conservation Society Australia researchers have conducted the first hearing tests on Australian sea lions and long-nosed fur seals, revealing what so…
Why 'vertical farming' is not a fix for our food system
The Canadian government launched its first National Food Security Strategy in June 2026. The strategy aims to invest $750 million to increase year-round Canadian production of fru…
Are insects really 'poor people's food'?
Do people eat insects when there is nothing else to eat? Are insects really "food for the poor" or famine food?