Tag: Science Daily

Researchers have assembled the first reference genome for the Nile rat -- a kind of genetic template of this species that may be used for laboratory and clinical studies. The hope is that it will be useful for those who investigate Type 2 diabetes and neurological disorders associated with a...

New research shows that the flavoring of various soft cheeses is due in part to the bacteria that colonize them during the ripening process.

Leprosy is one of the world's oldest and most persistent diseases but the bacteria that cause it may also have the surprising ability to grow and regenerate a vital organ. Scientists have discovered that parasites associated with leprosy can reprogram cells to increase the size of a liver in adult...

The defense mechanisms plants use to recognize and respond to a common pest -- the caterpillar -- has arisen from a single gene that evolved over millions of years, according to a new report.

Part of understanding the underlying causes of autism spectrum disorder relies on figuring out which cells' signaling patterns in the brain are disrupted, and when during nervous system development the disruption occurs. New research findings in mouse models of one genetic risk for autism support the idea that loss of...

An immune response that likely evolved to help fight infections appears to be the mechanism that drives human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) into a latent state, lurking in cells only to erupt anew, researchers report.

Scientists have developed a new science-based indicator to assess the state of health of the oceans -- and the possible risk of extinction of their species. Recent biodiversity studies show an unprecedented loss of species, ecosystems and genetic diversity on land, but the extent to which these patterns are widespread...

Researchers are using dust trapped in glacier ice in Tibet to document past changes in Earth's intricate climate system -- and maybe one day help predict future changes.

Scientists have identified off the coast of Ecuador a distinct population of oceanic manta rays that is more than 10 times larger than any other known subpopulation of the species.

Bringing together concepts from electrical engineering and bioengineering tools, scientists collaborated to produce cells engineered to compute sophisticated functions -- 'biocomputers' of sorts. Researchers worked to create genetic 'devices' designed to perform computations like artificial neural circuits.