Biology News

Forest diversity from Canada to the sub-tropics influenced by family proximity Thursday, May 17, 2012 - 14:25

How species diversity is maintained is a fundamental question in biology. In a new study, a team of Indiana University biologists has shown for the first time that diversity is influenced on a spatial scale of unparalleled scope, in part, by how well tree seedlings survive under their own parents.

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Bird Vocalization Research Could Improve Poultry Production, Lower Costs Thursday, May 17, 2012 - 14:17

Chickens can’t speak, but they can definitely make themselves heard. Most people who have visited a poultry farm will recall chicken vocalization – the technical term for clucking and squawking – as a memorable part of the experience.

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OMG! Texting ups truthfulness, new iPhone study suggests Wednesday, May 16, 2012 - 10:52

Text messaging is a surprisingly good way to get candid responses to sensitive questions, according to a new study to be presented this week at the annual meeting of the American Association for Public Opinion Research.

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How the worm knows where its nose is Wednesday, May 16, 2012 - 10:23

For decades, scientists have studied Caenorhabditis elegans – tiny, transparent worms – to glean clues about how neurons develop and function. A new Harvard study suggests that the worms' nervous system is much more capable and complex than previously thought, and has a way to monitor its own motion, a model one day could serve to develop treatments for disorders like schizophrenia.

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Make or break for cellular tissues Wednesday, May 16, 2012 - 09:00

Models developed to study liquids are used to investigate the mechanics of cellular tissues, which could further our understanding of embryonic development and cancer.

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University of Maryland Finding May Hold Key to Gaia Theory of Earth as Living Organism Tuesday, May 15, 2012 - 21:24

Is Earth really a sort of giant living organism as the Gaia hypothesis predicts? A new discovery made at the University of Maryland may provide a key to answering this question. This key of sulfur could allow scientists to unlock heretofore hidden interactions between ocean organisms, atmosphere, and land -- interactions that might provide evidence supporting this famous theory.

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For Highly Educated Women, Families Are an Increasingly Popular Option Tuesday, May 15, 2012 - 21:13

An increasing number of highly educated women are opting for families, according to a national study co-authored by a University at Buffalo economist.

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Drugs from lizard saliva reduces the cravings for food Tuesday, May 15, 2012 - 14:10

A drug made from the saliva of the Gila monster lizard is effective in reducing the craving for food. Researchers at the Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, have tested the drug on rats, who after treatment ceased their cravings for both food and chocolate.

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