ScienceDaily: Life Science News

'Whodunnit' of Irish potato famine solved

Tue, 21 May 2013 01:12:12 EDT

An international team of scientists reveals that a unique strain of potato blight they call HERB-1 triggered the Irish potato famine of the mid-19th century.

Resistance to last-line antibiotic makes bacteria resistant to immune system

Tue, 21 May 2013 01:12:12 EDT

Bacteria resistant to the antibiotic colistin are also commonly resistant to antimicrobial substances made by the human body, according to a new study. Cross-resistance to colistin and host antimicrobials LL-37 and lysozyme, which help defend the body against bacterial attack, could mean that patients with life-threatening multi-drug resistant infections are also saddled with a crippled immune response.

Do salamanders' immune systems hold the key to regeneration?

Mon, 20 May 2013 16:37:37 EDT

Salamanders' immune systems are key to their remarkable ability to regrow limbs, and could also underpin their ability to regenerate spinal cords, brain tissue and even parts of their hearts, scientists have found. In new research, scientists have found that when immune cells known as macrophages were systemically removed, salamanders lost their ability to regenerate a limb and instead formed scar tissue.

Compound in Mediterranean diet makes cancer cells 'mortal'

Mon, 20 May 2013 15:43:43 EDT

New research suggests that a compound abundant in the Mediterranean diet takes away cancer cells' "superpower" to escape death.

Archaeological genetics: It's not all as old as it at first seems

Mon, 20 May 2013 09:51:51 EDT

Genomic analyses suggest that patterns of genetic diversity which indicate population movement may not be as ancient as previously believed, but may be attributable to recent events.

Making ice-cream more nutritious with meat left-overs

Mon, 20 May 2013 09:48:48 EDT

Most of the animal proteins found in the meat industry waste have, until now, been underutilized. The challenge is to transform such waste into food of higher functionality and added value.

Frogs, salamanders and climate change

Sat, 18 May 2013 15:37:37 EDT

Increasingly erratic rainfall patterns can lead to declines in southeastern frog and salamander populations, but protecting ponds can improve their plight.

Invasive species: 'Away-field advantage' weaker than ecologists thought

Fri, 17 May 2013 15:23:23 EDT

For decades, ecologists have assumed the worst invasive species—such as brown tree snakes and kudzu—have an “away-field advantage.” They succeed because they do better in their new territories than they do at home. A new study reveals that this fundamental assumption is not nearly as common as people might think.

Genome sequence of Tibetan antelope sheds new light on high-altitude adaptation

Fri, 17 May 2013 10:27:27 EDT

How can the Tibetan antelope live at elevations of 4,000-5,000m on the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau? Investigators now provide evidence of genetic factors that may be associated with the species' adaption to harsh highland environments.

Climate change may have little impact on tropical lizards: Study contradicts predictions of widespread extinction

Fri, 17 May 2013 08:58:58 EDT

Climate change may have little impact on many species of tropical lizards, contradicting a host of recent studies that predict their widespread extinction in a rapidly warming planet.

Agriculture in China predates domesticated rice: Discovery of ancient diet shatters conventional ideas of how agriculture emerged

Fri, 17 May 2013 08:57:57 EDT

Archaeologists have made a discovery in southern subtropical China which could revolutionize thinking about how ancient humans lived in the region. They have uncovered evidence for the first time that people living in Xincun 5,000 years ago may have practiced agriculture -- before the arrival of domesticated rice in the region.

Physicist's tool has potential for brain mapping

Thu, 16 May 2013 16:17:17 EDT

Physicists are developing a new tool that uses low-energy near-infrared light and fiber optics for optogenetic stimulation of cells. He believes it will be a useful tool for mapping physical and functional connections in the brain.

Fishing for memories: How long-term memories are processed to guide behavior

Thu, 16 May 2013 12:39:39 EDT

In our interaction with our environment we constantly refer to past experiences stored as memories to guide behavioral decisions. But how memories are formed, stored and then retrieved to assist decision-making remains a mystery. By observing whole-brain activity in live zebrafish, researchers have visualized for the first time how information stored as long-term memory in the cerebral cortex is processed to guide behavioral choices.

Coral reef fishes prove invaluable in the study of evolutionary ecology

Thu, 16 May 2013 12:36:36 EDT

Coral reef fish species have proven invaluable for experimental testing of key concepts in social evolution and already have yielded insights about the ultimate reasons for female reproductive suppression, group living, and bidirectional sex change.

Spiders: Capturing prey in silken netting and sticky hairs

Thu, 16 May 2013 10:52:52 EDT

The great ecological success of spiders is often substantiated by the evolution of silk and webs. Biologists have now found an alternative adaptation to hunting prey: hairy adhesive pads, so called scopulae.

World's most extraordinary species mapped for the first time

Wed, 15 May 2013 17:44:44 EDT

The black-and-white ruffed lemur, Mexican salamander and Sunda pangolin all feature on the first map of the world's most unique and threatened mammals and amphibians.

H1N1 discovered in marine mammals

Wed, 15 May 2013 17:44:44 EDT

Scientists detected the H1N1 (2009) virus in free-ranging northern elephant seals off the central California coast a year after the human pandemic began.

Developmental genetics of space and time

Wed, 15 May 2013 16:39:39 EDT

Scientists have conducted a study that reveals important and useful insights into how and why developmental genes often take inputs from two independent “morphogen concentration gradients.”

'Fish thermometer' reveals long-standing, global impact of climate change

Wed, 15 May 2013 13:15:15 EDT

Climate change has been impacting global fisheries for the past four decades by driving species towards cooler, deeper waters, according to scientists.

Helping forests gain ground on climate change

Wed, 15 May 2013 12:50:50 EDT

Researchers in Canada have developed guidelines being used by foresters and the timber industry to get a jump on climate change when planting trees.

Tiny water creepy crawlies from South Korea and the Russian Far East

Wed, 15 May 2013 11:38:38 EDT

Tiny and hard to notice for the human eye water mites are present almost every stream and in in every continent apart from Antarctica. A new study explores the water mites of the family Torrenticolidae from a variety of habitats in South Korea and the Russian species, providing the description of two new species.

Untangling the tree of life

Wed, 15 May 2013 09:48:48 EDT

Phylogeneticists examined the reasons why large-scale tree-of-life studies are producing contradictory results and have proposed a suite of novel techniques to resolve the conflicts.

Cells must use their brakes moderately for effective speed control

Wed, 15 May 2013 08:53:53 EDT

How cells regulate their own function by “accelerating and braking” is important basic knowledge when new intelligent medicines are being developed, or when plant cells are tweaked to produce more bioenergy. Scientists now show a model of how cells’ regulatory systems work.

Study IDs key protein for cell death

Tue, 14 May 2013 19:06:06 EDT

Findings may offer a new way to kill cancer cells by forcing them into an alternative programmed-death pathway.

Same musicians play a brand new tune: Unusual interplay of signaling pathways shapes critical eye structure

Tue, 14 May 2013 13:54:54 EDT

A small ensemble of musicians can produce an infinite number of melodies, harmonies and rhythms. So too, do a handful of workhorse signaling pathways that interact to construct multiple structures that comprise the vertebrate body. In fact, crosstalk between two of those pathways -- those governed by proteins known as Notch and BMP (for Bone Morphogenetic Protein) receptors -- occurs over and over in processes as diverse as forming a tooth, sculpting a heart valve and building a brain.

Human disease leptospirosis identified in new species, the banded mongoose, in Africa

Tue, 14 May 2013 12:27:27 EDT

Leptospirosis is the world's most common illness transmitted to humans by animals. It's a two-phase disease that begins with flu-like symptoms. If untreated, it can cause meningitis, liver damage, pulmonary hemorrhage, renal failure and death.

Mining the botulinum genome

Tue, 14 May 2013 12:27:27 EDT

Scientists have been mining the genome of C. botulinum to uncover new information about the toxin genes that produce the potent toxin behind botulism.

Cutting-edge bacteria research leads to more effective treatment of complex infections

Tue, 14 May 2013 11:32:32 EDT

Bacteria play a huge role when inflammations attack our body. Now researchers have succeeded in revealing one of the devastating effects of bacteria, and thus it will be possible for the pharmaceutical industry to treat even very complicated bacterial infections.

When green means danger: A stunning new species of palm-pitviper from Honduras

Tue, 14 May 2013 11:29:29 EDT

A remarkable new species of bright green palm-viper has been discovered in a threatened cloud forest in Honduras, and is named to honor grassroots conservationist Mario Guifarro, who was assassinated in 2007. Despite being superficially similar to other Honduran palm pitvipers, the closest relative to the new species lives over 600 km to the south in Costa Rica.

Cooling ocean temperature could buy more time for coral reefs

Tue, 14 May 2013 11:28:28 EDT

Limiting the amount of warming experienced by the world's oceans in the future could buy some time for tropical coral reefs, say researchers.

Fish oil may stall effects of junk food on brain

Tue, 14 May 2013 10:14:14 EDT

Data from more than 180 research papers suggests fish oils could minimize the effects that junk food can have on the brain, a review has shown.

Do potatoes grow on vines? A review of the wild relatives of some favorite food plants

Tue, 14 May 2013 10:14:14 EDT

Solanum is is well-known for its agriculturally important species such as potatoes, tomatoes and eggplants, but also has many species that are less well known. The vining solanums related to the woody nightshade are often used as ornamentals. A new study completely revises the understanding of these vining species, known as the Dulcamaroid clade, providing extensive community-shared knowledge of the genus.

Seabird bones reveal changes in open-ocean food chain

Mon, 13 May 2013 17:43:43 EDT

Remains of endangered Hawaiian petrels -- both ancient and modern -- show how drastically today's open seas fish menu has changed. Scientists analyzed the bones of Hawaiian petrels -- birds that spend the majority of their lives foraging the open waters of the Pacific. They found that the substantial change in petrels' eating habits, eating prey that are lower rather than higher in the food chain, coincides with the growth of industrialized fishing.

Productivity increases with species diversity, just as Darwin predicted

Mon, 13 May 2013 15:28:28 EDT

Environments containing species that are distantly related to one another are more productive than those containing closely related species, according to new research.

New non-GM technology platform for genetic improvement of sunflower oilseed crop

Mon, 13 May 2013 12:32:32 EDT

Scientists have developed techniques for the genetic improvement of sunflowers using a non-GMO based approach. The new technology platform can harness the plant’s own genes to improve characteristics of sunflower, develop genetic traits, which will improve its role as an important oilseed crop.

Bird flu in live poultry markets are the source of viruses causing human infections

Mon, 13 May 2013 11:09:09 EDT

On 31 March 2013, the Chinese National Health and Family Planning Commission announced human cases of novel H7N9 influenza virus infections. Scientists have now investigated the origins of this novel H7N9 influenza virus.

Land management options outlined to address cheatgrass invasion

Mon, 13 May 2013 08:33:33 EDT

A new study suggests that overgrazing and other factors increase the severity of cheatgrass invasion in sagebrush steppe, one of North America's most endangered ecosystems. Researchers said one of the most effective restoration approaches would be to minimize the cumulative impact of grazing, by better managing the timing, frequency of grazing and number of animals.

Family trees for yeast cells

Mon, 13 May 2013 08:30:30 EDT

Researchers have developed a revolutionary method to analyze the genomes of yeast families.

Invasion of the slugs; Halted by worms

Sun, 12 May 2013 20:16:16 EDT

The gardener’s best friend, the earthworm, is great at protecting leaves from being chomped by slugs, suggests new research. Although they lurk in the soil, they seem to protect the plants above ground. Increasing plant diversity also decreases the amount of damage slugs do to individual plants.

Climate change will cause widespread global-scale loss of common plants and animals, researchers predict

Sun, 12 May 2013 14:09:09 EDT

Climate change will cause widespread global-scale loss of common plants and animals. More than half of common plants and one third of the animals could see a dramatic decline this century due to climate change, according to new research. The study looked at 50,000 globally widespread and common species and found that more than one half of the plants and one third of the animals will lose more than half of their climatic range by 2080 if nothing is done to reduce the amount of global warming and slow it down.

Carnivorous plant throws out 'junk' DNA

Sun, 12 May 2013 14:05:05 EDT

The newly sequenced genome of the carnivorous bladderwort contradicts the notion that vast quantities of noncoding 'junk' DNA are crucial for complex life.

Sacred lotus genome sequence enlightens scientists

Fri, 10 May 2013 18:02:02 EDT

The sacred lotus is a symbol of spiritual purity and longevity. Its seeds can survive up to 1,300 years, its petals and leaves repel grime and water, and its flowers generate heat to attract pollinators. Now researchers report that they have sequenced the lotus genome. Of all the plants sequenced so far -- and there are dozens -- sacred lotus bears the closest resemblance to the ancestor of all eudicots, a broad category of flowering plants that includes apple, cabbage, cactus, coffee and tobacco.

Potential flu pandemic lurks: Influenza viruses circulating in pigs, birds could pose risk to humans

Fri, 10 May 2013 18:02:02 EDT

In the summer of 1968, a new strain of influenza appeared in Hong Kong. This strain, known as H3N2, spread around the globe and eventually killed an estimated 1 million people. A new study reveals that there are many strains of H3N2 circulating in birds and pigs that are genetically similar to the 1968 strain and have the potential to generate a pandemic if they leap to humans. The researchers also found that current flu vaccines might not offer protection against these strains.

Revealing hidden fungal species using DNA: The importance of recognizing cryptic diversity

Fri, 10 May 2013 12:45:45 EDT

In contrast to traditional approaches using morphological characters to delimit species, five new lichen-forming fungal species were described from what was traditionally considered a single species using genetic data exclusively. The new species can be identified using DNA barcoding. This pioneering study marks an alternative approach for discovering species and will promote effective research through correct specimen identification in closely related species groups.

Kestrels, other urban birds are stressed by human activity

Fri, 10 May 2013 10:20:20 EDT

American kestrels, small colorful falcons often seen perched along roadways, are abundant in urban and agricultural areas. Shorter grass makes insects, snakes, mice and other prey more visible, and signposts, fences and telephone poles provide excellent perches. However a new study shows that even species considered “tolerant” of human activity may be adversely impacted by human disturbance; Kestrels nesting in close proximity to roads and developed areas had elevated stress hormones and high rates of nest abandonment. The apparently favorable location, then, becomes an ecological trap.

Gene associated with eczema in dogs identified

Thu, 09 May 2013 18:46:46 EDT

A novel gene associated with canine atopic dermatitis has been identified. The gene encodes a protein called plakophilin 2, which is crucial for the formation and proper functioning of the skin structure, suggesting an aberrant skin barrier as a potential risk factor for atopic dermatitis.

Using bacteria to stop malaria

Thu, 09 May 2013 14:21:21 EDT

Mosquitoes are deadly efficient disease transmitters. New research however, demonstrates that they also can be part of the solution for preventing diseases such as malaria.

Loss of eastern hemlock will affect forest water use

Thu, 09 May 2013 12:36:36 EDT

The loss of eastern hemlock from forests in the Southern Appalachian region of the United States could permanently change the area's hydrologic cycle, reports a new study.

Research reveals cancer-suppressing protein 'multitasks'

Thu, 09 May 2013 12:35:35 EDT

The understanding of how a powerful protein called p53 protects against cancer development has been upended by a new discovery.

Studies generate comprehensive list of genes required by innate system to defend sex cells

Thu, 09 May 2013 12:35:35 EDT

Investigators have published studies revealing many previously unknown components of an innate system that defends sex cells -- the carriers of inheritance across generations -- from the ravages of transposable genetic elements.

Genes define the interaction of social amoeba and bacteria

Thu, 09 May 2013 12:34:34 EDT

Researchers have used the model of the social amoeba -- Dictyostelium discoideum -- to identify the genetic controls on how the amoeba differentiate the different bacteria and respond to achieve their goal of destruction.

Coral reefs suffering, but collapse not inevitable

Thu, 09 May 2013 12:34:34 EDT

Coral reefs are in decline, but their collapse can still be avoided with local and global action. That's according to findings based on an analysis that combines the latest science on reef dynamics with the latest climate models.

'Power plants': How to harvest electricity directly from plants

Thu, 09 May 2013 10:43:43 EDT

The sun provides the most abundant source of energy on the planet. However, only a tiny fraction of the solar radiation on Earth is converted into useful energy.

Could eating peppers prevent Parkinson's? Dietary nicotine may hold protective key

Thu, 09 May 2013 09:12:12 EDT

New research reveals that Solanaceae -- a flowering plant family with some species producing foods that are edible sources of nicotine -- may provide a protective effect against Parkinson's disease. The study suggests that eating foods that contain even a small amount of nicotine, such as peppers and tomatoes, may reduce risk of developing Parkinson's.

Early infant growth rate linked to composition of gut microbiota

Thu, 09 May 2013 09:12:12 EDT

The composition of gut microbiota in a new-born baby's gut has been linked to the rate of early infant growth. The findings support the assertion that the early development of "microbiota" -- the body's microbial ecosystem -- in an infant can influence growth and thereby the likelihood of obesity.

Engineered spider toxin could be the future of anti-venom vaccines

Wed, 08 May 2013 21:32:32 EDT

New engineered spider protein could be the start of a new generation of anti-venom vaccines, potentially saving thousands of lives worldwide. The new protein is created from parts of a toxin from the reaper spider

Scientists find key to gene-silencing activity

Wed, 08 May 2013 21:32:32 EDT

Scientists have found how to boost or inhibit a gene-silencing mechanism that normally serves as a major controller of cells’ activities. The discovery could lead to a powerful new class of drugs against viral infections, cancers and other diseases.

Save the parrots: Macaw genome sequenced

Wed, 08 May 2013 21:30:30 EDT

In a groundbreaking move that provides new insight into avian evolution, biology and conservation, researchers have successfully sequenced the complete genome of a Scarlet macaw for the first time.

Biologist maps the family tree of all known snake and lizard groups

Wed, 08 May 2013 17:22:22 EDT

Biologists have created the first large-scale evolutionary family tree for every snake and lizard around the globe.

Human impacts on natural world underestimated

Wed, 08 May 2013 17:21:21 EDT

A comprehensive five-year study by ecologists -- which included monitoring the activity of wolves, elks, cattle and humans -- indicates that two accepted principles of how ecosystems naturally operate could be overshadowed by the importance of human activity.