//www.koonmotors.com/news/plants_animals/biology/ Biology news and videos from research institutes around the world. Updated daily. en-us Mon, 16 Oct 2023 12:23:17 EDT Mon, 16 Oct 2023 12:23:17 EDT 60 //www.koonmotors.com/images/scidaily-logo-rss.png//www.koonmotors.com/news/plants_animals/biology/ For more science news, visit ScienceDaily. //www.koonmotors.com/releases/2023/10/231013123116.htm Fecal microbe transplants from healthy donors can treat patients with recurrent Clostridium difficile infections. However, after tens of thousands transplants, little was known about which donor strains provide long-term engraftment, and which engraft early after the transplant. Most failures of fecal microbe transplantation occur in the first four weeks. Researchers have now found 19 Bacteroides vulgatus genes that were unique to three strains that show early engraftment in patients after a fecal transplant, as opposed to seven strains that did not show early engraftment. Fri, 13 Oct 2023 12:31:16 EDT //www.koonmotors.com/releases/2023/10/231013123116.htm //www.koonmotors.com/releases/2023/10/231012161830.htm Researchers have extracted and analyzed DNA from fruit flies housed in museum collections in Lund, Stockholm and Copenhagen. Surprisingly, the researchers found the fruit flies collected in Sweden in the early 1800s were more genetically similar to 21st century flies than the Swedish samples from the 1930s. Thu, 12 Oct 2023 16:18:30 EDT //www.koonmotors.com/releases/2023/10/231012161830.htm //www.koonmotors.com/releases/2023/10/231012161705.htm A group of international scientists have mapped the genetic, cellular, and structural makeup of the human brain and the nonhuman primate brain. This understanding of brain structure allows for a deeper knowledge of the cellular basis of brain function and dysfunction, helping pave the way for a new generation of precision therapeutics for people with mental disorders and other disorders of the brain. Thu, 12 Oct 2023 16:17:05 EDT //www.koonmotors.com/releases/2023/10/231012161705.htm //www.koonmotors.com/releases/2023/10/231012161702.htm Synthetic biologists report on a new approach to attacking tumors. They have engineered tumor-colonizing bacteria (probiotics) to produce synthetic targets in tumors that direct CAR-T cells to destroy the newly highlighted cancer cells. Thu, 12 Oct 2023 16:17:02 EDT //www.koonmotors.com/releases/2023/10/231012161702.htm //www.koonmotors.com/releases/2023/10/231012161659.htm True altruism is rare behavior in animals, but a new study has found that honey bees display this trait. Additionally, they found that an evolutionary battle of genetics may determine the parent they inherit it from. Thu, 12 Oct 2023 16:16:59 EDT //www.koonmotors.com/releases/2023/10/231012161659.htm //www.koonmotors.com/releases/2023/10/231012111724.htm To study muscle diseases, scientists rely on the mouse as a model organism. Researchers have now developed a new method that is not only faster and more efficient than conventional ones but also greatly reduces the number of experimental animals needed for studying the function of genes in muscle fibers. Thu, 12 Oct 2023 11:17:24 EDT //www.koonmotors.com/releases/2023/10/231012111724.htm //www.koonmotors.com/releases/2023/10/231011182232.htm Tens of thousands of endangered sharks and rays are caught by small-scale fisheries off the Republic of the Congo each year, new research shows. Wed, 11 Oct 2023 18:22:32 EDT //www.koonmotors.com/releases/2023/10/231011182232.htm //www.koonmotors.com/releases/2023/10/231011182207.htm Researchers have obtained new insights into how African-American and Hispanic-American people’s genes influence their ability to use Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids for good health. The findings are an important step toward “precision nutrition” – where a diet tailored to exactly what our bodies need can help us live longer, healthier lives. Wed, 11 Oct 2023 18:22:07 EDT //www.koonmotors.com/releases/2023/10/231011182207.htm //www.koonmotors.com/releases/2023/10/231011182151.htm A new study of the microbial ecosystem in sourdough finds that using different types of flour fosters distinct bacterial communities, and that these differences contribute to the variation of sourdough aromas and flavors. Wed, 11 Oct 2023 18:21:51 EDT //www.koonmotors.com/releases/2023/10/231011182151.htm //www.koonmotors.com/releases/2023/10/231011182121.htm EVEscape predicts future viral mutations, new variants using evolutionary, biological information. Wed, 11 Oct 2023 18:21:21 EDT //www.koonmotors.com/releases/2023/10/231011182121.htm //www.koonmotors.com/releases/2023/10/231011182114.htm A massive computational analysis of microbiome datasets has more than doubled the number of known protein families. This is the first time protein structures have been used to help characterize the vast array of microbial 'dark matter.' Wed, 11 Oct 2023 18:21:14 EDT //www.koonmotors.com/releases/2023/10/231011182114.htm //www.koonmotors.com/releases/2023/10/231010201228.htm Relationship patterns among flightless stick insects suggest that birds disperse the eggs after eating gravid females. Lab experiments previously suggested the possibility, but a new genetic analysis of natural populations in Japan now supports the idea. Tue, 10 Oct 2023 20:12:28 EDT //www.koonmotors.com/releases/2023/10/231010201228.htm //www.koonmotors.com/releases/2023/10/231010201225.htm New research has found despite considerable conservation efforts, the illegal killing of critically endangered orangutans on Borneo may be an ongoing threat to the species. Tue, 10 Oct 2023 20:12:25 EDT //www.koonmotors.com/releases/2023/10/231010201225.htm //www.koonmotors.com/releases/2023/10/231010133540.htm Researchers have unpicked the mechanism behind a marine feeding strategy that could provide a valuable renewable source of biofuel. Tue, 10 Oct 2023 13:35:40 EDT //www.koonmotors.com/releases/2023/10/231010133540.htm //www.koonmotors.com/releases/2023/10/231009191634.htm A study found that a new combination of treatments safely decreased growth of pancreatic cancer in mice by preventing cancer cells from scavenging for fuel. Mon, 09 Oct 2023 19:16:34 EDT //www.koonmotors.com/releases/2023/10/231009191634.htm //www.koonmotors.com/releases/2023/10/231009191631.htm Researchers have unveiled a new mechanism for regulating mitochondrial function. The findings reveal the critical role played by the enzymatic activity of the lysine acetyltransferase MOF in maintaining mitochondrial integrity and function through acetylation of mitochondrial electron transport chain component COX17. Cells lacking MOF-mediated COX17 acetylation exhibit dramatic mitochondrial defects and impaired ability to produce energy. Underscoring the clinical relevance of these findings, the team also showed that cells from human patients with a developmental disorder caused by mutations in MOF also exhibited respiratory defects that could be ameliorated by interventions such as acetylation-mimetic COX17 or mitochondrially targeted MOF. Mon, 09 Oct 2023 19:16:31 EDT //www.koonmotors.com/releases/2023/10/231009191631.htm //www.koonmotors.com/releases/2023/10/231009191628.htm It's well-known that birds and other animals rely on Earth's magnetic field for long-distance navigation during seasonal migrations. But how do periodic disruptions of the planet's magnetic field, caused by solar flares and other energetic outbursts, affect the reliability of those biological navigation systems? Mon, 09 Oct 2023 19:16:28 EDT //www.koonmotors.com/releases/2023/10/231009191628.htm //www.koonmotors.com/releases/2023/10/231009191625.htm Researchers measured natural selection in four Anolis lizard species in the wild for five consecutive time periods over three years. This long-term study in a community of lizards reveals how evolution unfolds in the wild across multiple species. Mon, 09 Oct 2023 19:16:25 EDT //www.koonmotors.com/releases/2023/10/231009191625.htm //www.koonmotors.com/releases/2023/10/231006104558.htm Increased salinity usually spells trouble for freshwater insects like mayflies. A new study finds that the lack of metabolic responses to salinity may explain why some freshwater insects often struggle in higher salinity, while other freshwater invertebrates (like mollusks and crustaceans) thrive. Fri, 06 Oct 2023 10:45:58 EDT //www.koonmotors.com/releases/2023/10/231006104558.htm //www.koonmotors.com/releases/2023/10/231006104527.htm Palaeontologists discover molecular evidence of phaeomelanin, the pigment that produces ginger coloration. Phaeomelanin is now toxic to animals – this discovery may be first step in understand its evolution. Fri, 06 Oct 2023 10:45:27 EDT //www.koonmotors.com/releases/2023/10/231006104527.htm //www.koonmotors.com/releases/2023/10/231006104515.htm Researchers have discovered the master regulator responsible for balancing the expression of X chromosome genes between males and females in the malaria mosquito. This discovery helps scientists better understand the evolution of the epigenetic mechanisms responsible for equalizing gene expression between the sexes. The findings may contribute to the development of new ways to prevent the spread of malaria. Fri, 06 Oct 2023 10:45:15 EDT //www.koonmotors.com/releases/2023/10/231006104515.htm //www.koonmotors.com/releases/2023/10/231005204059.htm Grass may transfer genes from their neighbors in the same way genetically modified crops are made, a new study has revealed. Thu, 05 Oct 2023 20:40:59 EDT //www.koonmotors.com/releases/2023/10/231005204059.htm //www.koonmotors.com/releases/2023/10/231005161759.htm Researchers have identified a 'guard mechanism' for a protein which attacks microbes in infected cells, opening the possibility of new treatments for Toxoplasma, Chlamydia, Tuberculosis and even cancer. Thu, 05 Oct 2023 16:17:59 EDT //www.koonmotors.com/releases/2023/10/231005161759.htm //www.koonmotors.com/releases/2023/10/231005161747.htm Scientists testing a new method of sequencing single cells have unexpectedly changed our understanding of the rules of genetics. The genome of a protist has revealed a seemingly unique divergence in the DNA code signalling the end of a gene, suggesting the need for further research to better understand this group of diverse organisms. Thu, 05 Oct 2023 16:17:47 EDT //www.koonmotors.com/releases/2023/10/231005161747.htm //www.koonmotors.com/releases/2023/10/231005161736.htm New research shows that plants such as oak and poplar trees will emit more of a compound called isoprene as global temperatures climb. Isoprene from plants represents the highest flux of hydrocarbons to the atmosphere after methane. Although isoprene isn’t inherently bad — it actually helps plants better tolerate insect pests and high temperatures — it can worsen air pollution by reacting with nitrogen oxides from automobiles and coal-fired power plants. The new publication can help us better understand, predict and potentially mitigate the effects of increased isoprene emission as the planet warms. Thu, 05 Oct 2023 16:17:36 EDT //www.koonmotors.com/releases/2023/10/231005161736.htm //www.koonmotors.com/releases/2023/10/231005110759.htm Researchers have developed a new method to analyze facial expressions, as part of efforts to better understand animal communication. Thu, 05 Oct 2023 11:07:59 EDT //www.koonmotors.com/releases/2023/10/231005110759.htm //www.koonmotors.com/releases/2023/10/231005110749.htm Acoels have been found to host a wide diversity of symbiotic, photosynthetic microalgae. Thu, 05 Oct 2023 11:07:49 EDT //www.koonmotors.com/releases/2023/10/231005110749.htm //www.koonmotors.com/releases/2023/10/231005110738.htm Researchers have developed a new open-source computational method, dubbed Spectra, which improves the analysis of single-cell transcriptomic data. By guiding data analysis in a unique way, Spectra can offer new insights into the complex interplay between cells — like the interactions between cancer cells and immune cells, which are critical to improving immunotherapy treatments. Thu, 05 Oct 2023 11:07:38 EDT //www.koonmotors.com/releases/2023/10/231005110738.htm //www.koonmotors.com/releases/2023/10/231005110725.htm Mammals living in South Africa's Greater Kruger National Park, home to one of the world's largest remaining lion populations, are far more afraid of hearing human voices than lion vocalizations or hunting sounds such as dogs barking or gunshots. Thu, 05 Oct 2023 11:07:25 EDT //www.koonmotors.com/releases/2023/10/231005110725.htm //www.koonmotors.com/releases/2023/10/231005110720.htm For decades, scientists have assumed that mammals and their relatives that survived challenging times (like those during mass extinctions) made it because they were generalists that were able to eat just about anything and adapt to whatever life threw at them. A new study into the mammal family tree through multiple mass extinctions revealed that the species that survived aren't as generic as scientists had thought: instead, having new and different traits can be the key to succeeding in the aftermath of a catastrophe. Thu, 05 Oct 2023 11:07:20 EDT //www.koonmotors.com/releases/2023/10/231005110720.htm //www.koonmotors.com/releases/2023/10/231004201940.htm Despite decades of decline, a genetic analysis of ruffed grouse reveals that Pennsylvania's state bird harbors more genetic diversity and connectivity than expected. The findings suggest that the iconic game bird could be maintained in persistent numbers if appropriate protections are implemented. Wed, 04 Oct 2023 20:19:40 EDT //www.koonmotors.com/releases/2023/10/231004201940.htm //www.koonmotors.com/releases/2023/10/231004201934.htm Fossil researchers have discovered a novel genus and species of tiny wasp with a mysterious, bulbous structure at the end of each antenna. Wed, 04 Oct 2023 20:19:34 EDT //www.koonmotors.com/releases/2023/10/231004201934.htm //www.koonmotors.com/releases/2023/10/231004150529.htm A person's genetic makeup plays a role in determining whether they can stick to a strict vegetarian diet, a new study has found. The findings open the door to further studies that could have important implications regarding dietary recommendations and the production of meat substitutes. Wed, 04 Oct 2023 15:05:29 EDT //www.koonmotors.com/releases/2023/10/231004150529.htm //www.koonmotors.com/releases/2023/10/231004150500.htm To date it has been unclear exactly how the sex of a bee is determined. A research team comprising biologists and chemists has now identified a key gene and the molecular mechanism linked with it. They describe how this process is similar to a game involving two dice. Wed, 04 Oct 2023 15:05:00 EDT //www.koonmotors.com/releases/2023/10/231004150500.htm //www.koonmotors.com/releases/2023/10/231004150336.htm A new study shows that a single dose of the vaccine, administered in mouse models, put immune cells into 'Incredible Hulk' mode, providing rapid protection against nine different bacteria and fungi species that lurk in healthcare settings. Wed, 04 Oct 2023 15:03:36 EDT //www.koonmotors.com/releases/2023/10/231004150336.htm //www.koonmotors.com/releases/2023/10/231004132440.htm An international team of researchers has developed a new theoretical framework that bridges physics and biology to provide a unified approach for understanding how complexity and evolution emerge in nature. This new work on 'Assembly Theory' represents a major advance in our fundamental comprehension of biological evolution and how it is governed by the physical laws of the universe. Wed, 04 Oct 2023 13:24:40 EDT //www.koonmotors.com/releases/2023/10/231004132440.htm //www.koonmotors.com/releases/2023/10/231004132432.htm Rivers across England have seen a significant improvement in river invertebrate biodiversity since 1989, shows a new study. Wed, 04 Oct 2023 13:24:32 EDT //www.koonmotors.com/releases/2023/10/231004132432.htm //www.koonmotors.com/releases/2023/10/231004132422.htm A recent study has found that bird communities inside and outside protected areas are beginning to resemble each other as a result of climate change. In both areas, southern species increase in abundance, while northern species decrease. Wed, 04 Oct 2023 13:24:22 EDT //www.koonmotors.com/releases/2023/10/231004132422.htm //www.koonmotors.com/releases/2023/10/231004132419.htm Big data and artificial intelligence (AI) are being used to model hidden patterns in nature, not just for one bird species, but for entire ecological communities across continents. And the models follow each species’ full annual life cycle, from breeding to fall migration to non-breeding grounds, and back north again during spring migration. Wed, 04 Oct 2023 13:24:19 EDT //www.koonmotors.com/releases/2023/10/231004132419.htm //www.koonmotors.com/releases/2023/10/231004132400.htm Robots helped achieve a major breakthrough in our understanding of how insect flight evolved. The study is a result of a six-year long collaboration between roboticists and biophysicists. Wed, 04 Oct 2023 13:24:00 EDT //www.koonmotors.com/releases/2023/10/231004132400.htm //www.koonmotors.com/releases/2023/10/231004105228.htm Scientists have created a new zebrafish xenograft platform to screen for novel treatments for an aggressive brain tumor called glioblastoma, according to a new study. Wed, 04 Oct 2023 10:52:28 EDT //www.koonmotors.com/releases/2023/10/231004105228.htm //www.koonmotors.com/releases/2023/10/231004105205.htm Australia's emerging pattern of severe mega bushfires and heavy rainfall may be driving platypuses from their homes, a new study has shown. Analysis of platypus DNA in rivers and creek water samples collected before and after the Black Summer 2019-2020 megafires suggest Australia's beloved semi-aquatic monotremes might be abandoning severely bushfire-affected areas for up to 18 months after a fire, especially if heavy rainfall has followed the fire. Wed, 04 Oct 2023 10:52:05 EDT //www.koonmotors.com/releases/2023/10/231004105205.htm //www.koonmotors.com/releases/2023/10/231004105159.htm An international research group examined which plants honeybees favor when collecting nectar and pollen. The choices honeybees make have an impact on their health and also on humans, as honeybees pollinate important crop plants. Wed, 04 Oct 2023 10:51:59 EDT //www.koonmotors.com/releases/2023/10/231004105159.htm //www.koonmotors.com/releases/2023/10/231004105157.htm 最近的一项调查int提供新的见解o how cats produce their purring sounds. A special 'pad' embedded in the vocal folds might explain how cats can produce these low-frequency sounds. Wed, 04 Oct 2023 10:51:57 EDT //www.koonmotors.com/releases/2023/10/231004105157.htm //www.koonmotors.com/releases/2023/10/231004105151.htm Researchers have produced an engineered tissue representing a simplified cerebral cortex by 3D printing human stem cells. When implanted into mouse brain slices, the structures became integrated with the host tissue. The technique may ultimately be developed into tailored repairs to treat brain injuries. Wed, 04 Oct 2023 10:51:51 EDT //www.koonmotors.com/releases/2023/10/231004105151.htm //www.koonmotors.com/releases/2023/10/231004105148.htm A new study into sepsis in neonatal babies has uncovered the secrets of the bacteria’s success in causing this life-threatening condition. Using genomic sequencing, they have found how certain strains of bacteria that usually live harmlessly on the skin can evade control measures by colonizing babies’ guts. This will provide new ways to control this threat to babies’ health. Wed, 04 Oct 2023 10:51:48 EDT //www.koonmotors.com/releases/2023/10/231004105148.htm //www.koonmotors.com/releases/2023/10/231004105145.htm Insect cyborgs may sound like something straight out of the movies, but hybrid insect computer robots, as they are scientifically called, could pioneer a new future for robotics. It involves using electrical stimuli to control an insect’s movement. Now, an international research group has conducted a study on the relationship between electrical stimulation in stick insects' leg muscles and the resulting torque (the twisting force that causes the leg to move). Wed, 04 Oct 2023 10:51:45 EDT //www.koonmotors.com/releases/2023/10/231004105145.htm //www.koonmotors.com/releases/2023/10/231003173442.htm The increasingly urgent climate crisis has led to a boom in commercial tree plantations in an attempt to offset excess carbon emissions. However, authors argue that these carbon-offset plantations might come with costs for biodiversity and other ecosystem functions. Instead, the authors say we should prioritize conserving and restoring intact ecosystems. Tue, 03 Oct 2023 17:34:42 EDT //www.koonmotors.com/releases/2023/10/231003173442.htm //www.koonmotors.com/releases/2023/10/231002184444.htm Gut microbes found in wild wolves may be the key to alleviating a debilitating gastrointestinal condition common to domestic dogs. Mon, 02 Oct 2023 18:44:44 EDT //www.koonmotors.com/releases/2023/10/231002184444.htm //www.koonmotors.com/releases/2023/10/231002184441.htm Researchers have found that a genetic change that increases the risk of inflammation, through a process described as ‘explosive’ cell death, is carried by up to 3% of the global population. Mon, 02 Oct 2023 18:44:41 EDT //www.koonmotors.com/releases/2023/10/231002184441.htm //www.koonmotors.com/releases/2023/10/231002170850.htm Viruses in soil may not be as destructive to bacteria as once thought and could instead act like lawnmowers, culling older cells and giving space for new growth, according to research. Mon, 02 Oct 2023 17:08:50 EDT //www.koonmotors.com/releases/2023/10/231002170850.htm //www.koonmotors.com/releases/2023/10/231002170831.htm An evolutionary gateway which helps pneumonia cells become resistant to antibiotics has been discovered. Mon, 02 Oct 2023 17:08:31 EDT //www.koonmotors.com/releases/2023/10/231002170831.htm //www.koonmotors.com/releases/2023/10/231002170828.htm Scientists reveal new plant cell walls can have significantly different mechanical properties compared to surrounding parental cell walls, enabling cells to change their local shape and influence the growth of plant organs. Mon, 02 Oct 2023 17:08:28 EDT //www.koonmotors.com/releases/2023/10/231002170828.htm //www.koonmotors.com/releases/2023/10/231002170816.htm Commercial whaling in the 20th century decimated populations of large whales but also appears to have had a lasting impact on the genetic diversity of today’s surviving whales, new research shows. Mon, 02 Oct 2023 17:08:16 EDT //www.koonmotors.com/releases/2023/10/231002170816.htm //www.koonmotors.com/releases/2023/10/231002124402.htm Researchers have identified a new enzyme called PUCH, which plays a key role in preventing the spread of parasitic DNA in our genomes. These findings may reveal new insights into how our bodies detect and fight bacteria and viruses to prevent infections. Mon, 02 Oct 2023 12:44:02 EDT //www.koonmotors.com/releases/2023/10/231002124402.htm //www.koonmotors.com/releases/2023/10/231002124313.htm In the natural world, predators play a significant role in shaping how animals defend themselves. A previously documented tactic called 'death feigning' involves prey insects faking death when targeted by predators. However, the impact of chemical substances called pheromones on death-feigning remains largely unexplored. A team of researchers recently found out how the aggregation pheromone 4,8-dimethyldecanal affects the death-feigning behavior of the red flour beetle, Tribolium castaneum. Mon, 02 Oct 2023 12:43:13 EDT //www.koonmotors.com/releases/2023/10/231002124313.htm //www.koonmotors.com/releases/2023/10/231002124310.htm Water is a major driving force in the formation of separate reaction compartments within cells. Mon, 02 Oct 2023 12:43:10 EDT //www.koonmotors.com/releases/2023/10/231002124310.htm //www.koonmotors.com/releases/2023/10/231002124305.htm Genetic quality or genetic compatibility? What do female fruit flies prioritize when mating? Researchers show that both factors are important at different stages of the reproductive process and that females use targeted strategies to optimize the fitness of their offspring. Mon, 02 Oct 2023 12:43:05 EDT //www.koonmotors.com/releases/2023/10/231002124305.htm //www.koonmotors.com/releases/2023/10/231002124254.htm Researchers identified and characterized a new cellular compartment in vertebrate cells that might be a precursor of today's eucaryotic nucleus. The study reveals that mammalian cells recognize, cluster, sort and keep extrachromosomal DNA -- like transfected plasmid DNA and endogenous circular DNAs originating from telomeres of the chromosome -- away from chromosomal DNA. That suggests that there is a cell autonomous genome defense system. Mon, 02 Oct 2023 12:42:54 EDT //www.koonmotors.com/releases/2023/10/231002124254.htm //www.koonmotors.com/releases/2023/10/231002124212.htm To distinguish motion patterns, a neuronal computation is performed three times in a row. Mon, 02 Oct 2023 12:42:12 EDT //www.koonmotors.com/releases/2023/10/231002124212.htm